Aloe, Short Leaved Aloe

I've had this Aloe growing in my USDA zone 8b, clay-based yard ... in full sun all morning, then afternoon shade ... for 20-odd years. ...Read MoreIt clumps well, & flowers in early summer.

There are actually 3 varieties of A. brevifolia recognized---I have the largest of this dwarf Aloe, which has orange flowers. I suspect that certain of its varieties are more hardy than others.... http://pza.sanbi.org/aloe-brevifolia-var-brevifolia

I have a few clones of this in the ground, unprotected. Of all 20 + Aloes that I am growing, these little clumpers best handled the Arct...Read Moreic Blast of December 2014 in Northern California. No damage at all, even buried in 6 inches of snow for a few days, and a low of 24F. Seem to handle summer heat and drought as well. A real winner for the landscape if protected from herbivores.

This plant has lived under a Mesquite tree in Arizona for many years and doesn't seem to mind. The heat and frosts haven't bothered it m...Read Moreuch at all. Flowers every spring!

Zone 9b Coastal Otago New Zealand

This is my favourite small aloe; it seems to be quite a variable species with every one ...Read MoreI see being a little different to the next, so perhaps there is a lot of hybridization going on. Anyway, it's very undemanding and always looks lovely, given decent watering- a fat little glacier-green jewel, especially when contrasted against rocks or a nice earthy pot. Mine is about 2 years old and hasnt flowered or suckered yet.
Down here they will take a light frost, around the 0 degrees C mark, but I wouldn't subject them to a crispy one; I keep mine in a pot for removal to shelter. Other people say they're hardy and I dont disbelieve them, but Im just so fond of my one example that I wouldn't risk it.
Mine likes a lot of water over summer to gain maximum plumpy magnificence but I drop that back to just whenever I remember over winter, though I dont think it's crucial- this doesnt seem to be a terribly water-sensitive aloe.
I highly recommend these little beauties; mine almost has its own personality. I have seen other brevifolia examples which are not quite so attractive so perhaps be a bit choosy and hang out for a nice specimen.