Dawe's Aloe 'Jacob's Ladder' (Aloe dawei): A Rare Cultivar with Tiered Rosettes

Dawe's Aloe 'Jacob's Ladder' is a captivating cultivar of Aloe dawei, a species native to the mountains of East Africa. This selection is distinguished by its unique growth habit: the rosettes stack vertically along a central stem, resembling the rungs of a ladder—hence the evocative cultivar name.

Distinctive Features

The plant forms a solitary or sparsely branched stem up to 3 feet tall, with each rosette comprising narrow, gray-green leaves edged with small, reddish teeth. The leaves are slightly channeled and may develop a purplish blush in full sun. In winter, mature plants send up tall, unbranched spikes of tubular, orange-red flowers that are a magnet for nectar-feeding birds.

Growing Requirements

Like most aloes, 'Jacob's Ladder' demands excellent drainage and thrives in a gritty, sandy mix. It enjoys full sun to light shade and is moderately drought-tolerant. Protect from temperatures below 25°F (-4°C). It makes a stunning focal point in a succulent garden or a large container where its architectural form can be appreciated.

Taxonomic Note

Aloe dawei belongs to the family Aloaceae. The cultivar 'Jacob's Ladder' was selected for its unusual stacked habit and is propagated vegetatively to maintain its distinct form.