Aloe lolwensis - 4in

Aloe lolwensis, known as the Lake Victoria Aloe, is a medium to large stemless succulent native to the grasslands of Kenya near Lake Victoria and southeastern Uganda. It forms clumping rosettes and has glossy mid-green leaves with brownish teeth along the margins. Notable for its reddish-brown leaf coloration in winter, it produces coral-red flowers with yellow stamens that bloom in summer. The plant reaches up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, with leaves up to 20 inches (50 cm) long and 4.3 inches (11 cm) wide, and an inflorescence up to 4 feet (130 cm) tall. Found at elevations between 4000 to 5000 feet (1200 to 1500 meters), Aloe lolwensis thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering but allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It is winter-hardy down to 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C) and suitable for USDA zones 9b to 11b. Propagation is through suckers. This aloe is ideal for succulent gardens, rock gardens, or as a container plant. Described in 2001 by Len Newton and named after Lake Victoria, it is vulnerable due to habitat loss.