Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) Aloe ferox
Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) (Aloe ferox) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asphodelaceae family, native to Eastern and Western Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal (rocky hillsides). It grows 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern and Western Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal (rocky hillsides) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: latex
Bitter aloin latex is a strong purgative (ASPCA lists aloes).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bitter aloe (Cape aloe)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (10 plants)
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (4 plants)
- Gardens by the Bay (3 plants)
- Desert Botanical Garden (4 plants)
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (4 plants)
- Kirstenbosch (8 plants)
Questions about Bitter aloe (Cape aloe)
- How far apart should I plant Bitter aloe (Cape aloe)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bitter aloe (Cape aloe)?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) flower?
- From about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Bitter aloin latex is a strong purgative (ASPCA lists aloes).
- What grows well with Bitter aloe (Cape aloe)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bitter aloe (Cape aloe). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A single stem crowned with a rosette of spiny blue-green leaves; candelabras of orange-red flowers in winter (June–August in the south), visited by sunbirds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
- Red hot poker Kniphofia uvaria
- Aloe vera Aloe vera
- New Zealand flax Phormium tenax
- Quiver tree (kokerboom) Aloidendron dichotomum
- Grass tree (balga) Xanthorrhoea preissii
- Blue flax lily (paroo lily) Dianella caerulea
- Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) Aloe arborescens