Coral aloe Aloe striata
Coral aloe (Aloe striata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asphodelaceae family, native to Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa, and southern Namibia. It grows 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 70 cm (28 in) apart.
Plan Coral aloe in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Coral aloe at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 70 cm (28 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa, and southern Namibia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇱 Israel |
Is Coral aloe toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: yellow latex under the leaf skin
Aloe latex (anthraquinones such as aloin) is a strong laxative: it causes vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. The clear inner gel is much milder.
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 Coral aloe
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Coral aloe
- How far apart should I plant Coral aloe?
- About 70 cm (28 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Coral aloe need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Coral aloe need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Coral aloe?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Coral aloe flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks.
- Is Coral aloe poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Aloe latex (anthraquinones such as aloin) is a strong laxative: it causes vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. The clear inner gel is much milder.
- What grows well with Coral aloe?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Coral aloe. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- Broad, flat, spineless grey-green leaves with a smooth pinkish edge and faint lines, and branched heads of coral-red flowers in late winter and spring. A neat aloe for pots and gravel gardens.
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
- Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) Aloe ferox
- Grass tree (balga) Xanthorrhoea preissii
- Blue flax lily (paroo lily) Dianella caerulea