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Ideas for tough plants for dry shade?
I have a sloping area which is under a large oak tree and therefore very shaded when the oak tree is in leaf. I would like to plant with something that would cover the ground, is fairly low and is tough (as the dog jumps up there). As can be seen in the photo I have 2 Rhododendrons at the front and a clematis and honeysuckle which cover the fence but big gaps of earth. I put lots of bark down but it has just fallen down to the front over the last few months so that was obvious a silly idea!
Does any plant exist that would meet my requirements?!!
Does any plant exist that would meet my requirements?!! South Devon
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Cyclamen grow in the deepest shade, foxgloves aren't fussy, pulmonaria and primroses will probably grow there. Some ferns will cope, if you water them to get them established. Small acers will grow if it's sheltered - basically any woodland edge plants will be OK - early spring and late autumn flowers, greenery in summer.
A low maintenance (not very interesting but better than bare soil) option would be one of the lamiums if the soil is quite light or a vinca if it's heavy, but beware - both of those will run mad if they are happy so you need to be able to contain them.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Excellent ground cover.
Never grows taller.
Copes with deep dry shade.
Another good spreader, Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue' is also as tough as old boots (and a great pollinator plant).
I found the drier conditions were more difficult for them here. I had some in a narrow bed -in shade, apart from a short while later afternoon in summer. They didn't thrive, but the ones in the raised beds with the hydrangeas are fine. They get far more rainfall there, and more light generally. Great plants though.
I'm wondering just how dry the ground is though if those rhodos are thriving @CDouch , or are they benefiting from that soaker hose- if that's what it is in the pic?
Most honeysuckles will cover that whole fence in a few years, so you may find the clematis will struggle with the competition- depending on what variety it is.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Eventually I made border wider and discarded Pachysandra in favour of dwarf Rhododendrons, dwarf ferns, snowdrops etc.
Last pic was taken else where to show a huge patch.
It is very slow.
No sun needed.
Excellent at suppressing weeds.
Evergreen.