Aloe arborescens is putting on a show for the holidays this year. Endemic to south eastern Africa, this aloe is also known as Candelabra aloe which easily describes the elegant plumes of orange which are very attractive to wildlife seeking sweet nectar. Another common name is krantz aloe. Krantz is from the Afrikaans word ”krantz” meaning rocky outcrop. This popular aloe can be found growing at sea level up into mountainous outcroppings. In southern Africa farmers frequently used this aloe as a living fence around their animal enclosures. I saw a similar use of cacti in Aruba years ago.
Although I haven't seen the 'Variegata' cultivar myself, it has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. I'll need to keep an eye out for this beauty, I imagine it is stunning. To achieve this recognition a plant must perform well in its designated zone, be resistant to pests and diseases, grow true to form and color, be of good constitution, and it needs to be reasonably available to the public for purchase.