Aloe "Big Mac" - 5ga

This plant is pickup only - it is not available for shipping.

Aloe 'Big Mac' is a large shrubby hybrid, likely derived from Aloe maculata and Aloe arborescens, and has been cultivated in Santa Barbara, California since the 1990s. It forms dense clumps reaching 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with each rosette about 18 inches across. The dull green leaves display pale spotting and often take on maroon or purplish hues when exposed to sun or drought stress. In spring, the plant produces dark red flowers on few-branched inflorescences that rise above the foliage, attracting pollinators and adding seasonal interest. Originally referred to informally as "that big maculate aloe," the name 'Big Mac' was officially adopted in 2014 by San Marcos Growers, though its exact origin remains undocumented. Adaptable to full sun or light shade, Aloe 'Big Mac' thrives in well-drained soils with only occasional summer watering once established, making it ideal for xeriscapes and water-wise gardens. It tolerates both inland heat and coastal conditions, requiring minimal maintenance beyond the removal of spent flowers or lower leaves. Hardy to approximately 25–30°F (USDA Zone 9a), this aloe can handle brief light frosts but may suffer foliage damage during extended freezes. Its substantial size, evergreen foliage, and drought tolerance make it an effective specimen or barrier plant in Mediterranean, succulent, or coastal gardens.