We tend to take aloes for granted in South Africa, due to their prevalence along the roadside and their ability to survive on very little attention. But ever since aloes were selected as the official plant to decorate areas around the World Cup Stadiums last year, South Africans have woken up to the amazing features of this hardy plant.

Aloes come into their own in June, erupting in beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow, but they also have a number of other attractive features. Aloes are waterwise and very low maintenance plants – they will flourish with very little effort on your part. They also attract nectar-eating birds and insects to your garden, and can also be used as a fire retardant in areas at risk of bush fires.

South Africa is home to more than 125 different aloe species. Not sure which one to choose? Here are some tips:

• The Krantz aloe is the most widely grown aloe in South Africa. Historically it was used to fence in livestock kraals, which makes it a particularly good hedging plant.
• The Dune aloe is indigenous to the Eastern Cape, but it grows just as well in the Western Cape. IT is an endangered species due to over development of the East Coast. This is a great choice for an environmentally aware gardener.
• Aloe Hedgehog is compact, making it ideal for smaller gardens.