There are many indigenous species that can be grown in your garden, but the Aloe festivals celebrate the wonderful varieties developed by Sunbird Aloes. These Aloes are selected for their much-improved flowers and flowering abilities. The plants themselves are strong and attractively shaped.
THE BENEFITS OF GROWING ALOES
- Colour in your garden in the winter from white, rich yellow, sunset colours through to flame red as well as many bi-coloured varieties.
- Boosts biodiversity and encourages wildlife in your garden including bees and birds - many species of birds including Sunbirds to Black Headed Orioles feed from Aloe flowers
- Provides nesting sites and shelter for birds and gheckos.
LANDSCAPING WITH ALOES
- FEATURE PLANTS – strategically place one or more Aloes in your garden where the plant will make a strong statement, especially when in flower.
- IN POTS ON PATIOS AND PAVING – Many hybrids do particularly well in pots. Select an Aloe suitable for the space available and pot size.
- IN ROCKERIES – this garden type is making a big comeback among top landscapers because it is a ‘water wise’ gardening option.
- ADD VARIETY TO YOUR FLOWERBEDS by inter planting Aloes with other plants.
- ALOES – can be very effective when used in mass planting.
CARING FOR ALOES
- PLANT with mature kraal manure or compost and with a handful of Bonemeal. Mulch with a 2 cm layer of compost in Spring.
- FERTILISE monthly – a foliar feed of Orgsome, an eco-friendly nutrient available from WITKOPPEN WILDFLOWER NURSERY
- ALOES NEED lots of sun, well drained soil and some water.
- PESTS such as Aloe Mite (Cancer), White Scale and Snout Beetle can be easily controlled. Cut out Aloe Mite with a sharp knife, paint leaves affected by white scale with cooking oil and mix PYRAL organic pesticide with tea made from pipe tobacco and spray to control Snout Beetle
- Visit Sunbird Aloes – a great site for information on Aloes
- Witkoppen Wildflower Nursery is at 363 Valley Road, North Riding, in the valley below the Dome, Northgate.
- Like us on Facebook for the latest Nursery news, views and tips: Witkoppen Wild Flower-Facebook Page
- Visit our website Witkoppen Wild Flower
Phone: 011 516 0262
Malcolm: 082 900 8324
By Malcolm Hepplewhite and Francesca Beattie