Aloe nobilis ‘Variegata’

Mounding groundcover aloe with leaves streaked white. Orange-red flowers in summer. Some summer water once established.
height 1–2ft
width 2–4ft
tolerates Drought, Deer , Gophers, Pots, Salt, Wind
water
needs
Low – Moderate
water
info
Aloes thrive on neglect, making them one of the easiest garden plants for California. They are drought-tolerant, though this one will need additional water in the dry months every couple weeks. It also responds well to regular water, if the soil or pot is well drained.

Most aloes will be plump with many bright vibrant blue or green leaves during their growth season. It’s natural for these same plants to show stress during their dry season, often turning shades of red, orange or brown, giving added seasonal interest to the succulent garden. During this time the leaves will curl in on themselves, and often shrivel up and shed from the base. If you prefer a lush look, watering once dry will keep them plump.
hardy
to
25F
exposure Part Sun – Part Shade
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose 1/2 Strength, Low Needs
origin Hybrid, South Africa
california
native
No
sunset
zones
9, 13–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

This aloe suckers profusely, making a large mounds where you only see the tops of the rosettes. Over time these domes tend to collapse or die off in the middle and can be restarted by dividing them up and replanting the individual heads, which grow very easily from cuttings.
Once the flower stalks are completely bloomed out and dry, they will come out with a light tug, or can be pruned off low in the crown.
As with many variegated plants, this one tends to grow slower than its green counterpart.

Special Interest

An old garden hybrid, probably of A. brevifolia and either A. distants or A mitriformis.

Hummingbirds love aloes, many of which are pollinated by birds in their native habitat.