Hi, any idea's for an evergreen groundcover for a dry full shade other than bugle (which I already have) hopefully something to brighten up the area a bit.
Pachysandra terminalis - shiny leaves, so reflect some light, spring flowers 'insignificant' but scented.
Epimediums - pretty leaves in various shades, dainty spring flowers in a variety of colours. Not exactly evergreen, but a few leaves usually hang on and the new ones come through very early.
Galium Odoratum, I believe you UK people call it sweet woodruff. It smells really nice, spreads steadily but not uncontrollable and has lovely flowers in spring.
Geranium Macrorrhizum 'Spessart' will brighten the area. Neat mounds of even foliage that also turns orange in the autumn time. But for robust plants that will do the job and fill the area quickly, you can't beat Euphorbia Amygdolaides Var. Robbiae. For large nice glossy leaves, Bergenias will add colour in spring into summer and foliage turning red in autumn to prolong the interest.
I have London Pride [Saxifraga urbium] in full shade under a conifer by my shed. Although we don't really have dry shade here, it will cope perfectly well with it once established. It certainly didn't have any problem with the lack of rain in summer this year. Good waxy foliage, like the Pachysandra B'cupdays mentions, and little spires of pale pink flowers. Does Brunnera grow in that aspect in dry condtiions? I don't grow it as I don't like the flower colour, but the foliage is bright for a shady spot.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have VERY dry shade. Quite a lot survives but not much thrives. Some plants bought specifically for dry shade (such as pachysandra) fall into category.
Plants which cope best with very dry shade in my garden are sweet woodruff, vinca, geraniums nodosum and phaeum and brunnera. These all wilt if it gets very hot and dry - but respond well to the occasional soaking.
However, the very best ‘doer’ in this situation in my garden is Geranium Cantabrigiense “Biokovo” which seems to cope with everything. Forms a mat of near evergreen foliage and has very pretty shell pink or white flowers for several weeks late spring / early summer. Easily propagated from tearing off a bit with some roots attached and bunging in a pot of compost to grow on for a few weeks.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
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Lamium is nice too:
https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/lamium-maculatum-beacon-silver/classid.3133/
Does Brunnera grow in that aspect in dry condtiions? I don't grow it as I don't like the flower colour, but the foliage is bright for a shady spot.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have VERY dry shade. Quite a lot survives but not much thrives. Some plants bought specifically for dry shade (such as pachysandra) fall into category.
Plants which cope best with very dry shade in my garden are sweet woodruff, vinca, geraniums nodosum and phaeum and brunnera. These all wilt if it gets very hot and dry - but respond well to the occasional soaking.
However, the very best ‘doer’ in this situation in my garden is Geranium Cantabrigiense “Biokovo” which seems to cope with everything. Forms a mat of near evergreen foliage and has very pretty shell pink or white flowers for several weeks late spring / early summer. Easily propagated from tearing off a bit with some roots attached and bunging in a pot of compost to grow on for a few weeks.