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ROC #343460

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Partridge Breast Aloe

Name: Partridge Breast Aloe
Brand: Outdoor Dream Builders

Gonialoe variegata

A diminutive variegated aloe with striking banded leaves that thrives in containers and tight garden spaces.

Frost sensitive, hardy to about 30°F, USDA 9-11; best as a protected or container plant in the low desert.

AMWUA Notes

Tiny, low-water container aloe needing only occasional irrigation.

Care Guide

💧Watering

Water every 2-3 weeks in summer and sparingly in winter; the small rosette rots quickly if overwatered.

✂️Pruning

Remove dried outer leaves and spent flower stalks; divide crowded clumps.

🌱Fertilizing

Not necessary; light feeding optional.

🛡️Pests

Watch for mealybugs, scale and aloe mite on this compact aloe.

☀️Seasonal Notes

Frost-tender below 30°F—best in containers that can be moved; provide light afternoon shade to prevent leaf bronzing in peak summer.

Soil, Feeding & Propagation

🪨Soil

Gritty, very fast-draining cactus mix; minimal organic matter

💧Drainage

Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.

🌱Nutrient Needs

Low feeder.

🌰Propagation

Division of clump offsets

📐Spacing

1 ft

🌳Roots & Placement

Shallow, non-invasive roots; spineless and pool-safe

Placement Tips

•Perfect for containers, small spaces and indoor-outdoor accents.
•Spineless and pool-safe.
•Give it bright light with afternoon shade inland.
•Plant in a gritty, fast-draining mix.

Features

Variegated triangular leavesSalmon winter bloomsCompact sizeContainer-friendly

Best Uses

ContainerSmall spacesIndoor-outdoor accent

Companion Plants

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Medicinal Aloe

Aloe vera

The classic healing aloe whose soothing gel has been used for centuries, while its blooms support bees and butterflies.

Very Low Waterpartial shadePool Safe

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Yellow Bulbine

Bulbine frutescens

A low-growing succulent ground cover with cheerful yellow flower spikes that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

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Spruce Cones

Tephrocactus articulatus

A spineless oddity with pine-cone-shaped segments that looks like a living sculpture in containers and rock gardens.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

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Elephant's Food

Portulacaria afra

A dense, shrubby South African succulent with tiny round leaves that makes an excellent informal hedge or security barrier.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

Quick Stats

Water NeedsVery Low (Xeric)

Sun Exposurepartial shade

Mature Size1 ft H × 1 ft W

Growth Rateslow

Maintenancelow

HardinessUSDA 9-11

FoliageEvergreen

Drainagesharp, fast-draining

Bloom SeasonWinter-spring

Bloom ColorSalmon

Litter Levellow

ThornsNone

Native RegionSouth Africa and Namibia

Design Styles

desert modernmediterranean

Include in Your Project

Love Partridge Breast Aloe? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.

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Use this care guide to maintain your Partridge Breast Aloe. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.

Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.