Cape aloe forms a dense 2'-3' clump of muted, green leaves borne on a tall trunk eventually to 12'. It has thick, wide fleshy leaves edged with prominent reddish-brown teeth. Dried leaves persist on the plant and offer sunburn protection. In late winter or early spring, the plant produces 3' candelabra spikes of intense orange red or even yellow tubular flowers. It grows in full sun to part shade. It suffers in reflected heat in the low desert. It is a South African native.
Planting: 1. Dig a hole 1" less the depth and 2 times the width of the container. 2. Fill hole with water, let soak. 3. Set root ball in hole. 4. Fill hole halway with native soil and water. 5. Finish backfilling hole, build basin and water.