Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Aloe arborescens
Krantz Aloe
The Aloe arborescens, commonly known as the Krantz Aloe, is a multi-headed shrubby aloe from the rocky slopes and coastal cliffs of southern Africa. It builds into a broad mound of branching stems, each carrying a rosette of curved, toothed, grey-green leaves, and throws vivid orange-red conical flower spikes through the cool season.
It is the most reliable winter-flowering succulent at shrub scale and it fills ground quickly, which makes it a workhorse in mass planting rather than a single specimen. It is used on banks, medians and rocky slopes and as a low informal barrier.
Specifications
- Height2 to 3 metres
- Width2 to 3 metres, forming a broad multi-stemmed clump
- Native toSouthern Africa, from South Africa and Eswatini north to Malawi and Mozambique
- FoliageCurved, fleshy, grey-green leaves with pale marginal teeth, held in rosettes at the tip of each branching stem; evergreen
- Growth rateFast
Conditions
- SoilRequires well-drained sandy, gravelly or rocky soils; rots in heavy or poorly drained ground
- LightFull sun to partial shade
- WaterLow; strongly drought-tolerant once established and easily overwatered
- ClimateThrives in arid, semi-arid, subtropical and coastal regions; tolerates light frost
Additional Features
- FlowersVivid orange-red conical racemes held well clear of the foliage through the cool season, when little else is in flower
- UsesBank and slope mass planting, median and roundabout beds, rocky and gravel gardens, low informal barrier planting
- SpacingPlant 1.5 to 2 metres apart for a continuous mound within two seasons
- Low MaintenanceRemove spent flower spikes and old lower leaves; no feeding required
- Pest ResistanceRobust where drainage is sharp, with few significant pest or disease problems
- Drought ToleranceHigh, holding full form through long dry periods on minimal irrigation
- Salt ToleranceTolerates coastal salt wind, reflecting its natural occurrence on sea cliffs
- Wildlife AttractionThe winter flower spikes are a major nectar source for sunbirds and bees
- Erosion ControlThe dense branching clump and shallow root mat hold loose material on banks and slopes
The Krantz Aloe gives strong winter colour and fast ground coverage from a plant that asks for almost no water.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026