Aloe bussei - 2ga

Aloe bussei, a low-growing aloe native to Tanzania, is known for its compact rosettes and vibrant foliage, making it a standout in succulent gardens. Its glossy green leaves, 8 to 12 inches long, turn vivid pink to coppery-red during the winter, especially in sunny and dry conditions. In late summer to fall, Aloe bussei produces slender, 16- to 30-inch-tall inflorescences with dark coral-red tubular flowers that open downward, transitioning from perpendicular buds to pendant blooms. Typically growing under 1 foot tall and spreading 1 to 2 feet wide, this aloe is ideal for small spaces or as an accent in xeriscapes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring only occasional irrigation, and is cold-hardy to around 25°F, making it suitable for USDA zones 9b–11. Aloe bussei is native to rocky outcrops and cliffs in Tanzania’s Mpwapwa District and was first described in 1908 by Alwin Berger. After a period of synonymy with Aloe morogoroensis, Susan Carter reinstated its name in