Clivia – Indigenous Spring Bloomer for Shade or Under Trees

The Clivia,also known as 'St. John's Lily'' is a beloved South African classic, ideal for planting beneath trees or in shaded spots where few other plants thrive. With vibrant trumpet-shaped blooms in spring and bold, strap-like leaves year-round, it makes a striking feature plant for any garden.

Once established,'Clivia' is low maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for Cape Town’s waterwise gardeners.

• Indigenous and shade-loving
• Spring-flowering with bold blooms
• Excellent in mass plantings or containers
• Grows well with minimal care
• Ideal for Western Cape’s winter rainfall gardens

Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as Wild Garlic or Wildeknoffel, is a tough, clump-forming perennial that delivers colour and fragrance from midsummer to autumn. Its narrow leaves and tall stems carry clusters of violet flowers, creating a striking display when mass-planted in borders, pathways, or rockeries.

Beyond its beauty, Wild Garlic is edible — the leaves can be used as a mild substitute for garlic or chives in cooking. Plant in full sun or semi-shade in well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-resistant, low-maintenance, and easy to grow, making it one of the most reliable indigenous perennials for Western Cape gardens.

 The Bird of Paradise is an unmistakable South African icon, admired for its bold, tropical foliage and brilliant orange-and-blue flowers. A focal plant in any landscape, it provides year-round greenery and dramatic colour when in bloom mainly during May to December.

Best grown in full sun to light shade, Strelitzia reginae is hardy, low-maintenance, and waterwise once established. Its architectural leaves make it equally striking in modern gardens, containers, or as a feature near a pool or patio.

This indigenous beauty is a wind-resistant plant and  suitable for coastal gardens.

Provided with lots of bright light with some direct sun, they can be successfully grown indoors.

Feed with compost in early spring before new growth begins and then fertilize during the growing season.

A quick-growing, magical, perennial shrub forming a lovely, rounded, dense bush. It has dark green, glossy leaves with intensely purple undersides and sprays of lavender flowers. Developed at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in South Africa. Indigenous. Flowers in autumn and spring. Morning sun is best. Ideal in pots or flower beds. 

Starry Wild Jasmine,also known as 'Boerejasmyn', is a  versatile semi-climber that can reach up to 3m in height or transform into a compact, tidy hedge when pruned. Its fragrant, white flowers with delicate pink undersides grace your garden from September to January.

Notably, the Starry Wild Jasmine is indigenous, promoting biodiversity, and its exquisite fragrance makes it a delightful choice for attracting pollinators and enhancing your garden's sensory experience.

 The Water Pear is a hardy, indigenous evergreen that thrives in the Western Cape’s varied conditions — from urban gardens to larger landscapes. With its dense, glossy foliage and quick growth, it forms a lush, year-round screen that delivers privacy, shade, and natural noise reduction.

From August to December, it delights with clusters of creamy-white, sweetly scented flowers that attract bees and bring seasonal interest. Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil, and water regularly during the first year. Once established, it becomes low-maintenance and waterwise, making it a favourite for sustainable, long-term planting.

 Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’ is an award-winning variety, crowned Plant of the Year at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show. Bred in South Africa by the renowned De Wet breeders, it is celebrated as the most intensely coloured agapanthus available today.

From summer into early autumn, inky black buds open into large heads of deep black-purple flowers, held proudly above strong green foliage. Its exceptional colour and extended flowering season make it a true showpiece for any garden.

This vigorous, disease-resistant perennial is both heat and drought tolerant, thriving in full sun with well-drained soil. Ideal for borders, pots, and focal points, Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’ combines world-class breeding with practical garden performance.

Portulacaria Afra, also known as 'Spekboom', is an easy-to-grow indigenous plant typically reaching heights of 2 meters in garden settings. Its small, non-invasive root system makes it perfect for poolside or boundary planting. With its compact structure, it's an excellent choice for accent planting, bonsai enthusiasts and landscapers. Creates perfect hedges and garden borders and readily accepts regular pruning. Spekboom is a truly 'green' succulent playing a vital role in combating air pollution by acting as a carbon sponge, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Dietes grandiflora, also known as the 'Fairy Iris' or' Wild Iris' , is a standout choice, especially when planted in mass groupings. Its orchid-like flowers create a spectacular display throughout spring and summer, making it a garden favorite. For an even more stunning summer showcase, consider mixing it with blue Agapanthus for colour contrast.

Plant in well-drained soil with sun exposure, water regularly, and deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooming. The Fairy iris is a low-maintenance garden favorite.

Agapanthus 'Wilgenhof Blue',also known as 'African Lily', is a hardy agapanthus variety boasting medium-sized, strap-like leaves and stunning umbels of sky-blue flowers. These blossoms grace long stalks and bloom from December to April, making them perfect for cut flower arrangements.

They thrive in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Ensure regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming, and consider dividing the plant every few years to maintain its vigor. Agapanthus'Wilgenhof Blue' is a versatile beauty requiring minimal maintenance.

Magic Mona will delight with a profusion of large, beautiful purple flowers during Autumn. A compact grower. A perennial bee magnet to any garden. Ideal in pots or flower beds. Indigenous.

A floral masterpiece that adds pure charm to your garden. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant beauty is ideal for mass planting and containers. Plant it in well-draining soil, provide ample sunlight, and water moderately for breathtaking results. Pair it with companions like fragrant lavender, deep purple salvia, or delicate white alyssum to create a garden display that radiates timeless beauty.

A popular indigenous garden plant with variegated leaves and pinkish-mauve flowers in summertime. Very useful to fill difficult hot corners in your garden, as it is drought-resistant, but will flourish with regular watering. A perfect groundcover to cover large areas and also excellent used as borders or edging. The leaves and flowers are edible, and can be used in salads and other dishes.

Clusters of flowers cover this popular vine-like shrub for many months of the year. Often used for covering garden banks but can be trimmed beautifully for use in pots. Flowering mainly from November to May. Indigenous.

Spekboom'Grande' ,also known as Large-leaf Spekboom, has slightly larger leaves than the rest of its family. This versatile plant is considered by many to be a miracle plant and is highly regarded for its ability to fight climate change. This indigenous plant acts like a carbon sponge and statistics indicate that a Spekboom thicket is 10 times more effective per hectare in carbon fighting than any rainforest.

For care, provide well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Water sparingly, as it's drought-resistant. Spekboom'Grande' benefits by occasional pruning ,helping to maintain its shape and promote branching. 

The Wild Banana,also known as 'Giant White Bird of Paradise, is an attention-grabbing evergreen that effortlessly brings a lush tropical ambiance to your garden. Notably, while its appearance is captivating, its aggressive root system requires mindful placement away from paths and structures. The Wild Banana produces spectacular,large blue and white flowers throughout the year,but their peak flowering season start in Spring and Summer.    Additionally,Strelitzia Reginae is a versatile choice as it can thrive both outdoors and as an indoor plant. Indigenous and well-suited for coastal environments, the Wild Banana offers a touch of paradise to any garden.

The Wild Olive is one of South Africa’s most treasured indigenous trees, known for its timeless beauty and resilience. Its silvery-green leaves and rugged trunk add instant character to gardens, while its drought tolerance makes it a dependable choice for the Western Cape.

Best planted in full sun, this evergreen tree grows slowly but steadily into a long-lived garden feature. It thrives in coastal and dry conditions and can also be pruned into a neat hedge or trained for use in a large pot. 

 The wild olive has beautiful wood for furniture making. Has many medicinal uses.

A captivating succulent with a ground-hugging growth habit, perfect for water-wise gardens. Its unique foliage features fleshy leaves that seem to shimmer as they catch and reflect sunlight. But the real showstopper is its vibrant array of flowers, which burst into bloom during late spring and summer.

Once established, they're virtually indestructible, withstanding long drought spells.

The 'Tree Aloe' is Africa's tallest Aloe and forms branches with orange spikes as flowers, creating an excellent focal point in any garden. Widely used for its architectural shape, this evergreen giant is perfect as a dramatic feature plant in large gardens and coastal properties. Often used in office parks and commercial sites,'Aloe bainesii' offers year-round structure and beauty.                                                                                                                          Young trees do well in pots, but ensure the pot is sturdy and wide. 'Tree Aloe' is proudly indigenous and thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens in the Western Cape.

Summer Love' New Blue is a charming, low-growing Agapanthus variety that blooms early and continues to grace your garden with its fragrant, wispy, blue trumpet-shaped flowers throughout the entire summer. With its clump-forming strap-shaped leaves and robust stems, it's not only a delightful addition to your garden but also a potted favorite, thriving in full sunlight.

Add structure and sustainability with this Cape fynbos gem!

Endemic to the Western Cape, Condropetalum tectorum is a water-wise, reed-like plant that forms bold clumps of upright, dark green stems. Topped with decorative brown bracts, it thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and requires minimal care. Perfect for drought-tolerant gardens or wetland areas, this fynbos favorite adds modern, architectural beauty to any landscape.

The fire sticks plant resembles sea coral and is a striking evergreen succulent shrub. It is resilient to most pests and diseases. Water hardly at all in winter and moderately in summer. Let the soil dry out before watering again. 

*Please note this plant is toxic.  Use with care.

An Agapanthus that will cause fireworks in your garden with its large bursting flower heads. The bi-colour flowers are violet blue at the throat fading to pure white on the petal edges. The foliage is short and broad. Fireworks have a long flowering period and is ideal for borders and mixed containers. Flowers from mid to late summer. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.

A best-seller. Popular due to its attractive foliage, drought tolerance and pest free nature this plant looks fantastic in hanging baskets or containers. Widely used as a quick spreading ground cover for outdoor garden landscaping. The variegated leaves brighten up a shady area. This favourite prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates.  The plant produces long, slender stems which carry white flowers and plantlets at the tip of the flowers.  A single plant with its stems soon become a mother plant surrounded by its 'babies' and therefore the name 'hen and chickens' Water regularly during the growing season but sparingly in winter when the plant is dormant. They prefer being watered from the bottom and not from above. Indigenous. 

Can be mass-planted as a ground cover or used as a single accent plant. A graceful plant with long narrow arching leaves. It bears masses of beautiful lemon-yellow flowers with black-brown markings from August to February. Fast-growing and low maintenance. 

The Honey-Bell Bush is a beautiful, tall growing indigenous shrub with slender, rather loosely spreading branches that flowers profusely. This fast-growing, waterwise shrub benefits by regular pruning to encourage bushy growth. Flowers mainly in Spring. The Honey-Bell Bush can also be used to create a hedge and does equally well in patio pots.

This proudly indigenous plant is also commonly known as the 'Natal Plum' or 'Large Num-Num'. An extremely easy-to-grow, thorny shrub often used for hedges. It produces glossy, deep green leaves and highly fragrant,snowy white flowers in summer. The ornamental plump, round, crimson fruit appears in summer and autumn at the same time as the blooms.  A popular indigenous, evergreen choice for coastal gardens.                                                      Plant 1m apart for an impenetrable hedge.'Natal Plum' is easy to grow and low maintenance.                                                                                     

The Conebush 'Jolly Joker' (Leucadendron salignum x laureolum) is a stunning variegated indigenous fynbos with colorful foliage that transforms from green to brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows in autumn and winter. This compact shrub produces excellent cut flowers and creates a vibrant focal point in water-wise gardens.

Plant in well-draining soil in full sun for best color development. Water moderately until established, then drought-tolerant. Perfect for coastal gardens and containers. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.

This colourful crassula is a firm favourite as it sets your garden alight with its fleshy propeller-like leaves that mature from bright lime-green to bright red. Also very pretty in containers or hanging baskets. 

Grown for its exceptionally beautiful velvety silver foliage. A soft, vigorous shrub with roundish, aromatic (licorice) leaves covered in silver grey hairs. Blooms consist of tiny cream-white flowers from November to January. Ideal for containers, borders and as a groundcover.  Requires well-drained soil. Indigenous. 

Agapanthus 'Mount Superior',also known as 'African Lily', is the brilliant pure white we recommend for your garden. A hardy and resilient choice that also does well in pots and  containers. A semi-evergreen shrub with a compact habit and white trumpet-shaped blooms in summer to early autumn.  Plant this elegant white Agapanthus in well-drained soil.

Beautiful indigenous Arum Lily will provide a spectacular effect with their trumpet-shaped flowers, surrounding a yellow finger-like stalk. Spring-flowering. Makes excellent cut flowers. Well suited to planting near ponds and streams. Goes dormant in autumn and comes back in Spring. Use in borders, containers or as cut flowers.

A striking and very popular ornamental tree that is tall, deciduous and fast growing with a distinctive greeny-yellow bark. It has sparse foliage that allows for sunlight to shine through which is perfect if you want other plants to grow underneath the tree.

Adorned with buttery yellow flowers and a central blue eye, the blooms of the African Daisy - Osteospermum 'Serenity Blue Eyed Beauty' are a captivating addition to any landscape. This low-maintenance and drought-tolerant beauty is ideal for mass planting and containers, adding an enchanting touch to your outdoor space. Once established, it thrives with minimal care. Don't forget to prune it back after flowering for continuous blooms and a flourishing garden display

This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant gem thrives in mass plantings and containers. Plant in well-draining soil, and water moderately for a mesmerizing display. Complement its coral splendor with charming companions like elegant blue agapanthus, the delicate grace of white alyssum, or the graceful allure of purple verbena, creating a garden tapestry that's truly magical.

Excellent used as a windbreak or hedge. Can be cut to any size. Indigenous.A strikingly attractive and hardy drought resistant tree, with an uncommon silvery-blue appearance that contrasts beautifully with surrounding, darker green foliage. Well suited to harsh coastal conditions. It has a non invasive root system and can be used close to walls. Easily trained as a shrub or screening plant that can provide privacy in a short space of time due to its fast growing rate.

 Prune off the lower branches to form a shade tree; and if space is limited, grow it in a large pot.

An elegant, fast-growing evergreen shrub indigenous to South Africa. Ideal for semi-shade or filtered sun, it produces masses of mauve to white, bell-shaped flowers in spring and summer that attract birds, butterflies, and carpenter bees. Its glossy green leaves form a lush, informal screen—perfect for small gardens, along stream banks, or in containers.

Water wise, with non-invasive roots and a soft, graceful form, the River Bell is easy to prune and thrives in shaded spots. A top choice for adding gentle colour and movement to sheltered garden areas.

The Jade Plant'Sunset' is a popular and award-winning succulent shrub with glossy, rounded, fleshy green leaves adorned with golden yellow tips and red edges. Clusters of small white to pale pink flowers bloom from Autumn to Spring. As it ages, the stout grey trunk and limbs become massive and thick.The Jade Plant is versatile and easy to grow and perfect for succulent gardens,rockeries and indoor pot plants.

Highly recommended as a fast growing hedge plant, this scrambling shrub is also often used as a framework plant in flower beds. Expect a lively concert from honey bees and birds as they come to feast on the nectar. 

Neat compactly clustered foliage on arched fonds resembling a cat's tail. Looks great when planted in groups under trees. A hardy, evergreen, perennial. Tiny white, fragrant flowers in summer, followed by showy red berries from March that are attractive to birds. Easy to grow and indigenous. Can be grown as an indoor plant. It tolerates plenty of water but can handle drying out now and then.

Drought-resistant, evergreen shrubs and trees, with handsome, glossy foliage and fragrant, starry-white, jasmine-like flowers. Ornamental and edible, scarlet to crimson oval fruits are produced after flowering. Carissas are attractive, ornamental shrubs and make excellent hedges. Does well in coastal areas. Plant 1 m to form an impenetrable hedge, they have thorns. 

These enchanting blooms display lovely flowers that gracefully fade from light pink at the tips to white in the center. They bring a touch of wonder to any landscape and are perfect for pots, borders, and garden beds. This low-maintenance and drought-tolerant beauty is ideal for mass planting and containers. Once established, it thrives with minimal care. Be sure to prune it back after flowering for continuous blooms and a garden display filled with magic.

A South African indigenous treasure.  A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that's perfect for mass planting and containers. Plant it in well-draining soil, provide ample sunlight, and water moderately for stunning results. Pair with fragrant lavender, vibrant salvia, or lively orange zinnias for a vibrant garden display.

A handsome, indigenous tree, suitable for most gardens. Beautiful deep red flowers make this a feature tree for summer shade.

Deciduous to semi-deciduous. Dark green foliage turns copper-red in spring. Nectar-rich flowers from Sept-Oct. Bright red, nectar-filled flowers will invite birds and bees to the garden.

Low maintenance. Cut to any shape or size. 

Thyme Buchu (Agathosma serpyllacea) is a charming indigenous fynbos shrub that brings authentic South African beauty to your garden. This aromatic evergreen produces masses of delicate white or pink flowers from autumn through winter, creating spectacular displays when most plants are dormant.

The fragrant foliage releases delightful thyme-like buchu scent when touched. This compact shrub handles salt spray and wind making it coastal tough. Ideal for pots and small spaces.

Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade. Minimal maintenance required - simply prune lightly after flowering.

Fast growing and vibrant trailing succulent. In lower light areas they maintain a green shade with purplish highlights especially along it’s stem. In bright sun the stem and the bean shaped pudgy leaves will turn ruby red!

This early-blooming agapanthus is compact and clump-forming, with light silvery-blue star-shaped blooms on strong stems. It's not only a beautiful compact indigenous filler for garden beds but also remarkably low-maintenance. Flowers from mid-spring on strong stems, making it an excellent choice for hassle-free gardening.

A hardy, evergreen creeper traditionally used to make jam and rope. Attractive foliage. Indigenous, fast grower for covering fences or pergolas. Can also be used as a ground-cover. Small green-yellow flowers in late summer, followed by tart ‘grape-looking’ berries. The flowers will attract insects to your garden. It can be used as a screen.

The dense growth of 'Dune Crowberry' ensures that they make excellent wind breakers and large screening shrubs. They create beautiful clipped hedges and can be shaped to use in  containers and pots. Great for bonsai enthusiasts,due to its pruning adaptability.The 'Alex' variety has slightly larger leaves than other Searsia (Rhus) Crenata .'Dune Crowberry' is  indigenous and drought-and wind-resistant and does extremely well in coastal areas.

Tube like leaves resembling little hunting horns. Grows upright.

A striking two-toned double flowering variety with a compact growth habit, the African Daisy - Osteospermum 'Flowerpower 3D Berry White' is ideal for pots, borders, and garden beds. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant beauty thrives in mass plantings and containers. Plant it in well-draining soil for stunning results. Combine it with the vibrant hues of purple verbena and the airy elegance of Gaura for a captivating garden display.

A full, well-branched plant with lovely purple blooms that attracts bees and butterflies to the garden. Low maintenance and drought tolerant once established. Ideal for mass planting and containers.

Create unforgettable garden memories! Leucospermum 'Memory' delivers a mass display of flowers that's sure to catch the eye. Dark orange flowers in spring attract birds to your garden, making every season memorable.

The perfect low-maintenance choice - this South African classic is ideal for low water use gardens and delivers reliable performance year after year. Water-wise and indigenous, it's a timeless addition to any landscape!

Plant in well-draining, sandy soil in full sun and water deeply twice weekly for the first 1-2 years until established, then reduce to drought watering.

The Yellow Spekboom is an indigenous plant with bright yellow-green, rounded succulent leaves and a reddish stem. For gardening purposes the plant is grown for its striking leaf colour and water-wise attributes. The leaves are edible and the plant has marvelous air-purifying qualities. It helps fight air pollution in that it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting like a carbon sponge. Easy to grow and low-maintenance. It works well in hot, dry rockeries or grouped with other succulents in drought-prone areas.Yellow Spekboom happily provides bright evergreen leaf colour amongst plants receiving regular watering.

This versatile, low maintenance cultivar makes an excellent house plant, and is also ideal for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in the garden. In summer tiny white flowers are followed by attractive, bright red berries. Indigenous.  Can be grown as an indoor plant. It tolerates plenty of water but can handle drying out now and then.

Classic Line is a cross between Zonal & Ivy geranium, with lovely large semi-double flowers.  Drought and heat tolerant.  Ideal for baskets and patio containers.

Chlorophytum comosum vittata stands out with its green-edged leaves, a deviation from the typical yellow variegation.

This indoor favorite excels in air purification and adapts beautifully to hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover in outdoor gardens, especially in partial shade.

Its slender stems produce delicate white flowers and 'babies,' earning it the endearing name 'hen and chickens.' Keep the soil consistently moist, avoiding waterlogged conditions, and water from the bottom. As an indigenous plant, it effortlessly blends into its environment