How is Hercules?

Bigger!
 So much bigger, I wonder if there will be a flower spike soon.  Many other Aloes are preparing themselves.
A. sinkatana is settled in, offsetting, and blooming again.  This species is an off-and-on, year-round bloomer.
 photo Herc5072_zps760d789a.jpg
A. gariepensis was engulfed for a year by an Alyssum and Leucophytum brownii (formerly Calocephalus) but it's emerged just fine.  Two spikes are just visible, so being engulfed didn't damage it after all.

 photo Herc5091_zps66ba6cc8.jpg
A. plicatilis flowers will not appear until early spring, but the plant looks good.
 photo Herc5064_zps35027490.jpg
Many flower stems on vanbalenii this year, along with coral-tinged foliage.
 photo Herc5063_zps6180cfed.jpg
And hardyi has more flower stems, too.
 photo Herc5090_zpsc420131e.jpg
As the roses throttle back for a slight winter rest, the Aloes are prepared to step up.  How great is that? 
 photo Herc5107_zps39bec855.jpg
Pretty great.  

Comments

  1. Gorgeous! And doing so well with it's free root run

    ReplyDelete
  2. Okay, I definitely need to start growing trunk-forming aloes in pots! That A. plicatilis is great, and even if something like 'Hercules' only got to be 4' tall in a pot it would be worth it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It would manage until you got your two story greenhouse built. ;^)

      Delete
  3. Your aloes are amazing!

    I need to get my plicatilis in the ground. It has dried leaf tips almost year round. I think it doesn't get enough water in the pot. (

    My sinkatana has pink flowers; disappointing, The yellow form is much cooler.

    'Hercules' is getting to be a big boy. I don't at what size they bloom. Do keep us posted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many of them are fairly established now, so they are developing multiple flower spikes. The drought has perhaps helped more than it has hindered--no black spots. I think plicatilis can take some summer water. Mine gets sprayed by the nearby sprinkler, but not much actually gets to the roots, it's more of a wash-off.

      Delete
  4. Dustin's Hercules grew amazingly fast. I think mine might be too close to the fence (gulp!) so thank goodness it's still at a movable size. I think you've got your plants trained perfectly, with roses making their final bow while aloes take center stage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mine is 5' from the wall, which may be just barely enough. The trunks appear to get very wide with age.

      Anything in this garden that appears to be clever was a complete accident.

      Delete
    2. yes, definitely need to move him then. Thanks!

      Delete
  5. I am always admiring your gorgeous Aloes and that vivid colored rose, a beauty too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The aloes are very special; they have a strong presence in the garden, but it is the roses that have the sweet wonderful fragrance.

      Delete
  6. Aloes really do step up in the cool season months. I was impressed by all those in bloom at Seaside in Carpinteria when I was there a couple of weeks ago. Yours look to be equally prepared to produce floriferous glory. Note to self: need more aloe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I knew so little when I planted the first ones--didn't even realize they bloomed--thinking they were grown strictly for foliage. Silly me.

      Delete
  7. You aloes are always so gorgeous! The blooms are an added bonus and how fortunate you are to have them adding color to your garden in December!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nectar for the hummingbirds, pollen for the bees, pictures for the blog. :)

      Delete
  8. Hercules is looking mighty heroic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He has a bold, weighty presence--it's even a little intimidating (but in a good way).

      Delete
  9. Hercules. what a fitting name! Looking great

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of the most perfectly named plants I can think of!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Always interested in your thoughts.

Any comments containing a link to a commercial site with the intent to promote that site will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding on this matter.