Mitre Aloe

Aloe mitriformis (also known as Aloe perfoliata) is a robust and attractive clumping succulent. It produces short, prostrate stems topped with rosettes of thick, broadly-triangular, blue-green leaves that curve inwards, resembling a mitre. The leaf margins are armed with short, harmless, pale yellow teeth. When grown in high light levels, the foliage can take on beautiful reddish or bronzed tints. In summer, it produces spectacular, dense, cone-shaped clusters of tubular, bright red flowers on branched stalks. While it is a tough plant, it is only hardy to about -2°C (H3), so in the UK it is generally best grown in a container that can be moved to a frost-free spot in winter. It is very drought-tolerant and thrives in a position with maximum sun exposure. It is an excellent choice for adding a touch of the exotic to a sunny patio or a well-ventilated greenhouse. It offsets freely, eventually forming an impressive group of rosettes.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Free-draining, gritty cactus compost.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.