Garden Aloes

Aloe 'Erik the Red'

Category: Single Head Tree Aloes

USDA Hardiness Zones: 9b - 11

Overview

Aloe 'Erik the Red' is a sensational large aloe hybrid produced by Leo Thamm of Sunbird Aloes in South Africa with blood red flowers in winter, long dark green leaves and prominent whitish-green marginal teeth. A midsized Aloe to 6 feet tall or more with its stem topped by a rosette to about 2 feet wide and amazingly long-lasting bloom spikes.

Description

Aloe 'Erik the Red' can grow to a height of 2 meters (6+ feet) with a width of 1 meter (3+ feet). The main stem often has new shoots in younger plants to create a full shrubby plant but older stems are more solitary. The leaves are green with a prominent spiny edge, a fitting foil for the glowing color of the flowers. It displays prominent, soft and not dangerous, spines on its long large leaves. When the rosette divides as the plant matures, this will enhance the flowering performance.

Flowering

The tall branching inflorescences of blood-red flowers appear in early winter and continue up to early spring with red buds as attractively colored as the flower and yellow stamens that add to the show. These flowers stretch high above the spiky green foliage.

Origin / History

Aloe 'Erik the Red' is a complex hybrid involving Aloe mawii, which contributed its dark red color combined with A. petricola, A. marlothii (red form) and A. arborescens. It was named after the breeder's eldest son, whom he notes is 'also a tall fella' and was awarded the Gold Medal at the Brisbane Horticultural Show in Australia. This plant was first introduced into the US in 2012 and also included other very nice aloe cultivars such as 'Fairy Pink', 'Moonglow', 'Scarlet Rockets' and 'Topaz'.

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Care / Cultivation

Aloe 'Erik the Red' is a tough perennial and can thrive in harsh landscaping conditions but will benefit from occasional watering, particularly during summer months. This plant prefers to be positioned in areas of full sun with well drained soils. The more sun exposure, the darker the red hue. Removing side shoots on the main stems can neaten up the plant and promote earlier flowering. It is always better to remove shoots from a tall-stemmed plant such as Erik the Red because shoots will delay the first flower. Also remember that aloes are top-heavy plants and it is advisable to have the tall stemmed ones grow as upright as possible.

Frost Tenderness

Aloe 'Erik the Red' is equipped with a moderate frost tolerance, as well as withstanding high levels of rain. It is noted as hardy to a medium frost so likely cold tolerant to temperatures down to the mid to high 20's F.

Use in the Garden

Created as a striking feature plant, Aloe 'Erik the Red' is perfect for small gardens because of its narrow form. With tall, blood red inflorescences towering over nearby plants of similar size, this tall stemmed beauty is indeed a focal point in any aloe planting. A beautiful statement plant that will add a tropical desert feel to any garden or landscape. Aloe 'Erik the Red' is well suited for uses such as mass plantings, rockeries, large containers or as feature plants.

Read about more Aloes that can be used as a focal points in your garden.

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