Clivia (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.
Why You'll Love It: • Indigenous and shade-loving • Spring-flowering with bold blooms • Low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established • Perfect for Cape Town's waterwise gardeners • Excellent in mass plantings or containers • Grows well with minimal care • Ideal for Western Cape's winter rainfall gardens
Bamboo Palm is a beautiful, evergreen, multi-stemmed palm with feathery, arching leaves that creates stunning tropical displays both indoors and outdoors. This popular houseplant adds instant tropical elegance to living rooms, office reception areas, patios, and shaded garden spaces while serving as an excellent natural air purifier. The graceful, clumping growth habit and golden-yellow stems make it perfect for creating privacy screens or focal points in semi-shaded areas. Plant 2-3m apart for screening or use as specimen trees in containers and garden beds. Feed monthly during growing season with a balanced palm fertilizer and enrich soil with quality compost for optimal growth. The Bamboo Palm benefits from occasional misting to increase humidity, especially when grown indoors. Learn how to plant a tree the right way for successful palm establishment, or discover how to choose the perfect tree for your garden with tropical palms like Bamboo Palm.
Plectranthus Mona Lavener is 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. Plant 60-80cm apart for mass plantings or use as specimen plants in containers and mixed perennial borders. Feed annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Learn how your garden can support local ecosystems with indigenous plants like Plectranthus, or discover container gardening tips for growing beautiful plants in pots.
Philodendron 'Hope' (Tree Philodendron) adds a tropical flair to any space with its large-lobed, evergreen leaves. This versatile beauty can be used as a solitary specimen, in lobbies, on patios or in the garden.
Why You'll Love It: • Large-lobed, evergreen leaves create stunning tropical appeal • Versatile for indoor and outdoor use • Easy-care plant perfect for beginners • Filters toxins from the air when used indoors • Great in containers - indoors or outdoors • Perfect as solitary specimen in lobbies, patios, or gardens • Thrives in semi-shade outdoors or bright, indirect light indoors
Planting & Care: Plant Philodendron 'Hope' in well-drained soil to ensure optimal growth. Water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Perfect for creating instant tropical atmosphere in any space.
Orange Jasmine (Murraya Exotica var.Paniculata), also known as 'Mock Orange', is a showstopper with its smooth whitish bark and thick, round curly foliage that creates stunning displays in containers or mixed garden beds.
Why You'll Love It: • Versatile evergreen shrub with smooth whitish bark • Thick, round curly foliage creates stunning displays • Heavenly fragrant white flowers in spring and autumn • Intoxicating orange blossom fragrance • Essential for small to medium-sized gardens • Beautiful flowers perfect for cut flower arrangements and indoor displays • Perfect for containers or mixed garden beds
Planting & Care: Plant 1.5-2m apart for hedging or use as specimen plants in containers and garden beds. Feed annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer and enrich soil with quality compost for optimal growth.
Mondo Grass is a compact, evergreen perennial grass that forms dense, low-growing clumps of narrow dark green leaves, perfect for creating neat borders, mass plantings, and groundcover in both sun and shade areas. This hardy, low-maintenance plant thrives in most soil conditions and requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for Western Cape gardens where reliable, year-round structure and drought tolerance are desired. Plant 20-30cm apart for dense groundcover or use as edging along pathways and garden beds. Feed annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and maintain vibrant foliage. Learn more about water-wise gardening techniques or discover container gardening tips for growing beautiful ornamental grasses in pots and planters.
Gardenias, renowned for their captivating fragrance and beautiful white or yellow flowers that bloom during spring and early summer, are suitable for gardens or indoor pots. This evergreen shrub thrives in warm climates with indirect sunlight. It requires well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Regular watering is essential, but take care not to overwater, as their roots are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Plant them near a patio, garden bench, or window to fully enjoy their fragrance. They do best with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Cyathea Australis is an exotic-looking, medium to large tree fern from Australia that creates stunning tropical displays with its single-stemmed trunk and umbrella-like crown of large, magnificent fronds. This spectacular fern is ideal for large shady areas and looks magnificent in containers, making it perfect for creating dramatic focal points in courtyards, patios, and shaded garden spaces. The young fern leaves are beautifully rolled up and fascinating to watch as they slowly unfurl into full fronds. Plant 3-4m apart for grove plantings or use as specimen trees in shaded garden beds and large containers. Feed monthly during growing season with a balanced fern fertilizer and enrich soil with quality compost for optimal growth. Keep soil consistently moist and ensure good drainage. Learn how to plant a tree the right way for successful tree fern establishment, or discover how to choose the perfect tree for your garden with exotic specimens like Australian Tree Fern.
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.
Botanical Name
Plectranthus 'Magic Mona'
Growth Expectancy
50cm W x 60cm H
Position
Semi-shade - Shade
Water Smart
No
Indigenous
Yes
Black Mondo Grass (Black Dragon) | Ophiopogon Planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Black Mondo grass, also known as' Black Dragon', is a dramatic ornamental grass that captivates with its deep-purple to nearly jet-black leaves. In summer, it surprises with small, bell-shaped, pale pinkish-white flowers that emerge on dark stems, later transforming into glossy dark-purple berries.
Notably, it is also remarkably low-maintenance and thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for shaded garden areas. Additionally, the striking dark foliage of Black Mondo grass provides a stunning colour contrast in mixed plantings.
This dwarf cultivar of Carissa macrocarpa is a popular groundcover which seldom grows more than knee height. It forms a dense mat of attractive, glossy emerald green foliage. Fragrant, starry white flowers and edible red fruit occasionally throught the year. Also looks great in a container. Due to its hardiness, drought-resistance and evergreen nature it is widely used in commercial landscapes, along road sides and in parking areas under trees. Indigenous.
Begonia Sprint White has a strong, compact mounded habit. Bears brilliant white flowers on glossy green foliage. This abundant performer is ideal for containers, borders, mass planting in the garden and hanging baskets. Low maintenance and easy to grow.
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.
Botanical Name
Adiantum raddianum
Growth Expectancy
30-60m H x 30-60m W
Position
Semi-shade - Shade
Water Smart
No
Indigenous
No
Hen and Chickens | Chlorophytum Comosum Variegatum
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.
A beautiful fern with dramatic leathery and glossy foliage. Compact grower, suitable for a shady spot. Doesn't tolerate strong wind. When grown indoors ensure that it is not in a centrally heated home. It requires a light position out of direct sunlight. Can be grown in a relatively small container and should be watered moderately.
Turn your garden into a showpiece with Dipladenia (Mandevilla) Jade White. This compact evergreen climber shrub produces a dazzling display of pure white, trumpet-shaped blooms from spring into early autumn, shining brightly against glossy green foliage. Perfect for flower beds, patio pots, or planted in groups for a breathtaking mass of colour, it brings a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
Hardy yet refined, Jade White thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, rewarding you with months of effortless beauty. Simply water regularly, feed during the growing season, and enjoy a long-lasting floral display tailored to Cape Town and Western Cape conditions.
Botanical Name
Mandevilla sp.
Growth Expectancy
60cm-1m H - 60cm W
Position
Sun - Semi-Shade
Water Smart
No
Indigenous
No
Hydrangea Endless Summer ® Blue| Hydrangea Macrophylla Endless Summer Blue
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Endless Summer Blue' is a showstopper that brings lasting colour and romance to shady or semi-shaded gardens. This exceptional variety blooms repeatedly from spring through autumn, producing large, rounded clusters of soft to vivid blue flowers that stand out beautifully against its lush, deep-green foliage. ® Registered TM
Why You'll Love It: • Large, rounded clusters of soft to vivid blue flowers • Blooms repeatedly from spring through autumn • Flowers on both old and new wood - reliably bursts back into bloom • Colour intensity influenced by soil pH - blue in acidic, pink in alkaline • Lush, deep-green foliage provides beautiful backdrop • Ideal for pots, borders, and courtyards • Classic touch adds timeless charm to any garden • Excellent cut flowers for arrangements • Known as Christmas roses because this is when they flower
Planting & Care: Plant 60-80cm apart in semi-shade to shade with moist, well-drained, acidic soil. A little morning sun and afternoon shade will reward you with months of spectacular flowers. Keep soil moist but well-drained. Feed with acid-loving plant fertilizer during the growing season for the best display. For bluer flowers, add aluminum sulfate to increase soil acidity.
Recommended Products: Enhance and maintain the rich blue colour of your hydrangeas with these trusted products:
Dipladenia Diamantina Jade Pink is a magnificent, free-flowering climber shrub that produces cascades of soft pink blooms from spring right through to autumn. Compact yet vigorous, it’s a standout choice for pots, trellises, and mixed flower beds, bringing long-lasting colour and elegance to the garden.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this dipladenia prefers well-drained soil and performs best when allowed to climb an airy trellis rather than being planted directly against a hot wall. Low-maintenance, resilient, and endlessly rewarding, it’s one of our absolute favourites for adding beauty and charm to Western Cape gardens.
A well-branched perennial bearing masses of large bright orange flowers. These impatiens will ensure flower power in your garden all season long. Can be grown from full sun to full shade, an exceptional performer that will thrive everywhere.
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.
Mandevilla Jade Red is a magnificent climber shrub, flowering continuously from spring into early autumn. Its rich red, trumpet-shaped blooms shine against glossy green foliage, adding warmth and vibrancy to Cape Town and Western Cape gardens. Ideal for patio pots, flower beds, or grouped together for a spectacular mass display, Jade Red also climbs gracefully when supported on a light trellis. An absolute favourite for a bold, long-lasting colour show.
Easy to grow and highly rewarding, Dipladenia Jade Red thrives in full sun and moist, free-draining soil. Water regularly, feed every 2–3 weeks in the growing season, and protect from frost in cooler areas. Avoid planting directly against hot walls; instead, allow this climber shrub to twine naturally on airy supports.
Mandevilla Tourmaline Rose is a compact climber shrub that blossoms abundantly from summer into early autumn. Its unique, star-shaped blooms are exceptionally large, shimmering in shades of pale rose-pink with a soft, luminous effect. Perfect for smaller gardens, patio pots, and containers, this variety adds beauty and striking colour contrast to any summer display in Cape Town and Western Cape gardens.
Easy to grow and wonderfully rewarding, Tourmaline Rose thrives in full sun with moist, free-draining soil. Water regularly, feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season, and protect from frost in cooler areas. Its naturally compact form and eye-catching flowers make it a standout choice for gardeners looking to add something different and exquisite to their collection.
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.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Endless Summer Pink' is a showstopper that brings lasting colour and romance to shady or semi-shaded gardens. This exceptional variety blooms repeatedly from spring through autumn, producing large, rounded clusters of soft to vivid pink flowers that stand out beautifully against its lush, deep-green foliage.
Why You'll Love It: • Large, rounded clusters of soft to vivid pink flowers • Blooms repeatedly from spring through autumn • Flowers on both old and new wood - reliably bursts back into bloom • Colour intensity influenced by soil pH - pink in alkaline, mauve in acidic • Lush, deep-green foliage provides beautiful backdrop • Ideal for pots, borders, and courtyards • Classic touch adds timeless charm to any garden • Excellent cut flowers for arrangements • Known as Christmas roses because this is when they flower
Planting & Care: Plant 60-80cm apart in semi-shade to shade with moist, well-drained soil. A little morning sun and afternoon shade will reward you with months of spectacular flowers. Keep soil moist but well-drained. Feed regularly during the growing season for the best display.
Recommended Products: Feed and maintain vibrant pink blooms with these Cape Garden favourites:
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
'Lilyturf' is a popular evergreen garden solution for path edging or underplanting around trees. During summer to autumn the foliage provides a perfect base to a profusion of spiky, violet-purple flowers. Undoubtedly one of the most stunning "ornamental grasses" in the world. This groundcover will crowd out weeds and can be used as filler plant to cover bare spots .'Lilyturf' is easy to grow, low-maintenance and suitable for coastal areas.
With its sturdy, compact mounded growth, this variety showcases stunning red flowers against glossy green foliage. Perfect for containers, borders, garden beds, and hanging baskets, it's a prolific bloomer that requires minimal upkeep and thrives in various settings.
Foxglove remains a favourite for shady gardens. These easy-to-grow beauties with their large spikes of rose-pink trumpet flowers, will provide striking colour and height to the flower border. The velvety flowers will also last long in a vase. 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.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Tuxedo’ commands attention with its striking, deep purple-black foliage — the true showpiece of this unique variety. The richly coloured leaves create dramatic contrast, ensuring the plant looks exceptional even when not in flower.
In early spring, bold red flower clusters cover the compact, mounded shrub, standing out vividly against the dark foliage. Use Wonder Shake ’n Grow Pink Hydrangea Food to feed your hydrangea for strong, vibrant pink blooms. If your soil is very acidic (pH below 6), add a cupful of garden lime annually to raise the pH slightly and enhance red and pink tones.
Perfect for patios, mixed containers, or decorative indoor pots, ‘Tuxedo’ combines elegance and intensity in one easy-care plant. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for smaller gardens that crave colour and contrast throughout the seasons.
Why You'll Love It: • Striking deep purple-black foliage – beautiful even out of flower • Rich red or pink blooms from early spring • Compact, mounded growth habit – ideal for containers and borders • Excellent contrast plant for modern garden designs • Long-lasting colour interest through foliage and flower • Perfect for patios, decorative pots, and smaller spaces
Planting & Care: Plant in semi-shade with moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Keep the soil consistently damp during the growing season.
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.
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) is a striking tropical plant with iridescent purple foliage and silver undertones. Thriving in warm, humid conditions, it adds bold color to gardens, borders, and containers. Low-maintenance and easy to grow, it flourishes in partial shade, occasionally producing delicate purple flowers in late fall. A high-impact choice for any landscape!
Known as Christmas Roses for their brilliant summer display, Hydrangea ‘BloomStar’ is a compact, repeat-flowering hydrangea that produces dense clusters of richly coloured blooms — glowing pink in neutral to alkaline soil, or turning striking violet-blue in acidic soil.
‘BloomStar’ thrives in morning sun and afternoon shade, in moist but well-drained, compost-enriched soil. Perfect for pots, borders, and shaded courtyards, it flowers on both old and new wood, giving a spectacular show from late spring right through summer.
Garden Highlights
Long-lasting mophead blooms in vivid pink or blue
Colour varies beautifully with soil acidity
Excellent for cut flowers and patio pots
Compact and hardy — ideal for smaller gardens
Care Tips Keep the soil consistently moist, mulch well, and prune lightly after flowering to maintain its neat shape. With the right soil and care, ‘BloomStar’ rewards you with an unforgettable burst of colour every festive season.
The Baby Wing has small glossy green leaves and loose clusters of pink flowers. This is a vigorous grower that forms a dense mound. Ideal for containers or planted in mass in a lightly shaded area.
A favourite of the shady summer garden. These easy-to-grow beauties with their large spikes of purple trumpet flowers, will provide striking colour and height to the flower border. The velvety flowers will also last long in a vase. Pick flowers regularly to encourage blooming throughout summer.
*Just be aware that the plant does contain the chemical digitalis and all parts of the plant is toxic if eaten.
Foxglove remains a favourite for shady gardens. These easy-to-grow beauties with their large spikes of trumpet flowers, will provide striking colour and height to the flower border. The velvety flowers will also last long in a vase. 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.
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.
Originating from Taiwan, the beautiful umbrella tree can grow indoors and outdoors. It has amazing glossy green leaves, marbled with creamy yellow.
Enjoys a light but not hot position. It is beneficial to spray this plant with a mist of water. Schefflera’s do not enjoy compost that is too wet and the soil should be dry before watering again.
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.
The Gardenia Jasminoides Standard is a stunning evergreen shrub trained as an elegant 'lollipop' standard, featuring glossy dark green leaves and intensely fragrant, pure white blooms. With an exceptionally long flowering season from spring through autumn, this compact beauty creates a sophisticated focal point in any garden or large container. Feed monthly during the growing season with an acid-loving plant fertilizer to maintain healthy foliage and encourage abundant flowering. Plant in semi-shade with well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost, and water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Perfect for formal gardens, courtyards, or as striking container specimens on patios where their intoxicating fragrance can be fully appreciated.
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.
This special 2-in-1 climber shrub offers double the impact, with two plants in a single pot for an even more magnificent display. Flowering continuously from spring through to autumn, it produces an abundance of trumpet-shaped blooms set against glossy green foliage. Perfect for pots, flower beds, or climbing up an airy trellis, the 2-in-1 variety quickly becomes a showpiece in any Cape Town or Western Cape garden.
As with all Dipladenias, avoid planting directly against hot walls. Instead, allow them to climb naturally on a light support for best results. Thriving in full sun with moist, free-draining soil, this variety is easy to grow, responds well to regular watering and feeding, and rewards you with months of vibrant colour. A true favourite for gardeners wanting maximum effect with minimal effort.
Shade-Over is the perfect lawn seed for shaded spots, such as beneath trees. It features a mix of grasses specially suited to grow well in shady areas. With proper mowing, never cutting shorter than 6 to 7 cm in shaded areas—this lawn will flourish year after year.
Shade-Over remains green throughout the seasons and withstands heat effectively.
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.
Hydrangea Macrophylla Endless Summer ® 'Blushing Bride'TM is a showstopper that brings lasting colour and romance to shady or semi-shaded gardens. Blushing Bride reblooms much faster than its parent, Endless Summer. This exceptional variety has white blooms, maturing to a blush pink or blue flower depending on soil PH. It has glossy, deep green foliage. ® Registered TM
Why You'll Love It: • Large, rounded clusters of white blooms • Blooms repeatedly from spring through autumn • Flowers on both old and new wood - reliably bursts back into bloom • Colour intensity influenced by soil pH - pink in alkaline, mauve in acidic • Lush, deep-green foliage provides beautiful backdrop • Ideal for pots, borders, and courtyards • Classic touch adds timeless charm to any garden • Excellent cut flowers for arrangements • Known as Christmas roses because this is when they flower
Planting & Care: Plant 60-80cm apart in semi-shade to shade with moist, well-drained soil. A little morning sun and afternoon shade will reward you with months of spectacular flowers. Keep soil moist but well-drained. Feed regularly during the growing season for the best display.
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.
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.
Originating from Taiwan, the beautiful umbrella tree can grow indoors and outdoors. This broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is fast growing and has amazing glossy green leaves. Enjoys a light but not hot position. It is beneficial to spray this plant with a mist of water. Schefflera’s does not enjoy compost that is too wet and the soil should be dry before watering again.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Endless Summer Love' is a showstopper that brings lasting colour and romance to shady or semi-shaded gardens. This exceptional variety blooms repeatedly from spring through autumn, producing large, rounded clusters of soft to vivid pink flowers that stand out beautifully against its lush, deep-green foliage.
Why You'll Love It: • Large, rounded clusters of soft to vivid pink flowers • Blooms repeatedly from spring through autumn • Flowers on both old and new wood - reliably bursts back into bloom • Colour intensity influenced by soil pH - pink in alkaline, mauve in acidic • Lush, deep-green foliage provides beautiful backdrop • Ideal for pots, borders, and courtyards • Classic touch adds timeless charm to any garden • Excellent cut flowers for arrangements • Known as Christmas roses because this is when they flower
Planting & Care: Plant 60-80cm apart in semi-shade to shade with moist, well-drained soil. A little morning sun and afternoon shade will reward you with months of spectacular flowers. Keep soil moist but well-drained. Feed regularly during the growing season for the best display.
Recommended Products: Feed and maintain vibrant pink blooms with these Cape Garden favourites:
Dipladenia ‘Jade XXL White’ is a semi-compact, evergreen perennial that flaunts large, crisp white flowers set against glossy dark green foliage. With its generous bloom size and tidy growth habit, it’s perfect for patio containers, baskets or small garden spaces.
Why You'll Love It: • Large pure white blooms that contrast beautifully with deep foliage • Bushy-compact form, ideal for containers or just where space is limited • Long flowering period in warm conditions — spring through to autumn • Prefers a bright position but not sitting flush against hot walls • Low-maintenance and showy — an absolute favourite
Planting & Care: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil in full to part sun. Avoid planting directly against hot walls; instead use an airy trellis or keep in a roomy pot where air can circulate. Water regularly when young, and feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season for best bloom performance.
The Boston Macho Fern is a lush, bright green plant with gracefully arching fronds. It thrives in shaded outdoor areas or spacious indoor spots, requiring moderate care and high humidity to maintain its vibrant foliage. Perfect for adding a classic, tropical touch to any setting.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘You & Me Miss Saori’ is a breathtaking variety known for its unique, double-petalled blooms with soft white centres delicately edged in vivid pink. These exquisite flowers contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage, which turns a rich burgundy tone in spring and autumn — creating colour interest throughout the year.
Unlike many hydrangeas, ‘Miss Saori’ retains its striking colour regardless of soil pH, ensuring dependable beauty in every garden. Compact and elegant, it’s ideal for container planting, shaded courtyards, and small garden spaces where a touch of refinement and structure is desired.
Why You'll Love It: • Double, ruffled blooms with soft white centres and pink-edged petals • Consistent flower colour – unaffected by soil pH • Dark foliage adds dramatic contrast, turning burgundy in cooler seasons • Compact habit – ideal for containers, patios, and borders • Long-lasting blooms perfect for cut flowers • Flowers reliably from spring through early autumn • Adds sophistication to semi-shaded gardens
Planting & Care: Plant in semi-shade with moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Morning sun and afternoon shade give the best results. Feed regularly with a balanced, acid-loving fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage and abundant blooms. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.
Botanical Name
Hydrangea Macrophylla
Growth Expectancy
80cm H x 1.5m W
Position
Shade - Semi-shade
Water Smart
No
Indigenous
No
Begonia ‘Dragon Wing’ Pink x Semperflorens-Cultorum
These begonias have stout stems to 40cm tall. They have large green leaves and are easy-to-grow plants with stunning flowers that should be a must for every shaded garden. They flower for most of the year.
Plectranthus ‘Cheeky Chimeni’ is a hardy, evergreen shrub that fills the garden with soft pink blooms from spring through autumn. Compact and reliable, it thrives in both sun and semi-shade, adding gentle colour and texture to borders, rockeries, or containers. Water-wise and easy to grow, it’s a cheerful, long-flowering shrub that brings effortless beauty to any garden.
Why You'll Love It: • Masses of soft pink blooms for months • Compact, hardy, and easy to maintain • Thrives in sun or semi-shade • Water-wise and ideal for low-maintenance gardens • Perfect for beds, borders, and containers
Planting & Care: Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly until established. Tolerates dry periods once mature. Lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Foxglove remains a favourite for shady gardens. These easy-to-grow beauties with their large spikes of trumpet flowers, will provide striking colour and height to the flower border. The velvety flowers will also last long in a vase. 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.
Botanical Name
Digitalis
Growth Expectancy
1m H x 50cm W
Position
Semi-shade
Water Smart
No
Indigenous
No
Umbrella Tree | Schefflera Arboricola 'Gold Capella'
The Gold Capella Umbrella Tree is a tropical plant from Taiwan with beautiful green leaves splashed with gold, yellow and pale-green tones. It grows well indoors or outdoors and is simple to care for.
Place your Gold Capella in a bright spot away from direct heat, and mist the leaves occasionally to keep them healthy. Water when the soil feels dry—don't overwater. This plant naturally removes toxins from the air, making it a great choice for any home or garden space.
Dipladenia Quartz Pink Yellow is 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, with their intense fuchsia pink blooms with bright yellow throats.
