Aloe wickensii. Aloe cryptopoda or Aloe wickensii, Asphodelaceae Family ( Asphodelaceae ) a subdivision of the Lily Family ( Liliaceae ), . We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. Aloe cryptopoda or Aloe wickensii is a popular garden aloe. It comes in three forms: a) with yellow, narrow oblong racemes, the flowers are all yellow; b)a red form, with oblong red racemes and bright red flowers; c) a bi - colored form, Previously known as Aloe wickensii, its bud are red, and the open flowers gradually turn yellow. Aloe cryptopoda or Aloe wickensii is a clump forming succulent whose fleshy gray - green leaves are arranged in a rosette at the top of a very short stem. The leaves are up to about 24 inches long and 4 inches wide at the base, they are slightly grooved on top, and they end in a sharp point. The leaf - margins have small, sharp teeth that are red - brown in color. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. It is very pool friendly. Quick Notes: Height: Height to about 4 feet. Spreading to about 4 feet. Flowers: Red or Yellow drooping flowers grow in a long raceme at the top of the flower stalk. On an inflorescence that is branched into 3 to 8 racemes, the racemes sre 8 inches to 16 inches in length. Flowers are 1 inch - 2 1/4 inch in length, tubular in shape and slightly upturned at the mouth. Flowering Time: Phoenix Arizona, January - March. Stems: Stemless, densely leaved rosette. Fruit: The fruit is a triangular capsule containing numerous seeds. Leaves: Smooth gray - green in color, with some pink, narrow and oblong in shape, the leaf - margins have small, sharp teeth that are red - brown in color. Found: Native to Southern Africa, also native from Swaziland to Mozambique and Mpumalanga. Hardiness: Said to be hardy to 20�F. USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 �C (40 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) Sun Exposure: Partial Shade Elevation: 0 - 4,800 feet in Arizona. Habitat: Sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. Full Sun. Best with some shade. A Xeriscape Landscape plant. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken At Phoenix Zoo, February 08, 2008. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.