Blue Elf Aloe

Aloe x 'Blue Elf'

About the Plant

Blue Elf aloe is a small succulent of hybrid origin.  It stays small, less than 2 feet when in flower, and spreads slowly, so it is a great option for small spaces. The foliage is evergreen, with flowers appearing late winter into early spring. This variety is more tolerant of full sun and cold than other aloes, surviving even if temperatures reach the low 20s.

Plant Blue Elf aloe in full sun to part shade. Be aware of the sharp teeth on the leaves and place so it will not be in close contact with people. This aloe needs occasional watering during the hot, dry season. To improve appearance, cut off the flower stems at their base when the flowers fade and divide when plants become crowded, every 3-5 years.

Notes:

  • This aloe is a hybrid so it is said to be of "horticultural origin".  Aloe (about 600 species) is native to parts of Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Blue Elf aloe is reportedly not eaten by deer, or possibly not by rabbits.
  • Blue Elf aloe is reportedly not infested by aloe mites, small insect-like invertebrates that can cause flower deformation. It is almost impossible to cure a plant of aloe mites, especially in a residential situation. Infested plants should be removed from the landscape and discarded in the trash. You can learn more about aloe mite from this article by Civano Nursery and this one from UA Extension (see page 8). The photo below shows the contorted flower stalk of an aloe (not blue elf!) infested with aloe mites.

Wildlife value: Aloe flowers are visited by bees and hummingbirds.

More Information

Horticultural information from ASU

Information on The Genus Aloe from UC Davis

ID Characteristics

This plant is in the Asphodelaceae - the Asphodel family.
Blue Elf aloe stays small and compact growing to about 18 inches high and 2 feet wide. The foliage is a good blue color that can take on a reddish tinge at extreme temperatures (photo about taken in early February).
The plant produces several rosettes of leaves at ground level. Some of these rosettes may develop a short stalk (rosette at right in photo above). When the plant becomes crowded, these rosettes can be divided and replanted.
The leaves of Blue Elf aloe are about 6 inches long, with spines on each edge.
Blue Elf aloe flowers in late winter/early spring, producing multiple flower stalks covered with red-orange flowers. When the flowers fade, cut off the stalks far enough down so the cut ends are hidden in the leaves.
Each flower of Blue Elf aloe is tubular and brightly colored, about an inch long. There are 3 sepals and 3 petals (tepals) that flare slightly apart.