Aloe bulbillifera var. paulianae - 6in

Aloe bulbillifera var. paulianae, commonly known as Paulian Aloe, is a solitary, stemless aloe native to northern Madagascar. It forms a compact rosette of upright, lance-shaped bright green leaves with evenly spaced yellowish-white teeth along the margins, sometimes developing reddish tones in strong light. The main attraction is its winter flowering display: tall, branched inflorescences rise several feet above the foliage and carry open racemes of orange to reddish-orange tubular flowers with yellow tips. As the flowers develop, this variety produces small plantlets, or bulbils, along the main flower stalk—a distinctive feature that separates it from the typical form of Aloe bulbillifera, which produces bulbils on the side branches. Grow Paulian Aloe in full sun to partial shade and sharply drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering during active growth, provided the soil drains freely. It can tolerate moderate frost when kept relatively dry, with plants reported to have survived temperatures around 25°F, although protection from prolonged hard freezes is advisable. Its compact evergreen rosette, tall winter flowers and unusual bulbils make it a useful specimen for dry gardens, rock gardens, succulent plantings and containers.

Images of mature specimens shown for reference.

Sources:

• Carter et al. (2011), p. 364-365.
  
• San Marcos Growers