While getting some Cyathea medullaris (otherwise known as black tree ferns) from a wholesaler, I was given a tour to some of the planted areas. They have HUGE ancient oaks underplanted with the black tree ferns. Since the oaks were so large, they didn't provide enough shade so the ferns stepped in. Under the ferns were a ton of pots of Clivias (not for sale, I tried, he was keeping them all for himself, rude, huh?). The two tiers provided beautiful dappled shade for them. I love these ferns and think they would be a great canopy over many other bulbs that need some shade. I could see a whole black garden developing, Colocasia 'Black Magic', Ipomea 'Blackie', Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandof', etc. John Ingram in L.A., CA. http://www.floralarchitecture.com/ "Your Clivia Connection" john@floralarchitecture.com 310.709.1613 (cell, west coast time, please call accordingly. Thank you)