An evergreen clump-forming succulent shrub that grows up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall. It branches heavily from its base to form expansive, architectural mounds.
The stems are crowned with dense, 30 cm wide rosettes of thick, glossy, medium-green to brownish-green leaves. Under stress from full, intense sunlight or chilly weather, the foliage develops a highly attractive, deep rose-purple or pink blush. The leaf margins are armed with broad, prominent teeth.
From late spring through mid-summer, the mature clumps push up upright, simple or minimally branched inflorescences reaching up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall. These hold dense spikes of vibrant, tubular orange-red to bright red flowers that are highly rich in nectar.
