BCSS - Forum

So these Aloe's have been growing outside for years at a friend's house in Portsmouth all year unprotected and I have recently replanted them in my garden bed in south east London (loam soil mixed with grit into the soil a few cm's below and around the roots).

What is this Aloe and any tips to get them settled in and get through winter? Assuming I don't need to protect them either as they are growing under a south facing fence.

They are Aloe x nobilis, usually called Aloe mitriformis (which it isn't) and perhaps now more properly called Aloe perfoliata although I don't know if that is set in stone. Anyway - I would personally grow it harder than you have it. Next to Hydrangea is not a good match as far as soil conditions go!

Those Hydrangeas will soon grow large enough to smother the Aloes, and as they like copious watering, not the best site for a succulent plant!

Also growing them on a slightly raised bed where they won't get any water run-off might help them. That south facing wall looks like it would have been a great help to them as a heat sink. Probably better than the fence.