Aloe distans

Common Names

Golden Tooth Aloe, Jeweled Aloe

Summary

This sprawling, ground-hugging succulent is native to the West Coast of South Africa, where creeping stems root to form dense clumps and stems end in tight rosettes; leaves are blue-green to glaucous, lance-shaped to triangular, up to 6 inches long and about 2 inches wide, with margins bearing golden yellow deltoid teeth; from mid-summer to fall, tubular flowers appear in dense clusters on stalks, in colors including coral and scarlet.

In cultivation it prefers full sun to partial shade and very well-drained soil (sand or pebble mixes) and tolerates drought, with hardiness in USDA zones 9a–11b and frost tolerance to about -4°C; propagation is by offsets or seeds, offsets form and can be potted independently. Uses include mass ground cover in warm climates, edging in dry gardens, or decorative pots.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-12 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9a-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, alkaline soil

Soil Drainage

Very well drained soil

Soil pH

Alkaline soil (pH above 7)

Bloom Color

Yellow to scarlet

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Purple, pink, and coral tinges

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and offsets

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds