12 Amazing Aloe Plants to Grow in Your Garden

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.

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.

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.

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.