Created as a striking feature plant, its release was eagerly awaited by all who have seen it in flower. With tall, blood red inflorescences towering over nearby plants of similar size, this large tall stemmed beauty (as tall as a man) is indeed a focal point in any aloe planting. The leaves are green with a prominent spiny edge, a fitting foil for the glowing colour of the flowers. Even the smallest buds are deep red in colour and seeing that they are not covered by leafy bracts they announce the arrival of something special long before the first flowers actually open.
Although larger plants seldom produce stem shoots, some younger ones can be quite prolific. It is always better to remove shoots from a tall-stemmed plant such as Erik the Red because shoots will delay the first flower. Also remember that aloes are top-heavy plants and it is advisable to have the tall stemmed ones grow as upright as possible. When the rosette divides as the plant matures, this will enhance the flowering performance.
Aloe ‘Erik the Red’ flowers in late winter. It is named after the breeder’s eldest son with whom it shares its tall stature.
Best recorded flowering performance from a single rosette: 4 inflorescences with a total of 18 racemes or flower spikes.
Updated 24 May 2019.
