One of my favourite group of plants - Aloes - make up a large component of the very broad group of plants called succulents, aptly named so because of their ability to store water in their leaves. Due for release in March 2012 are 2 special new aloes, bred for spectacular flowering in the garden and widely trialled across Australia to ensure that they are able to cope with the extremes of our climate - excessive rain for long periods, enduring droughts, excessive heat and cold.

 

Mountain Gem™ (Aloe ‘Leo 3319’ ) -This is the ultimate small aloe. It has a very large flower relative to plant size which gives it an amazing flower-to-plant ratio. The flower buds, initially covered by large bracts, are pastel red and open a creamy white, sometimes washed in pale orange. The plant is beautifully structured, with short grey leaves arranged in a neat rosette that grows to about 20cm tall and about 20cm wide. The leaves are decorated with softish white spines, giving them a warty appearance. It is easy to grow and the flowers open in midwinter. It is suitable for a container but may also be utilised in open planting with well draining soil. The plant needs plenty of sun, particularly when in flower.

 

Venus™ (Aloe ‘Leo 5249) - Like its heavenly namesake, this is one of the brightest stars amongst the aloes. This medium sized aloe produces large, glowing red-to-white flowers that will melt any gardener's heart. At maturity it has a long flower season with up to four branched inflorescences produced in close succession. The plant has thinnish green leaves and grows to about 60cm tall and 50cm wide. Suitable as a bedding plant.