Shade Garden Floors​

Clivia miniata

The Bell Clivia provides spectacular seasonal colour in dry shade. Out of flower, the strappy leaves make a most attractive groundcover.

Shady driveway

Plectranthus saccatus, Hypoestes aristata, and Aloe dyeri form the backdrop to fat, bright green leaves and sun-yellow flowers of Bulbine natalensis.

Dappled woodland

Scadoxus multiflorus 'Katherinae' - balls of fire brighten a woodland floor.

Pinks and purple/blue

Crinum moorei and Plectranthus zuluensis is favourite combination for frost-free gardens

Scadoxus puniceus. Woodland Floor

There is little in the floral world to beat a group of scarlet-orange Scadoxus puniceus in full flower.

Purple Plecs and Yellow Clivia

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A seasonal mix: leaf, form, flower

Hypoestes aristata adds purple plumes in autumn, with bright lime green Plectranthus 'Shash' and strong arching leaves of Aloe dyeri providing year-round interest.

Plectranthus ecklonii

Easy-care shrubs to line a shaded pathway

Spectacular autumn shade

Plectranthus ecklonii, P. fruticosus, Draceana, and Strelitzia reginae.

Shade Pelargonium

Ivy leaves and brick-red flowers of Pelargonium tongaense make a beautiful display in light, partial, and dappled shade.

Plectranthus ambiguus

The pale bark is a perfect foil for the dark purple flowers of Plectranthus ambiguus.

Shade Cycad Circle

Dark green fronds of this shade-loving Cycad rise above maroon leaves of Plectranthus verticillatus in sharp contrast to the pale green/ white trunks of 2 Fever Trees.

Wild shade floor

Beautiful Setaria megaphylla interspersed with Crocosmia aurea.

Crocosmia-aurea

These gorgous small bulbs are care-free additions to a shade garden, often bird planted in wildlife-friendly gardens.

Cool pinks for shade

Spectacular Crinum moorei is the focal point in this shade section. Pink Plectranthus ecklonii extends the display, all thrown into sharp relief by the dark green foliage of Mackaya bella. Luminous orange Crocosmai aurea add punch.

Edging a path

Chlorophytum bowkeri, clivias, and Plectranthus species create cool layers and points of interest alongside a shady path.

Brighten Shade with Variegated Leave

Plectranthus madagascariensis adds light to a shady floor.

Shady groundcovers

Moss-like Selaginella kraussiana, bright green Plectranthus verticillatus, and the lanceolate leaves of Ruellia cordata.

Moss floors for Shade

Selaginella kraussiana pools around stepping stones, with Clivia miniata wrapping around large stone features just off a shady patio.

Mulch the floor with plants

Selanginella kraussiana gives a soft, moss-like texture in damp shade.

Shade grasses

Tall seed fronds of Setaria megephylla catching the light on the woodland floor.

Light greens for shade

Bright green Krauseola mosambicina send long stems to intermingle with Plectranthus zuluensis.

Crinum and Plectranthus zuluensis

Broad, bright green leaves of Crinum moorei adds zing to this subdued shady floor.

Lime-green foliage for light shade

Bright yellow-gold/ lime green leaves of Plectranthus ciliatus steels the show here. There are a variety of hybrids - Shasha, Lemon Twist, Easy Gold. It lifts the dark leaves of Hypoestes aristat, and the blue-green Aloe dyeri.

Crassula expansa, Scadoxus, Dietes

Even without flowers, a variety of shades of green, leaf shape and texture, and form combine for an interesting and attractive shade design. Flowers are merely a bonus.

Wild design

Pelargonium tongaense, Chlorophytum saundersiae, Selaginella kraussiana, and the basket grass, Oplismenus hirtellus hug the dark brown trunk.

Features for Shade

A simple African pot tucks into Plectranthus ciliatus, with Bulbine natalensis in front.

Small bulbs for shade

Ledebouria species add delightful texture with their dark purple spots and tiny pink-cream flowers. Plant right at the front of a shady bed.

Hen & Chicken and Crassula

Light shade bulbs

Ledebouria species add delightful texture withAdding mint and chocolate drops to a dappled woodland their dark purple spots and tiny pink-cream flowers. Plant right at the front of a shady bed.

Ledebouria and Plectranthus

Tuck these shade bulbs beneath shrubs.

Dark and bright

Plectranthus purpuratus and Plectranthus ciliatus 'Shasha'.

Streptocarpus

This quite beautiful perennial is a must-have for damp woodland.

Narrow wall bed

Neat Plectranthus and Indigofera micrantha beautify a narrow bed shaded by a brick wall.

A no-mow lawn

Shade grass Oplismenus hirtellus creates a soft no-mow cushion of lawn in dappled shade