Lace Aloe, formerly known as Aloe aristata, was winner of the RSH Award of Garden Merit in 1994. It has been moved to its own genus, Aristaloe, where it is the only species. Recent genetic studies have shown that this species is actually not an Aloe but a closely related genus, it is now called Aristaloe aristata. It is considered half-hardy, it will overwinter in an unheated greenhouse or outdoors in areas with a mild winter and tolerates temperatures to about 25 °F. This interesting succulent is indigenous to South Africa and has adapted to a variety of habitats. It is an attractive plant, the lace referred to in the common name is from the soft white spines on the leaf edges giving a lacy appearance. The leaves form a stemless rosette clump of about 12 inches tall and clumps consist of numerous rosettes. The leaves are short, lance shaped and covered with white spots and spines, the overall appearance is of a very symmetrical starburst shape. The flowers appear on large showy simple, or branched, panicles about 20 inches tall, some with up to 6 branches. The flowers appear all year and are showy, orange-red and tube shaped. The floral display is much larger than the rosette. It would look lovely in containers, and could be planted out in areas with mild winters. It is not hardy in Chicago.