Aloe brevifolia: The Compact Short-Leaved Aloe

The Blue-Green Rosette Aloe

Aloe brevifolia, the Short-leaved Aloe, is a charming, compact succulent native to the Western Cape of South Africa. Its tight, blue-green rosettes and coral-red flowers make it a favorite for rock gardens, containers, and succulent collections.

Botanical Classification

Tight Geometric Rosettes

This stemless succulent forms tight, stemless rosettes 6-12 inches across composed of triangular, fleshy leaves 3-4 inches long. The leaves are a beautiful glaucous blue-green with soft, white marginal teeth. Offsets freely to form dense clumps. In late spring, it sends up a branched spike 1-2 feet tall bearing tubular, coral-red to orange flowers.

Short-leaved Aloe thrives in full sun to light shade with gritty, well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently—allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Drought-tolerant. Hardy in zones 9-11; in colder zones, grow in containers and overwinter indoors. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable.

Rock Garden & Container Gem

Perfect for rock gardens, succulent bowls, trough gardens, and mixed containers. The blue-green rosettes provide year-round structure and color. Combine with other aloes, agaves, sedums, and echeverias. The coral flowers attract hummingbirds. A tidy, well-behaved aloe that never outgrows its space.