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	DSCN0104	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