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Products > Aloe pulcherrima   Aloe pulcherrima     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Succulent Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) Origin: Ethiopia (Africa) Evergreen: Yes Red/Purple Foliage: Yes Flower Color: Orange Red Bloomtime: Summer Height: 1 foot Width: 1-2 feet Exposure: Full Sun Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Aloe pulcherrima - A mostly solitary growing plant with dense rosettes 18 to 24 inch wide of pale blue-green leaves with nearly toothless faint red margins on stems and sparsely branched spikes of pale orange-red flowers appearing in in mid-summer. Old plants can have thick stems that lay flat along the ground. Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil and irrigate infrequently. Has proven hardy to 25°F. Aloe pulcherrima is an interesting and beautiful aloe whose foliage somewhat resembles a large Agave bracteosa. It is native to the Shewa and Gojjam regions of central and northern Ethiopia, where it grows along fairly inaccessible steep slopes and cliffs at altitudes between 7,800 and 9,000 feet, though some report it at even higher elevations. It considered as "Vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The specific epithet means "beautiful". This plant was grown from seed growing on a slope in the garden of John Bleck in Goleta, CA. Mr. Bleck is a well aloe breeder and succulent collector and while he had no record of having Aloe pulcherrima, it was the best match for this very beautiful and distinctive species.  The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing  Aloe pulcherrima.     [MORE INFO]