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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Christmas Carol Aloe handles dry conditions well once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
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
Combine Christmas Carol Aloe with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
