Aloe arborescens (Candelabra Aloe)

How to grow Aloe arborescens in NZ

To grow Aloe arborescens in New Zealand, choose a sunny position with well-drained, sandy or gritty soil. This aloe is hardy and tolerates light frost once established, making it suitable for many regions, including coastal and exposed areas. Water deeply but only when the soil is dry, and reduce watering during winter. Avoid planting in heavy or poorly drained soil to prevent root rot. Aloe arborescens forms a large, multi-stemmed shrub and produces bright red to orange flower spikes in winter, making it ideal for feature planting, hedging, or attracting birds in dry gardens.

Candelabra Aloe care tips

Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens) grows best in full sun with well drained, sandy or gritty soil. Water only when the soil is dry, and reduce watering during winter to avoid rot. It tolerates light frost and coastal conditions, making it hardy in many parts of New Zealand. Remove spent flower spikes and damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy. This aloe is drought tolerant, low maintenance, and excellent for attracting birds during its winter flowering period.

How hardy is Aloe arborescens?

Aloe arborescens is considered moderately hardy. It tolerates light frosts down to about minus 2 to minus 4 degrees Celsius once established, especially in dry conditions. In New Zealand, it grows well in coastal, northern, and frost-free inland areas, and can survive occasional cold snaps if planted in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. In colder regions, it may suffer frost damage to leaves, but usually recovers in spring. For frost-prone areas, it can be grown in a container and moved under cover in winter.

Plant Size and Spacing

Aloe arborescens typically grows 1.5 to 2.5 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide, forming a dense, multi-stemmed shrub. When planting multiple Candelabra Aloes, space them 1.5 to 2 metres apart to allow for mature spread and good airflow. This spacing also helps maintain plant health and allows their bold winter flowers to stand out in the landscape.

Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens) for sale at The Plant Company

Aloe arborescens, or Candelabra Aloe, is available from The Plant Company as a well-established, NZ-grown plant suited to sunny, free-draining sites. It forms a multi-stemmed shrub with bold winter flowers that attract birds and bees. Each plant is carefully raised for strong health and fast establishment. The Plant Company offers expert advice, quick dispatch, and free delivery on orders over $150, making it an excellent source for this hardy, low-maintenance aloe.