Plant Library

Other Names:  Tree Aloe

Description:

A robust tree variety with an upright, spreading habit; impressive rosettes of lanceolate, slightly recurved green leaves crown the branches; produces short spikes of tubular salmon flowers from late winter to spring; a great landscape accent

Ornamental Features

Samson Aloe features showy spikes of salmon flowers at the ends of the branches from late fall to mid winter, which emerge from distinctive orange flower buds. It has attractive green evergreen foliage. The succulent sword-like leaves are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. The mottled gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Samson Aloe is an evergreen plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its strikingly bold and coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced landscape composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Samson Aloe is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Samson Aloe will grow to be about 16 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Samson Aloe is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.