In addition to those mentioned above, Sweet ciceley, Thalictrum delavayii, Anemone japonica, Iris feotidissima.
Depending on density you can also try training a non invasive variety of honeysuckle up one of the trees. I would give it a help compete with the tree for water by making a square frame 6” deep x 2’ set it into the soil about 2’ from the tree, cultivate under it as best you can and fill it with compost and plant into that. Keep it watered for a couple of seasons till it establishes. I’ve also cut the bottoms out of old terracotta planters with an angle grinder to do the same job.
I find shade gardening very interesting and I hope you like it too.
Would it be an option to lower or thin the surrounding trees and shrubs to let more light in? Strategically sited mirrors can also increase the light in a garden, as well as being decorative in themselves, and creating an illusion of space and/or vistas beyond the boundary.
I have a north-facing very tall fence at the bottom of my garden, surrounded by wild rose, lilac trees, hawthorn, and leandii as well as a grass bank and 2 sheds. There is no direct sunlight to the ground, and this area is in shade all day. There are several things that grow beautifully - including white Phlox, three types of dicentra (bleeding heart), several varieties of aquilegia, foxglove, Jacobs ladder, monkshood, and also elderberry and sloe (blackthorn) bushes, fuschia and ivy as a back drop. The soil is quite damp due to the pond overflow being sited near the shaded border, and there is a large stump from a ceonothus that I grew there, and I couldn't dig it out! I have also grown ornamental grasses (too bullyish), a potted acer and cordyline in this spot. The soil is quite poor, very stony with a lot of clay. Datura and comfrey also grow well there. Hope that helps a little
Thanks Sheleenhems - The area I am planting used to have bamboo. It took me ages to grub it all out, by the roots. Although I am after primarily wildlife nectar suggestions I may have to look at some non-invasive ornamental options as well.
Phaeum hardy geraniums for sure - bees adore the Ines in my grades, at the moment. Add some instant height too and self seed freely, though to extend the flowering period be sure to deadhead a lot. I know you're after pollinator friendly plants, but if you'd like another ornamental, try some ferns perhaps - especially painted lady as these have such lovely colours. I also have star grass that does well in the shade, plus lamium which the bees also like...oh and brunnera (lovely, silvery leaves as well as forget me not like blue flowers in spring)
For shrubs, I suggest Viburnum. They produce plenty of flowers, do well in shade and provide structure to the garden. Some varieties such as 'Eve Price' are also evergreen.
Lot of great suggestions, but I don't think I've seen Columbine/Aquilegia mentioned anywhere. I have great succes with Aquilegia in shady areas of the garden - and the bees love them. I think you can go with any sort of Aquilegia really. I started with William Guinness and they since willingly self-sowed. The new plants that pop up are different looking than the originals due to
cross-pollination, but I find this really charming.
I like to use all forms of primula as they do best in shade, also bergenia although not beautiful provide early nectar and the leaves form mats for newts coming out of hibernation. If you contact a company called Rosybee ,they only supply wildlife supporting plants and they are great at sending blocks of plants, good quality and ever so reasonable compared to most suppliers. I only use them now and have never been disappointed
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Depending on density you can also try training a non invasive variety of honeysuckle up one of the trees. I would give it a help compete with the tree for water by making a square frame 6” deep x 2’ set it into the soil about 2’ from the tree, cultivate under it as best you can and fill it with compost and plant into that. Keep it watered for a couple of seasons till it establishes. I’ve also cut the bottoms out of old terracotta planters with an angle grinder to do the same job.
I find shade gardening very interesting and I hope you like it too.
Just to say, if you do decide to have a mirror, make sure that it's angled so that birds can't fly into it.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/lideas/mirrors-in-garden-design.htm
Apologies if you already knew this !
I know you're after pollinator friendly plants, but if you'd like another ornamental, try some ferns perhaps - especially painted lady as these have such lovely colours.
I also have star grass that does well in the shade, plus lamium which the bees also like...oh and brunnera (lovely, silvery leaves as well as forget me not like blue flowers in spring)
Also, add varieties of fern. Link: Fern Tips: Selecting The Right Fern For Your Home, Yard or Garden
Add impatiens on the border for color.