12 Amazing Aloe Plants to Grow in Your Garden

Aloe plants come in a range of colors, from plain and green to vibrant reds, so if you crave variety in your garden, the aloe family offers hundreds of selections.

May 13, 2020

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Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe is a plant whose medicinal uses have been hailed as far back as Greek and Roman times. And aloe is enjoying renewed interest as succulents in general become more popular than ever with gardeners. Aloe vera is just one of some 400 species of aloe, which is native to northern Africa. But it is this "true aloe" plant — also commonly called miracle plant, medicine plant and burn plant — that's the best known. Not only does the clear gel inside its leaves serve a multitude of uses, but the plant itself is so easy to grow. Read on to see the variety of aloes you can grow in your garden.

Learn More : Aloe Vera Planting and Growing Tips

Aloe Flowers

As semi-tropical plants, most aloes are cold-hardy only to Zone 10, so in cooler climates they're typically grown indoors, where they seldom bloom. Aloe needs lots of bright light for best growth and flowering; if you live in a frost area, try moving the pot outdoors just for the summer to a location where it will get maximum light and minimal rainfall. Make sure that the potting soil is very well-drained.

'Sunset' Aloe

A short aloe with shiny, bronzy-red or orange leaves, 'Sunset' forms rosettes of foliage. Best coloration occurs in full sun. One- to two-foot flower spikes appear in mid to late winter.

Learn More : How to Grow and Use Aloe Vera

'Silver Ridge' Aloe

A beautifully frosted aloe with raised white edges, 'Silver Ridge' reaches eight to 14 inches at maturity. Use its height to advantage in container gardens. Plant in full sun.

Learn More : How to Cut an Aloe Plant

Aloe Polyphylla

A rare aloe with a spiral form, a mature polyphylla can have up to five rows of blue-green leaves growing in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. A native of the Maluti Mountains in South Africa, polyphylla aloe doesn't tolerate extreme heat. Give it full sun; in desert locations, plant in shade. Hardy to Zone 9b.

'Guido' Aloe

A stunning bi-color aloe up to 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide, this selection has heavily variegated leaves outlined in white. Plant in full to partial sun.

'Carmine' Aloe

The gorgeous, multicolored 'Carmine' makes it one of the best in show. A brilliant fringe accents the vibrant foliage. Mature size: about 10 inches tall and six inches wide in a mounding, clumping habit. Plant in sun or partial sun.

'Marco' Aloe

Dark orange, toothed margins add a hint of color to ultra-smooth leaves in this upright grower.

'Pink Blush' Aloe

This clump-forming dwarf hybrid has shiny, textured two-tone foliage with raised pink ridges. Mature height averages eight to 14 inches. Plant in full sun.

'Sal' Aloe

A distinctive selection with raised white ridges and pink-toothed margins, this low-growing aloe averages about 6 inches tall. Plant in sun or partial sun.

'Fire Ranch' Aloe

The thick leaves of 'Fire Ranch' turn bronze in full sun. A large flower spike produces an array of red, orange and yellow blooms. This aloe is hardy in Zones 8 - 10.

'Grassy Lassie' Aloe

The narrow, grass-like, dark green leaves turn a deep bronze in full sun. Long-stemmed, electric-orange flowers bloom most of the year.

Aloe Vera Gel

With its payload of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the sap of aloe vera is widely used in hair and skin products, but more importantly helps heal burns, cuts, insect bites and other skin irritations. Cut a lower, older leaf and squeeze the cutting to release the sap.

Learn More : How to Cut an Aloe Plant