How do I care for the Aloe arborescens x ferox 'Tangerine' to keep its vibrant fiery colors?

To maintain the striking tangerine hues of your Aloe arborescens x ferox 'Tangerine,' provide it with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight or some direct sun each day. Water sparingly—allow the soil to dry out between waterings—to prevent root rot. This hybrid thrives in well-draining soil and benefits from occasional feeding during the growing season. Avoid overwatering and freezing temperatures for best color and health.

What size should I choose — 3-gallon or 5-gallon — for landscaping, and how large does this succulent grow?

Both sizes are excellent, but the choice depends on your planting goals. The 3-gallon is ideal for smaller spaces or if you want to start compact and allow it to grow naturally. The 5-gallon offers a more established plant, giving immediate visual impact in your landscape. This Aloe hybrid reaches about 3 to 4 feet in height and width, making it perfect as a striking focal point or for creating dramatic fire-like textures in succulent gardens.

Is the 'Tangerine' Aloe resistant to pests, and can it survive cooler climates?

Yes, the Aloe arborescens x ferox 'Tangerine' is known for its natural pest resistance, making it low-maintenance in that regard. It can tolerate mild frost and cooler temperatures but isn't suited for harsh winter climates. If you live in an area with freezing winters, consider growing it in a container you can move indoors or provide frost protection outdoors to ensure it stays healthy year-round.

1 11

Bonte Farm

Aloe arborescens x ferox 'Tangerine': A Fiery Succulent

$69.00 USD

Sale Sold out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size 3-gal 5-gal

🧡 Aloe arborescens x ferox 'Tangerine': A Fiery Hybrid

Aloe arborescens x ferox 'Tangerine' is a magnificent, large-scale hybrid Aloe renowned for combining the hardiness and branching habit of A. arborescens with the robust form and spectacular flower color of A. ferox.¹ This exceptional hybrid forms a massive, multi-headed shrub, eventually developing a thick, woody stem. The foliage is comprised of large, spiky rosettes of dark blue-green to grayish-green leaves, featuring pronounced red teeth along the margins. The leaves take on attractive reddish tones in full sun or cold conditions.

This cold-hardy and exceptionally drought-tolerant Aloe is a showstopper, particularly during the winter months when it produces its namesake bloom. The upright, candelabra-like flower stalks erupt with dense clusters of stunning tangerine-orange tubular flowers, providing a critical splash of color in the dormant garden. Its resilience, dramatic size, and vibrant winter bloom make Aloe 'Tangerine' a premium architectural specimen for xeriscapes, slopes, and large, low-maintenance landscapes.²

Botanical Characteristics

Characteristic	Detail
Scientific Name	Aloe arborescens x ferox 'Tangerine' (Hybrid Cultivar)
Common Names	Tangerine Aloe, Candelabra Aloe Hybrid
Growth Habit	A large, shrubby succulent that develops multiple heads on a woody trunk base; often begins as a clumping shrub.
Foliage	Large, triangular, blue-green to gray leaves with pronounced, sharp red-tipped teeth along the margins.
Flowers	Showy, tall, branched spikes bearing dense, striking tangerine-orange tubular flowers.
Flowering Season	Mid-winter to early spring, providing spectacular color when little else is blooming.
Special Features	Excellent cold tolerance for a large Aloe and a stunning, vibrant winter floral display.

Mature Size

Aloe 'Tangerine' is a substantial, fast-growing hybrid, best suited for large spaces.

Height (Foliage): Typically reaches 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) tall.
Height (In Bloom): Flower spikes extend to 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 meters) tall.
Spread: Achieves a dense spread of 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) wide.
Its shrub-like habit provides excellent screening and structural mass.

USDA Hardiness Zone

This robust hybrid is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11.³ It is known to be one of the more cold-hardy Aloes, reliably tolerating brief dips into the low 20s°F (-6°C) when kept dry.

Cultivation and Care

Aspect	Care Instructions
Sunlight	Requires full sun to ensure a dense growth habit and maximum flower production.
Soil	Essential: Needs fast-draining, lean, gritty soil. Must avoid any areas prone to standing water or prolonged wetness.
Water	Highly drought-tolerant. Water deeply and infrequently in summer. Water should be entirely withheld during the cool, wet winter months.
Fertilizer	Minimal feeding is required. A low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer can be applied sparingly in late spring.
Pruning	Remove spent flower stalks after blooming. Dead or damaged lower leaves can be removed for a tidier appearance.

Landscape Use

Architectural Specimen: Used as a commanding focal point in large yards or desert gardens.
Slopes and Erosion Control: Excellent for stabilizing dry, sunny banks due to its fibrous root system.
Winter Garden: Essential for providing vibrant color during the typically dull winter landscape.⁴
Hedging/Screening: Used in informal groupings to create a tough, impenetrable barrier.

Wildlife Attraction

The tall, nectar-filled, tangerine-orange winter blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds and native nectar-feeding birds, making it a critical wildlife plant. Its spiny leaves make it highly deer and rabbit resistant.

Pest and Disease Resistance

Aloe 'Tangerine' is very tough. The main threat is root rot, which is always linked to poor drainage and excessive moisture. Ensure dry conditions in winter. Watch for Aloe rust or mites, treating immediately with sulfur or a suitable miticide if detected.

Propagation

As a hybrid, Aloe 'Tangerine' is propagated vegetatively to retain the cultivar's unique traits. It produces offsets (pups), especially when young. These pups can be separated with a clean cut, allowed to callous for several days, and then planted in a dry, gritty soil mix.