Aloe x principis is a large evergreen succulent perennial forming a small tree bearing rosettes of dark blue-green leaves on several trunks. In winter to spring, a branched inflorescence rises above the foliage to display dense spikes of brilliant, scarlet to orange, tubular flowers, brightening up the dull winter garden. Vigorous, Aloe x principis results from a natural cross between Aloe ferox and Aloe arborescens

Well-known for the medicinal value of the juice of its leaves, Aloe vera (Barbados Aloe) is an evergreen succulent perennial forming clumps of rosettes of long, fleshy, narrow, light green leaves with whitish to reddish toothed margins. The leaves turn reddish purple when the plant is under drought stress. In spring and summer, long racemes of tubular greenish-yellow flowers are borne on 3ft. (90 cm) branched inflorescences above the foliage. The plump leaves of Aloe vera contain a gummy sap that has been used for cosmetic and skin care reasons for more than 2,000 years.

Very attractive, Crassula arborescens (Silver Jade Plant) is a small, heavily branched, evergreen shrub boasting fleshy, disc-shaped, silver-gray leaves adorned with reddish spots and often with reddish edges. The tip's coloration is more intense in full sun. Clusters of small starry white flowers, aging to pink, sometimes bloom in spring or summer, but they are quite rare in cultivation. Silver Jade Plant makes a very pretty bushy shrub. As it ages, the stout gray trunk and sturdy limbs become massive and thick and take on the appearance of a miniature tree.

An exclamation point in the landscape, award-winning Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm) is an evergreen shrub or tree forming a bulbous trunk-like stem crowned with a dense rosette of long, downward-curving, bright green, grassy leaves. Resembling an elephant's foot, the greatly swollen base of the trunk (caudex) stores water just like a camel's hump, enabling this plant to go dry for long periods. The trunk is usually single with young plants, but several smaller trunks as well as some sparse branching near the top may develop with age. Panicles of small white flowers are rarely produced.

A truly captivating Aeonium, award-winning 'Zwartkop' is an evergreen succulent with large rosettes, 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), of glossy, fleshy, dark burgundy, pointed leaves. If grown in full sun, the foliage of this Aeonium turns almost black, adding incredible drama and interest to the garden or containers. In part shade, the rosettes are reddish purple with a green center. Attractive when not blooming, this Aeonium is particularly striking when it produces bright golden racemes of small, star-shaped flowers in spring.

Unique and eye-catching, award-winner Sedum nussbaumerianum (Coppertone Stonecrop) is a low growing, evergreen, perennial subshrub with attractive rosettes of thick pointed leaves, about 2 in. (5 cm) long at maturity. Yellow-green in partial shade, the leaves turn rosy-gold to bright coppery red in full sun. Round clusters of slightly scented white starry flowers with pink anthers appear in spring. A great choice for the rock or succulent garden or in a decorative container or hanging basket.

Vigorous, award-winning Echeveria elegans (Mexican Snowball) is an evergreen succulent with tight rosettes (4 in. wide or 10 cm) of fleshy, spoon-shaped, pale silvery-green leaves. In late winter and spring, it sends up 1ft. tall (30 cm), pink-red stems which bear lantern-shaped pink flowers, tipped with yellow. This Echeveria offsets readily and will form a dense carpet of rose-like rosettes over time. A great choice as a groundcover, for rock gardens, green roofs, or containers.