One of the most spectacular shade loving flowers around, Clivia miniata is very easy to grow providing its two main requirements are met - excellent drainage and shade. In moist soils it sulks, in sunshine the deep green glossy leaves turn an unattractive yellow colour.

Flowering in very early spring, Clivia miniata is superb beneath trees, anywhere it’s dry and shady. On the south sides of houses, under the eaves, where rain seldom penetrates and so many plants struggle, it thrives. It grows well in beach gardens, beneath trees, enjoying the sandy soil and drought and shade. In containers Clivia miniata is superb, not minding if you neglect watering, but don’t put small plants into large pots. A stunning plant for brightening up dull, shady spots. Established plants form dense clumps of strap-shaped foliage which smother weeds, so it’s a good choice when planning low maintenance gardens.

Although Clivia miniata is frost tender, a canopy of dense tree foliage will protect it in frosty gardens.