Aloe is a genus of mostly African, exotic, drought-tolerant plants that have been overlooked for potential winter hardiness. While the common Aloe vera (medicine plant) and others used primarily as houseplants are not winter hardy, many others are. In fact, a number of aloe species occur at cool elevations exceeding 10,000' in the wild. We have killed quite a few aloe species in our trials but have had some wonderful successes as well. We are continuing to evaluate numerous aloe species for their ability to tolerate cold wet climates.
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Aloe species live in dry climates, so gardeners need to provide excellent drainage to ensure survival. The biggest threat to our aloe plants is winter moisture. We plant our aloe trial plants in scree beds so that no water collects around the roots in the winter. The aloe selections here at PDN also do well in containers … just remember to put them a protected spot on very cold nights. When you're ready to buy aloe plants for your perennial garden, we hope you'll check out our list of winter hardy aloe for sale below.
Since 1988, Plant Delights Nursery has been the choice of serious gardeners and plant collectors looking for the best and rarest perennial plants. We are pleased to have received the Perennial Plant Association Retail Award in 2011, the American Horticulture Society Commercial Award in 2002, and to have been selected as one of the Best Mail Order Plant Sources - Garden Design Magazine 2010. Welcome to our family of plant lovers!
We had already grown Aloe aristata for several years outdoors before I was fortunate to spot it in the wild on my 2005 South African expedition at nearly 9000' elevation. Here, it grew wedged in the rocks on a nearly shear cliff face. In cold climates, do not plant Aloe aristata out in the open where rains can soak it during the winter months. Planting Aloe aristata near a hedge or large shrub where it can still get afternoon sun is perfect. Our 9-year-old clump is now 6" tall x 15" wide, composed of haworthia-like rosettes of stiff green leaves. The clumps are topped in May with 2' tall spikes of attractive, orange bell-like flowers. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
Aloe tenuior is an upright, gangly species that hails from the dry Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. For us, Aloe tenuior never exceeds 2' tall, but in regions with warmer winters, it can reach 9' tall. Aloe tenuior is topped with stalks of yellow or orange flowers, starting in November...which means we'll probably never see them in our climate. For us, Aloe tenuior has survived a couple of mild 17 degree F winters, but I doubt it will survive much lower. Aloe tenuior must be kept dry during the winter months. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
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