13 of the Best Aloe Varieties for Landscaping and Containers

Shopping for a new succulent to add to your collection? Or will this be the first installment with many more to come?

Aloe probably made the list of options you’re considering. Which makes sense, since these are some of the most beloved houseplants in the world.

Choosing one might seem like an easy choice at first – but it may ultimately prove to be a challenge.

I’d wager that the first member of the genus that springs to mind is the old faithful, Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera.

Indeed, this toothy succulent is the most common and widely distributed amongst home gardeners the world over.

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It’s often chosen for outdoor growing in warm climates as a border or bedding plant or as part of a succulent garden, or it may be cultivated indoors, potted in containers.

If you’re only familiar with this common variety, I’m about to blow your mind.

Hold onto your hats, because there are well over 400 known species in the genus, with more still being discovered!

Some of them remain under the radar because they’re uncommon in cultivation, rare, or have very different growth habits from the typical aloe varieties, which makes them uncommon choices for the home gardeners.

Among the better-known varieties, there’s quite a selection available depending on your growing zone and space requirements.

Some plants commonly referred to as aloe have also been reclassified by botanists in recent years, and they now technically belong to different plant genera.

We’re going to take a look at 13 stunning varieties to prepare you for success as a home gardener or houseplant