One of the big aloes that I bought from Orchard Supply Hardware back in 2009 when they stocked some nice varieties has a flower spike. Here are some pictures. The aloe is liking this location apparently.
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spike 3 weeks ago
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spike yesterday
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I'll post a picture when it flowers.
I was in Santa Monica over the x-mas break. While walking on a street that overlooks the canyon by the beach I saw an enpty lot where an older house had been demolished. On each corner of the front of the lot, there was a tree aloe. These were old and tall and rivalled anything the Huntington has. Sorry I did not have my camera though. And jade plants? Every house seemed to have giant jade plants as landscaping.