This is an unusual Aloe, firstly it flowers in summer, secondly it is a creeping Aloe. Being low growing and spreading slowly, it makes a great ground cover plant, foliage, flowers and easy care all at once.
As it is low growing it is suited to growing in pots, as well as in rock gardens, it is a species that will spread over time. The foliage forms a rosette and is best described as mitre shaped. Colour is best described as a green/blue and lightly toothed on the leaf margins and pale markings on the foliage.
The flowers are a bright orange to red, they are long lasting and are held well above the green foliage.
A variegated foliage form is also available A. mitriformis Variegata (pictured)
Care
Like most Aloes, a well drained soil and a warm climate are required. In cooler climates, it can be overwintered indoors.
Use a free draining cactus and succulent potting mix in containers, and when growing outdoors ensure that drainage is good.
The only real problem is over watering which will cause root problems.
Protection from very hot afternoon sun in summer is recommended.
Propagation
The method of propagation is from leaf cuttings, seed or by division of clumps / offsets.
Summary Information
- Common Name – Mitre Aloe, Gold Tooth Aloe
- Botanical Name – Aloe mitriformis (syn. A. pertifoliata)
- Soil – Well drained.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Foliage – Mid to deep green/blue, with toothed/spiked leaf margins.
- Flowers – Orange to scarlet flowers on tallish spikes.
- Flowering time – Early summer to late summer.
- Growth Rate – Medium.
- Height – To .4 metres, usually less
- Spread – Will form a clump over time
- Root system – Non invasive.
- Frost tolerant – Light frosts only.
- Drought tolerant – Once established it can tolerate dry periods
- Pruning – Not required