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Products > Aloe rubroviolacea   Aloe rubroviolacea - Arabian Aloe    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Succulent Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) Origin: Arabian Peninsula (Asia) Evergreen: Yes Red/Purple Foliage: Yes Flower Color: Red Bloomtime: Fall/Winter Height: 2-3 feet Width: 4-6 feet Exposure: Full Sun Drought Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F Aloe rubroviolacea (Arabian Aloe) - A beautiful plant with 2 foot wide rosettes of thick, blue-green leaves that emerge from heavy stems. Over time these stems elongate while new shoots emerge at their base, forming sprawling clumps to 6 feet wide by 3 feet tall. In winter, the foliage takes on pink tones, which is the reason for the specific epithet 'rubraviolacea' meaning "red-violet". Flowering commences in late fall (November) with a spike that is unbranched or only has 1 to 2 branches that are topped with 1 inch long waxy orange-red flowers. Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil - in its natural habitat this plant grows pendant or semi-pendant on steep slopes but can tolerate level ground if soil is well draining. The plant is fairly hardy with foliage remaining undamaged down to 20° F and even resprouting from underground stems after colder temperatures but the winter flowers will freeze if temperatures drop much below 32°F. Protect from snails which can disfigure the attractive leaves. This aloe comes from steep and rocky areas above 7,000 feet elevation in the mountains of Yemen and Saudi Arabia on the Arabian Peninsula. We first received this plant from the late Leo Price at his Westside Nursery in Santa Barbara and began selling it in 2006.  This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Aloe rubroviolacea .     [MORE INFO]