Red Hot Poker Aloe

Aloe aculeata Pole-Evans

Red Hot Poker Aloe has tall, bright red flower spikes that look like torches! They are fun to see in gardens and attract birds.

Habitat: Sunny gardens

Appearance

The Red Hot Poker Aloe has a striking rosette of thick, grey-green, sword-shaped leaves often edged with reddish spines. Tall, torch-like flower spikes emerge, bursting with clusters of tubular flowers that graduate from fiery red at the top to orange or yellow at the base.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAsphodelaceaeGenusAloe

Red Hot Poker Aloe

Interesting facts

It's related to the well-known Aloe vera, but this one is much, much spikier!

Its spiky leaves can look like a dragon's scales guarding a treasure!

Some people call it a 'torch lily' because of its fiery, upright flower spikes!

The flowers change color as they bloom, like a fiery sunset on a stalk!

Special abilities

Red Hot Poker Aloe has sharp spines on its leaf edges that help it defend against hungry animals.

Its thick, fleshy leaves can store lots of water, helping it survive long, dry periods.

The bright, tubular flowers act like a beacon, attracting birds for pollination with sweet nectar.

Measurements & details

Height: 60-100 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 2-3 cm
Bloom Season: Summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Bird

Ecological connections

pollinates

Greater Double-collared Sunbird

Cinnyris afra

Feeds on nectar from its tubular flowers.

pollinates

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from its blooms.

eats

Greater Kudu

Tragelaphus strepsiceros

Browses on the leaves despite their spines.

Traits

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Medicinal

Discover special plants that people have used for centuries to help them feel better or stay healthy, often found in nature's own medicine cabinet.

Drought Tolerant

These clever plants are superstars at saving water, thriving even when it's dry and sunny with very little rain. They're nature's resourceful friends!