A compact hybrid aloe with deep green rosettes marked by raised red bumps and toothed red margins that intensify in sun, sending up coral-red flowers. A festive small collector's pot plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 20 cm H × 20 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Christmas Carol Aloe
Botanically, Aloe 'Christmas Carol' is a slow-growing succulent in the Asphodelaceae family. It reaches around 20 cm tall and 20 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Christmas Carol Aloe
Christmas Carol Aloe suits arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Christmas Carol Aloe does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Christmas Carol Aloe is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Christmas Carol Aloe after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Christmas Carol Aloe in the garden
Christmas Carol Aloe earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, a feature or specimen planting and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Christmas Carol Aloe with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Christmas Carol Aloe
Plant Sale lists Christmas Carol Aloe as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.