Climbing Aloe

Climbing aloe is a succulent shrub with slender, scrambling stems, soft green leaves and bright orange-red tubular flowers. [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77125496-1) accepts Aloiampelos ciliaris, with Aloe ciliaris as its synonym. The species includes several varieties and a named hybrid variety; their stature and climbing habit differ. [SANBI’s account of var. ciliaris](https://pza.sanbi.org/aloiampelos-ciliaris-var-ciliaris) describes a vigorous climber that can reach 10 m or more with support. That height belongs to the typical climbing variety, rather than every form of the species. It needs a fence or other support and a well-drained, frost-free site; heavy frost is damaging. Sun to partial shade is suitable. Established plants endure dry periods, while compost and water support growth. Stem cuttings root readily. Give it its own support and manage sprawling growth so it does not connect low vegetation to tree crowns. The [San Luis Obispo County January 2014 plant list](https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/planning-building/forms-documents/environmental-forms-and-documents/plants-information/county-approved-plant-list) explicitly names Aloe ciliaris in its aloe notes and assigns F2. F2 identifies its most fire-retardant plants for the 30–70-foot band from a structure. This source-specific category is not a guarantee against burning. Its conditions include suitable soil moisture, avoiding crowding, removing dead material, separated planting groups and preventing ground-to-canopy fuel connections. Other regional assessments and growing suitability remain separate.