Surprise Aloe

Surprise Aloe (Aloe hybrid 'Surprise') is a tall, upright orange-flowering aloe with long green leaves that form neat rosettes 60 to 70cm high and 50 to 70cm wide. In winter it sends up peach to deep orange flower spikes that can reach 1.2m, and honeyeaters and other birds come to them. It is also a genuine surprise: it is one of two similar orange-flowering hybrids, Supreme Orange or Mighty Sunset, and we cannot say which one yours is.

Why you'll love it

• Winter flower spikes. Tall spikes in peach orange or shaded cream to deep orange rise to about 1.2m in winter, when most gardens are quiet.
• Bird attracting. It draws honeyeaters and other birds, which makes it a good plant for a window you watch from.
• Frost and drought tolerant. It handles both, once established, although it needs shelter from hard, prolonged frost.
• Upright and neat. The rosettes stay tidy and upright, with long green leaves that look spiny but are easy to live with.
• Pots or garden. It is perfect for pots, and it looks at home in dry gardens, xeriscapes and waterwise beds.

Where it works best

Dry and waterwise gardens. Plant 70cm apart in drifts for a bird-friendly display. Leave space around each plant, because the rosettes widen to 70cm.

Large pots. A big container gives the rosette room and lets you move it into shelter in a very cold winter.

Well lit indoor spaces. A potted plant inside needs the brightest spot you have, and it may flower less than one grown in full sun.

Growing Surprise Aloe in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens. It is frost and drought tolerant, but protect it from hard prolonged frost.

Soil. Free draining soil, in pots or in the garden. A raised bed suits heavy clay.

Water and feed. Water weekly in the warmer months and ease off in cool weather. Feed once in spring with an organic liquid fertiliser at half strength.

Pups and tidying. Remove pups when a pot gets crowded, and pot them on or share them. Cut spent flower stems back to the base after the winter show.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Surprise Aloe as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Because two varieties were mixed before labelling, you will receive one or the other, and the flowers will show you which. The care is the same for both. Plant it in full sun with sharp drainage. The tubes come from our grower, who does not always have them. A sold out tube simply means none is available today, and the notify button on the page emails you the day stock is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our aloe range
• Growing flowering aloes in Australia
• Plants that attract birds
• Drought tolerant plants

Common questions

Which variety will I get?

Either Supreme Orange or Mighty Sunset. They are similar hybrids with the same care needs, and the flowers will show you which one you have.

What colour are the flowers?

Peach orange, or shaded cream to deep orange, depending on the variety. Both appear on tall spikes in winter.

Is it toxic to pets?

Yes. Aloes are toxic to dogs and cats if chewed, so place it where pets cannot reach.