Blazing Colors: Aloe ferox & Coral Tree Create a Winter Fire Show

In Patrick Anderson's garden, orange spires of Aloe ferox blaze beside a coral tree (Erythrina × sykesii) blooming December–February before leafing out. Yellow-flowered A. marlothii hints behind. Both from Southern Hemisphere (aloes: South Africa; coral tree: Australia), they share needs: fast drainage, full sun, frost-free, minimal water once established (especially dry season). Coral tree drops petals in spring, leaves in fall, and casts too much summer shade for succulents—so aloes are planted 10 ft. away (appear closer on slope). Coral tree 12+ years; aloes (from 5-gal.) 8 years. Other winter-blooming aloes: A. arborescens and A. thraskii create a vermilion curtain.