Aloe harlana
Common Name: aloe
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asphodelaceae
Native Range: Ethiopia
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Red to orange
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Thorns
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in dry, sandy loams in full sun to partial shade. Provide supplemental irrigation during the summer growing season for the fastest growth and best appearance. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering. Greatly reduce watering during the winter dormant period. Hardy in Zones 9b(25°F)-11.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aloe harlana is a stemless, succulent perennial endemic to the montane, open, rocky grasslands and shublands of the Ahmar Mountains in Ethiopia at elevations between 5,400-6,800'. This aloe is typically solitary but may slowly form small colonies from offsets. Mature rosettes can reach 2-3' tall and equally as wide. The spreading to upright, olive green, lanceolate foliage is marked with contrasting, creamy white streaks and can reach up to 20" long and 6" wide. The leaf margins are lined with small, spine-like prickles. A 3' tall, branched inflorescence bearing racemes of 1" long, red, tubular flowers emerges seasonally from mature rosettes.
The genus name Aloe comes from the Arabic name of these perennial succulents.
The specific epithet harlana references Harla, the name of both a historic ethnic group and the region of Ethiopia they inhabited.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note. Overly moist or waterlogged soils will lead to root or crown rot.
Uses
Specimen plant for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and rock gardens. Suitable for container culture. Takes well to being grown indoors as a houseplant.