Tree Aloe

Tree Aloe (Aloidendron barberae, still widely sold as Aloe barberae) is the largest aloe in the world and the closest thing to instant architecture a waterwise garden can buy. It builds a smooth pale forking trunk topped with rosettes of thick recurved leaves, reaching around 8m tall and 4m wide in a typical Australian garden over ten to fifteen years. Rose pink flower spikes open through winter, and it does all this on rainfall, without dropping litter or lifting a path.

Why you'll love it

• Sculpture that grows. The branching candelabra form is the whole point, and uplit at night it is the strongest structural plant most gardens will hold.
• Non-invasive roots. The root system is shallow and well behaved, so it can sit near paving, pool surrounds and services where a fig never could.
• Winter flowers for birds. Rose pink spikes above the canopy feed honeyeaters and lorikeets in the leanest part of the year.
• Drought and heat proof. Once established it lives on rainfall across most of warm temperate, Mediterranean and inland Australia.
• Coastal and salt tolerant. Wind and salt spray do not mark it, so it works on exposed blocks.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One tree, given room and a clean background, with at least 4m clearance to a wall so the branching head can develop.

Poolside. No leaf drop into the water, no aggressive roots under the coping, and the form suits modern paving.

Rockeries and coastal gardens. The natural anchor for a gravel garden, underplanted with agaves and low aloes at 1m to 1.5m spacing. On sand it needs no water once away.

Growing Tree Aloe in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun all day, in an open position. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi arid gardens. It tolerates light frost only, so cold tableland and inland districts should use a large container that can be moved.

Soil. Drainage is the only real requirement, and it is not negotiable. Sandy, gravelly and rocky ground is ideal. On clay, plant on a raised mound at least 300mm high with coarse sand worked in, and never let water pool at the trunk.

Water and feed. Water fortnightly through the first two summers, then only in prolonged drought. A light slow release fertiliser in spring is ample; rich soil produces soft growth that snaps in wind.

Maintenance. Almost none. Remove spent flower spikes and dead lower leaves for a clean trunk. Branches are heavy and brittle, so avoid planting over a path or seating.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in 300mm, 400mm and 500mm pots and in 100L. The 300mm and 400mm plants are single stemmed juveniles, often under a metre, and the value route if you can wait: they establish fast and begin branching within a few years. The 500mm gives you height and the beginnings of a head. The 100L is an advanced specimen with real trunk and branching, for gardens that need the effect now.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock, including the 100L, is freighted at cost. Water in once at planting, then hold back for a fortnight while the roots settle. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full succulent range
• Compare feature trees for Australian gardens
• More drought tolerant planting options
• Planting into sandy and poor soil

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Faster than most people expect: roughly 300mm to 500mm a year in a warm garden with good drainage, slowing as it gains height. Figure on ten to fifteen years to reach around 8m.

Can I plant it near a pool or paving?

Yes. The roots are shallow and non-invasive and there is no leaf litter to skim. Keep it at least 2m back from the coping so the mature canopy has room.

Does it need much water?

Only while establishing. A fortnightly deep soak through the first two summers, then rainfall alone. Overwatering in heavy soil is by far the most common cause of failure.