Overview

Aloiampelos ciliaris is a bushy climber in the genus Aloiampelos, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Aloiampelos ciliaris grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include architectural, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, sub-tropical, low maintenance and wall side borders. It is native to Cape Provinces.

About

Aloiampelos ciliaris is a climbing succulent from the Cape Provinces, valued for its climbing stems and evergreen leaves. It grows best in full sun on sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing sites in well-drained loam or sandy soils. In the UK it is H3 (borderline) and suits the warmest, most protected positions. It flowers in October, November, December, January and February.

About the genus

Aloiampelos, formerly Aloe ser. Macrifoliae is a genus of succulent plants in the subfamily Asphodeloideae, comprising seven species found in Southern Africa. They are typically multi-branched climbing or sprawling shrubs, with long spindly stems and a large woody base on the ground.

Wikipedia contributors, "Aloiampelos", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aloiampelos

In the garden

Aloiampelos ciliaris (family Asphodelaceae) is a succulent climber native to the Cape Provinces. The species keeps its leaves year-round and is placed where its climbing habit can be shown to advantage, either trained up a support or allowed to spill over walls and rockwork. Place this plant in full sun on a sheltered aspect — south-, west- or east-facing positions are all suitable — and use a free-draining loam or sandy mix. It tolerates a wide soil pH range (acid to alkaline) but will not thrive in poorly drained ground; ensure sharp drainage in borders or use an open compost in containers. In UK terms H3 denotes a borderline hardy plant, so give plants the warmest, most sheltered spot available and protect containers in severe winters. Aloiampelos ciliaris works well in gravel gardens, against walls, on patios in containers and in sub-tropical or rock garden schemes where its evergreen habit and climbing stems contribute structure. It flowers in October, November, December, January and February, producing conspicuous blooms; for tidy growth, shorten any long, straggly stems soon after the winter flowering period to encourage renewed, compact shoots.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aloiampelos

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Aloiampelos ciliaris size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Climber

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Architectural, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Sub-tropical, Low Maintenance, Wall side borders

Native to

Cape Provinces

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aloiampelos ciliaris

Propagation

Seed in spring at 21°C, Stem cuttings in summer

Pest resistance

Scale insects, Mealybugs under glass

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free, except in wet or poorly-drained soils where it may be susceptible to root rot

Frequently asked questions