(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...

(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 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...

(Jungle Queen, Red Ginger)

Native to the South Pacific, this large evergreen perennial bears showy conical clusters of brilliant red flower bracts and small white true flowers atop tall stems whenever temperatures are warm and soil moist. The blooms contrast beautifully with the large, lance shaped, medium green leaves. The stems die to the ground in the colder part of its hardiness range, but regrow from thick ginger-scented rhizomes in spring.

After the primary flower fades, smaller, side flowers appear from the base...

(Shell Ginger)

Fragrant in all its parts, this large, clump-forming, evergreen perennial is native to tropical Asia and naturalized in other areas of the tropics. Pendulous clusters of waxy, pearly, pinkish white flowers resembling seashells appear atop tall, strong, large-leaved stems in spring and summer. The interior of each flower is yellow with a red throat. The lance-shaped leaves are variegated in some forms. The stems die to the ground in the colder part of its hardiness range, but regrow from thick rhizomes...

(Golden Lotus, Shell Ginger, Variegated Shell Ginger)

Fragrant in all its parts, variegated shell ginger is a large, clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to tropical Asia. Pendulous clusters of waxy, pearly, pinkish white flowers with yellow interiors appear atop tall, strong, large-leaved stems in spring and summer. The leaves of the cultivar 'Variegata' are strikingly marked with yellow and green stripes and blotches. The stems die to the ground in the colder part of its hardiness range, but regrow from thick rhizomes in spring.

Variegated...

(Alternanthera, Calico Plant)

Brilliant color and good heat tolerance is an irresistible combination, and ‘Brazilian Red Hots’ delivers both. This hybrid tender perennial is fully evergreen and boasts vibrant variegated foliage with purplish centers and fuchsia edges. Each elliptical leaf has a wavy texture. Throughout the year, it produces clover-like clusters of small, white flowers, but these are insignificant and fade against the electric color of the leaves.

For best foliar color, plant ‘Brazilian Red Hots’ in full...

(Calico Plant, Indoor Clover, Joyweed)

Joyweed is a tender perennial from the West Indies and Brazil grown for richly colored foliage and heat tolerance. The leaves are lance to oval shaped with toothed margins and are variously shaded in purple – reminiscent of coleus. The insignificant flowers are white, without petals, grouped together and look like clover. Joyweed may be planted by seed, choose brightly colored seedlings, or transplants.

Joyweed is frost sensitive and grown as a perennial only in very warm areas. Grow it as an...