Aloe conifera - 5ga

Aloe conifera is a small, solitary, generally stemless aloe from central Madagascar, forming a compact rosette of about 20–24 bluish-gray leaves that may develop reddish to red-violet tones in strong sunlight. The lance-shaped leaves reach approximately 6 inches long and have reddish marginal teeth, while young plants may show reddish warts on the lower leaf surfaces that disappear with age. Mature plants are typically about 12–16 inches tall and wide. The species grows naturally on dry, rocky granite terrain at elevations of approximately 4,265–4,920 feet, often rooted in crevices containing little soil. It is closely related to Aloe betsileensis, but differs in having smaller leaves and sweetly scented flowers. Flowering is particularly distinctive: a usually unbranched stem rises 12–20 inches above the rosette and carries a dense, cylindrical raceme whose overlapping bracts give the developing inflorescence a cone-like appearance. The small, sessile, lemon-yellow to yellow, bell-shaped flowers are sweetly scented and typically appear in winter. Aloe conifera is relatively easy to grow in porous, sharply drained soil, with thorough watering after the soil dries and minimal irrigation during winter. It performs well in full sun or a bright sheltered position and is well suited to rock gardens and containers, but should be protected from frost.