(Fan Aloe)

The succulent, strap-shaped, evergreen leaves of this tree-like aloe are paired in opposite fan-like ranks, in dramatic contrast to the spiral rosettes of most other aloes. This native of the West Cape region of South Africa is also coveted for its tall, multi-stemmed habit and for its showy spikes of bright flowers in late winter. The numerous tall spires of tubular orange-red or yellow blooms lure hummingbirds in droves. In its native haunts it is pollinated by sunbirds.

This beautiful...

(Kroonaalwyn, Spiral Aloe)

The genus Aloe contains around 300 species of succulent plants grown for both their exquisite flowers and fleshy foliage. They are primarily native to southern Africa and the island of Madagascar but also exist in the Cape Verde Islands and the Arabian Peninsula. All of these regions are arid tropical zones, so aloes are adapted to dry, frost-free areas.

These plants typically develop a rosette of linear, triangular or sword shaped leaves with short, sharp thorns along the leaf edges...

(Aloe)

This bold aloe naturally occurs in the dry grasslands of Mpumalanga, a rocky, hilly province in northeastern South Africa. In its native area, it is quite rare but easily distinguished by its smooth, blue-green leaves and erect, orange-red flower spikes that are produced in the summer. Unlike many other desirable garden aloes, this one is tolerant of limited frost.

The thick, waxy leaves of Reitz' aloe are smooth but edged with slightly barbed teeth that are sometimes reddish brown. They are...

(Thrask's Aloe)

A striking specimen plant for mild climates, this stately aloe forms a single-stemmed, palm-like "tree." Native to coastal dunes of eastern South Africa, it bears a large rosette of long, strap-shaped, evergreen leaves atop a "trunk" that can reach house-high. The olive-green, arching leaves have channeled centers and red-toothed margins. The shaggy remains of old leaves often cloak the upper "trunk." Conical clusters of tubular orange-yellow flowers appear in branching candelabra-like spikes in...

(Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe)

True aloe is an outstanding ornamental succulent that is cultivated outdoors, where winters are frost-free, and indoors as a potted plant for sunny exposures. It is believed to have originated from northwestern Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, but because of a long history of widespread human distribution its true nativity is unknown.

This clump forming succulent plant produces rigid upright rosettes of light green, thick, lance-like leaves edged with tiny yellow teeth. If broken, they emit...

(Zanzibar Aloe)

This is a little jewel box aloe that is at home in frost free gardens, pots on the porch or indoors where there is bright light. As its name suggests, this ground hugging Aloe originates from the dry climates of Zanzibar, a small island off the coast of Tanzania.

Zanzibar aloe develops little upright rosettes that elongate over time and travel horizontally, rooting as they go. In addition, it produces lateral plantlets, or pups, over time to form colonies. Sometimes the original point...

(Foxtail Grass)

The foxtails are a group of perennial clump or tufted grasses that are native to Eurasia. They achieve a height of 12 to 40 inches, and have seed heads on tall showy stems. They are used as ornamental grasses, pasture and silage in agriculture, and are some species are considered weeds. They are adapted well to wet conditions.

(Meadow Foxtail)

Meadow foxtail is a perennial cool-season grass native to Eurasia. It is versatile and forms spreading clumps that can be used ornamentally, as a pasture grass or for silage in agriculture. In some locations it is considered an invasive weed.

Its clumps spread by rhizomes (underground stems). It has large upright blades that are flattened and rough to the touch. The tiny inconspicuous flowers are borne on tall cylindrical spikes held well above the foliage. Meadow foxtail grass grows best in moist...

(Meadow Foxtail, Variegated Golden Meadow Foxtail)

This variegated perennial grass has linear blades with attractive golden yellow and green stripes. It is a clump-forming grass that spreads more slowly than average meadow foxtail, so it is less apt to be weedy.

Meadow foxtail is a perennial cool-season grass native to Eurasia. It forms spreading clumps and has large upright variegated blades that are flattened and rough to the touch. The tiny inconspicuous flowers are borne on tall cylindrical spikes held well above the foliage. Meadow foxtail...

(Golden Meadow Foxtail, Meadow Foxtail)

This yellow-hued perennial grass has linear blades that are golden yellow to yellow green. It is a clump-forming grass that spreads more slowly than average meadow foxtail, so it is less apt to be weedy.

Meadow foxtail is a perennial cool-season grass native to Eurasia. It forms spreading clumps and has large upright yellow blades that are flattened and rough to the touch. The tiny inconspicuous flowers are borne on tall cylindrical spikes held well above the foliage. It grows best in moist locations...