Aloe vera

Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) is known for its medicinal qualities, but it is also a fantastic plant in frost-free gardens. This clump-forming succulent produces rosettes of fleshy, upright lance-shaped grey-green leaves with small whitish teeth along margins. The yellow flowers appear in spring to early summer on tall sparsely branched spike-like clusters. Best in full sun along the coast to light shade inland with occasional summer watering. Will tolerate periodic drought conditions. Use in containers, rock gardens, or as ground cover under palms or large succulents.