PLANT OF THE MONTH – BLUE ELF ALOE (Aloe ‘Blue Elf’)

By Pam Albo

Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance landscape plant, a container specimen, or an addition to your rock garden, Blue Elf aloe is well suited to life in the Phoenix area. These drought-tolerant succulents thrive in full sun, including areas that receive hot, reflected heat. Partial shade also poses no problem for this small aloe hybrid.

The Blue Elf aloe is prized for its upright, silvery blue-gray foliage and vibrant spikes of coral-orange flowers. It blooms from late winter through early spring. Reaching just 12-18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, it is highly versatile, perfect for containers, small gardens, and hummingbird habitats.

Like true Aloe vera, it possesses some healing properties. Its gel can be extracted and

applied topically to offer a soothing sensation for sunburns, minor cuts, and skin

irritations.