Create a realistic garden in Southern California, partial shade with 2–3 hours of sun, in a 50 square foot ground bed. Cacti Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) – thrives in partial shade, tropical cactus. Opuntia (Prickly Pear, smaller varieties) – can tolerate some shade but prefers morning sun. Echinopsis (Hedgehog or Easter cactus) – some types tolerate filtered light. Succulents / Desert Plants Agave (small or dwarf varieties) – slow-growing, partial shade tolerant. Aloe vera / Aloe hybrids – do well in partial sun and are drought-tolerant. Graptopetalum / Graptoveria (succulent rosettes) – shade-tolerant succulents. Sedum (Stonecrop) – many varieties handle low sun. Yucca (dwarf) – partial sun tolerant and adds height/structure. Ornamental Desert Plants Nolina / Bear Grass – drought-tolerant, partial shade OK. Dasylirion (Desert Spoon) – slow-growing, tolerates filtered light.. Make it realistic, photo-style, showing spacing, plant height differences, and a natural, well-maintained garden bed. See more