Ferox Afire
February 5, 2012
Well lit
Like Moses’ fabled burning bush, my aloe ferox blazes but is not consumed … That’s because the fire comes from its numerous flower stalks currently in bloom. The blossoms are less intensely red-orange in color than in past years (photo here) but they’re startlingly beautiful in Saturday’s morning sunshine …
Friendly fire
A close up shows how the trumpet-like blossoms actually grow downward and have bright orange stamens protruding. A full 6-feet across overall, this plant is becoming quite enormous. Although it’s growing very close to ground level, I fully expect that one day it will just rise up and become a full-on tree like its South African cousins at the UCR Botanic garden! … (click for photo).
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Rancho Reubidoux 
6 feet across? Wow, those beautiful blooms must be huge.
They are, Loree, which is why I count this particular plant one of my most prized!
It’s no wonder why you prize it. My little ones that I planted last year have surprised me with a couple of bloom stalks. Can’t wait to see what the future brings with them. Thanks!
Hey, Vickie, even when the flower stalk’s dead and dried I have to save it … it’s just too interesting and beautiful. Good luck with yours!
Your aloe ferox is amazing. And I think I like the lighter color better though
the previous year’s bright red was wonderful. Here in Chicago we have nothing of course unless the plastic zinnias the new neighbors put in their pots out front count as something. Rodney is looking down from above right now at those plastic zinias and grinding his teeth. But soon spring will be here and I can begin getting Rod’s garden back in shape in time for his memorial in mid May.
But back to that aloe ferox: WOW!!! My best to you and Paul.
Jim Krueger
!
Thanks, Jim, for checking in. I’ll make sure Paul sees your comment … take care.