Dawe's Aloe
Aloe dawei
A bold, large-scale aloe that commands attention with its impressive rosette and cheerful yellow flower spikes.
Frost sensitive, hardy to about 30°F, USDA 9-11; a tender low-desert aloe.
AMWUA Notes
Low-water clumping aloe that provides winter and spring nectar on minimal irrigation.
Care Guide
Water every 1-2 weeks in summer and less in winter; aloes are more forgiving than agaves but still rot in soggy soil.
Remove spent flower stalks and dead lower leaves; divide crowded clumps.
Optional light spring feeding encourages bloom.
Watch for aloe mite (galls), scale and mealybugs; treat promptly.
Frost-tender below 30°F—protect the large rosettes in cold snaps; yellow flower spikes appear spring into summer.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fast-draining gritty soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Division of clump offsets
5-6 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the large rosettes away from foot traffic
Placement Tips
- •Use as a bold focal point with room for a 6 ft spread.
- •Provide light afternoon shade in the hottest inland spots to prevent leaf scorch.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil.
- •Keep away from foot traffic.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Dawe's Aloe. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Dawe's Aloe — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Dawe's Aloe need in Phoenix?
Dawe's Aloe is a very low-water succulent once established. Water every 1-2 weeks in summer and less in winter; aloes are more forgiving than agaves but still rot in soggy soil. Low-water clumping aloe that provides winter and spring nectar on minimal irrigation.
How big does Dawe's Aloe get?
Expect roughly 6 ft tall and 6 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 5-6 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the large rosettes away from foot traffic.
Can you plant Dawe's Aloe near a pool?
Not ideally. Dawe's Aloe is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Dawe's Aloe handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Dawe's Aloe is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants partial shade. Frost sensitive, hardy to about 30°F, USDA 9-11; a tender low-desert aloe. Frost-tender below 30°F—protect the large rosettes in cold snaps; yellow flower spikes appear spring into summer.
Does Dawe's Aloe have thorns?
Yes — Dawe's Aloe has small thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Dawe's Aloe safe around pets?
Dawe's Aloe is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Dawe's Aloe bloom in Arizona?
Dawe's Aloe blooms in spring-summer, with yellow flowers.
How much maintenance does Dawe's Aloe need?
Dawe's Aloe is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove spent flower stalks and dead lower leaves; divide crowded clumps.
What kind of soil does Dawe's Aloe need?
Fast-draining gritty soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. Optional light spring feeding encourages bloom.
Is Dawe's Aloe native to Arizona?
No. Dawe's Aloe is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Central Africa, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.