Aloidendron barberae – Tree Aloe

Product Description

The Tree Aloe is a spectacular indigenous South African aloe that develops into a large, branching, sculptural tree with a rounded crown of gracefully curved green leaves. It is an excellent focal-point plant, particularly in larger gardens and landscaped spaces.

It produces attractive salmon-pink tubular flowers during winter, which are particularly valuable for attracting birds. Despite being an aloe, it comes from naturally warmer, wetter areas of eastern southern Africa and therefore performs best with adequate watering and good drainage rather than being treated like a highly drought-tolerant desert aloe.

Common Names

• Tree Aloe
• Giant Tree Aloe
• Boomaalwyn
• Mikaalwyn
• Eastern Tree Aloe
• Aloe bainesii — former name

Correct Botanical Name

Aloidendron barberae

Formerly known as: Aloe barberae and Aloe bainesii. The accepted current botanical name is Aloidendron barberae.

Product Details

• Plant Type: Succulent tree
• Foliage: Evergreen, green, recurved leaves
• Flowers: Salmon-pink, tubular flowers
• Flowering: Winter
• Growth: Moderate to fast under favourable conditions
• Mature Size: Can reach approximately 15 m or more in suitable conditions

Benefits

• 🌿 Indigenous South African plant
• 🌸 Attractive winter flowers
• 🐦 Excellent bird-attracting plant
• 🌳 Dramatic sculptural form
• ☀️ Excellent feature plant
• 🌱 Relatively easy to cultivate
• 🌿 Excellent for larger landscapes

Recommended Growing Medium & Compost

Aloidendron barberae prefers fertile, well-drained soil, particularly loamy soil enriched with humus. SANBI specifically recommends providing sufficient compost for optimal growth.

Recommended:

• Good-quality loamy garden soil
• Well-decomposed compost
• Organic matter to improve soil fertility
• Coarse sand, grit or other drainage material if the soil is heavy
• Avoid permanently waterlogged conditions

Recommended Fertiliser

For good growth, use a balanced slow-release fertiliser suitable for succulents, aloes or ornamental trees.

A practical Garden Mecca recommendation is:

• Slow-release balanced fertiliser during active growth
• Supplement with mature compost around the root zone
• Avoid excessive fertilisation

SANBI notes that adequate compost and good watering encourage optimal growth.

Growing Conditions

• ☀️ Light: Full sun to partial shade
• 💧 Water: Regular watering, particularly while establishing
• 🌱 Soil: Fertile and well drained
• 🌬️ Position: Sheltered where possible
• ❄️ Frost: Protect young plants from frost
• 🌳 Space: Allow substantial room for the mature trunk and crown