Aloe hardyi, Ideal For Spilling Over Retaining Walls

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In nature, Aloe hardyi drapes down steep cliffs.  In California gardens, that means an Aloe that can gracefully draping over retaining walls or down hillsides.  Mine has just produced its first flower.  This species has proven particularly easy to grow--it got going quickly after planting, and it has grown well in hot dry conditions.  The flower is crimson and resembles the flower of A. arborescens. 

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This Aloe begins life distichous--the foliage is arranged in two vertical rows on opposite sides of an axis--and forms a rosette in its third year. An informative page on A. hardyi at Plantzafrica here.

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Aloe cameronii (at least so labelled) has finally opened its flowers and turned a delicious tangerine color:
Aloe cameroni

A Massonia echinata flower has just started to open.  The leaves are looking slug-eaten, unfortunately: 
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