Aloe Humilis "Hedgehog Aloe"

4" Pot
 
Aloe ‘Hedgehog’, a remarkable hybrid of indigenous aloe species, stands as a testament to successful plant breeding. This low-growing, clump-forming succulent has earned its reputation for resilience and charm. Bred by a skilled South African plant breeder, it combines the best traits of its parentage.
 
The striking grey-green leaves of Aloe ‘Hedgehog’ reach a length of 30 to 40 cm and feature thorns along their margins. Their relatively narrow profile often exhibits a graceful recurve, resulting in a compact, spiky ball-like form - hence the fitting name ‘Hedgehog’. The parent plant produces numerous offsets, giving rise to an expanding cluster of rosettes. In late autumn and winter, slender flower spikes emerge, boasting tubular coral-orange flowers that create a striking contrast against the foliage. To maintain its tidy appearance, it's recommended to trim off spent flower spikes.
 
Much like other aloes, ‘Hedgehog’ thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. Regular feeding every six to eight weeks with a high-potassium blended fertilizer encourages abundant blooming. It demonstrates resilience in various climates, enduring high rainfall and summer humidity. This adaptability to diverse growing conditions significantly contributes to its widespread acclaim.
 
Given its compact size, Aloe ‘Hedgehog’ offers a multitude of garden applications. It thrives in pots, containers, rock gardens, indigenous plantings, and serves as excellent ground cover in larger landscapes. Whether as a singular focal point or in groupings, 'Hedgehog' exhibits its magnificence, particularly during the subdued winter season.
Aloe ‘Hedgehog’ proves to be a delightful addition to any garden. It thrives on minimal attention, brings joy with its blossoming flower spikes, and becomes even more endearing when visited by feeding sunbirds.