Fan Aloe
One of our absolute favorite aloe species, we lust hard for the Fan Aloe anytime we’re in the Bay Area where it thrives in their heavenly Mediterranean climate. Unfortunately for us to the north, the Fan Aloe is just not quite hardy enough to make it outdoors being wiped out at any temperature below 20º F, but it hasn’t stopped us from growing it as a container plant or an extremely exuberant house plant. In ground or in very large containers the plants will eventually form a short trunk that can grow to an impressive 8 feet tall! Masses of sunset colored aloe flower “torches” appear in late winter into spring and delight hummingbirds and humans alike!
Latin Name: Aloe plicatilis
Site and Soil: Full sun and very well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant once established and will need little to no supplemental watering during the summer season, though a bit of summer water speeds growth when getting it established.
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. 23º F, possibly lower with great drainage.
Color: Gorgeous blue foliage
Size at Maturity: 6-8 feet tall by about as wide
Bloom Time: late winter-spring
Pests & Diseases: Not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 9a