Shade-Loving Plants for Cape Gardens

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

The Bamboo Palm is a beautiful, evergreen, multi-stemmed palm with feathery, arching leaves. One of the most popular houseplants and adds a tropical touch to living rooms, office reception areas and patios. Does well in bright light indoors and on patios and needs moderate watering. The Bamboo palm benefits with occasional misting to increase humidity. 

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. 

The large-lobed, evergreen leaves of Philodendron'Hope',also known as 'Tree Philodendron', add a tropical flair to any space. This versatile beauty can be used as a solitary specimen, in lobbies, on patios or in the garden. An easy-care plant that filters toxins from the air when used indoors. Great in containers -indoors or outdoors. Plant Philodendron 'Hope' in well drained soil to ensure optimal growth.

Orange Jasmine,also known as 'Mock Orange', is a showstopper with its smooth,whitish bark and thick, round and curly foliage. Very suitable to use in containers or in mixed garden beds. Heavenly fragrant white flowers bloom in spring and autumn. The orange blossom fragrance alone makes it an essential for a small to medium-sized garden. The flowers of Orange Jasmine are also often used in flower arrangements.

Exotic looking. Ideal for large shady areas. Magnificent in containers. This medium to large tree fern from Australia is single-stemmed, with a tall trunk and an umbrella-like crown of large fronds. Young fern leaves are rolled up and beautiful to watch unfold. Tolerates quite a bit of sun. Water often into the crown, but not into the crown during the winter. Keep soil moist. If grown indoors, ensure that it is placed in a light and airy room.

A popular dark-green, clump forming ornamental grass that requires little care once established. It is a perfect groundcover and is commonly used to fill the gaps between stepping stones and pavers.

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.

 Philodendron Selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum) is a bold foliage plant with large, glossy, deeply cut leaves.

In Western Cape gardens, it thrives in shade to semi-shade, adding a tropical feel to borders or patios. Indoors, it brings lush greenery to living spaces.

Water deeply but allow soil to drain well, and protect from frost in winter. A long-lived, statement plant for both gardens and large containers.

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. 

This highly popular indoor plant showcases delicate foliage on slender, dark stems. To care for it indoors, place it in a location with indirect light, maintain consistent moisture, and consider occasional misting to provide the humidity it loves. Despite its delicate appearance, it can also thrive outdoors when placed in shaded or partially shaded areas in your garden. When planting it outdoors, ensure well-drained soil and protection from direct sunlight.

This variety has a compact form, ideal for flower beds, patio pots and stunning when planted in groups for a mass flowering display. Beautiful, trumpet-shaped white flowers are on show throughout the warmer months over shiny green foliage. Flowers abundantly and continuously from Spring into early autumn. Grows best in a sunny position in moist, free draining soil. Maximum size when mature:45cmH×45cmW.

A magnificent shrub that will flower continuously from spring to autumn. Fantastic in pots as well as flower beds. Dipladenias dislike being planted against a hot wall. It is best to let them climb up an airy trellis next to the wall if necessary. An absolute favourite of ours.

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.

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.

Hydrangeas are also known as' Christmas Roses', because they start flowering during the Christmas season. Hydrangea Endless Summer Blue are undoubtedly among the showiest flowers in the summer garden, with large blue mopheads of pom-pom flowers. The soil acidity determines the colour of the flowers. Endless Summer Blue Christmas roses add vibrant, season-long colour and beauty to gardens and make excellent cut flowers.

A magnificent shrub that will flower continuously from spring to autumn. Fantastic in pots as well as flower beds. Dipladenias dislike being planted against a hot wall. It is best to let them climb up an airy trellis next to the wall if necessary. An absolute favourite of ours.

A very popular flowering houseplant, with glossy oval leaves that emerge from the ground. With enough light, your Peace lily will produce striking white flowers starting in the early summer, blooming throughout the year in the right conditions. Can withstand darker growing conditions but will not flower.

Does not want its roots wet and enjoys water at room temperature and not cold water. A good air purifier.

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

Known as Christmas roses because this is when they flower. Hydrangeas are undoubtedly among the showiest flowers in the summer garden, with a mop of pom-pom flowers. The soil acidity determines the colour of the flowers. Great cut flowers. Endless Summer is an outstanding variety as it blooms, as its name says, endlessly.

A low and fast-growing, mat-forming plant with green succulent leaves and sprays of pink star-shaped flowers on long stems. Ideal as ground cover in a shady corner.  This drought resistant, indigenous beauty will attract birds to the garden.

This is a toughie. Hence its name, "cast iron plant". It tolerates dark areas and is often recommended when looking for a deep shade plant. It tolerates draughts and general neglect but it obviously will respond better to more favourable treatment. This very attractive, opulent plant with dark green and shining leaves is also a wonderful indoor plant. Occasional flowers are purple and will appear at ground level. Do not overwater and allow your plant to dry out completely between watering. When used as an indoor plant, rather sponge the leaves with tepid water and do not use leaf-shine. 

The foliage of this stunning fern looks like emerald green flames.  An easy to care for houseplant, but do water regularly.  Ideal for a window sill with filtered light or a humid spot in the house or office.

This tropical epiphyte succulent prefers to grow in shade or partial shade and can also be grown as a houseplant. It has pencil-thin succulent stems with little bumps on them. Small white flowers are produced in winter, followed by white berries in spring.  It cascades beautifully and is easy to grow. Prefers a warm and light position. Requires hardly any water until the buds are visible. 

Digitalis or better known as Foxglove is a firm favourite for shady gardens. These easy-to-grow beauties with their large spikes of white trumpet flowers, will provide striking contrast and height to the flower border. Ideal cut-flower. The plants will bloom through summer if their spikes are regularly picked *Just be aware that the plant does contain the chemical digitalis and all parts of the plant is toxic if eaten.

A magnificent shrub that will flower continuously from spring to autumn. Fantastic in pots as well as flower beds. Dipladenias dislike being planted against a hot wall. It is best to let them climb up an airy trellis next to the wall if necessary. An absolute favourite of ours.  Jade is a semi-compact variety.

 Fatsia Japonica is a tropical plant that can be grown in the garden, outdoor containers or as an indoor plant. Spider's Web has broad, dark green, palmate leaves with white speckles. Bears clusters of white flowers and glossy black berries. 

A low and fast-growing, mat-forming evergreen groundcover. Succulent plant with green & red leaves and sprays of pink star-shaped flowers on long stems.  Ideal as groundcover in a shady corner.  This drought resistant, indigenous beauty will attract birds to the garden.

Resilient yet refined, Aspidistra 'Starry Night' thrives in deep shade and low-light spaces with minimal care. Its rich, dark green leaves are dusted with delicate speckles, resembling a starry night sky—bringing a touch of celestial beauty indoors or out. Tough as its name suggests, it handles neglect, drought, and draughts with ease. Let the soil dry out between waterings and wipe the leaves with luke warm water to keep their natural shimmer.

The Philodendron Black Cardinal is a striking tropical plant with dark, deep burgundy to black leaves that intensify in colour as it matures. Known for its dramatic appearance, it thrives in bright, indirect light and needs regular watering to maintain its lush, bold foliage. This low-maintenance plant makes an excellent choice for adding an exotic touch to indoor spaces.

With its striking, architectural form, the Triangle Palm is a true statement plant. Its unique fronds fan out in three elegant rows, forming a perfect triangle at the base.

Slow-growing and low-maintenance, it's ideal for adding a tropical touch to gardens or large containers. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. A must-have for collectors and design-conscious gardeners.

This compact, evergreen shrub with its beautiful dark green leaves and sweetly fragranced pure-white blooms has an extremely long blooming season. They also make wonderful container plants.

Clivia Exotic Colours is an indigenous South African plant admired for its bold clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms. Supplied by a specialist breeder, this collection features a mix of striking orange varieties. Perfect for shady corners under trees, Clivias thrive in the Western Cape’s winter-rainfall climate, from Cape Town to George, and are both water-wise and low-maintenance once established.

A very delicate semi-succulent perennial herb with tiny bright green leaves in shaded areas, turning maroon in a sunny spot.  Covered in small white flowers from September to May. Ideal to use as an evergreen groundcover in shaded gardens or in a hanging basket.  

This attractive plant is a type of Bird's nest Fern, renowned for its narrow, vibrant fronds that stretch out from a compact rosette core. To promote healthy growth, ensure the soil stays slightly damp, but refrain from excessive watering which may cause root-rot.