When it comes to ferns try Polystichum Setiferum. I have clay soil and it grows well under a tree.Suggest you purchase from a reliable fern nursery as I have seen poorer forms.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
I am looking at Aesculus parviflora. Also would love a Callicarpa 'Profusion' and a Viburnum Opulus if they can handle the dry. Maybe a Corylus avellana 'Contorta'.
Sorry but most of the shrubs you mention above are not shrubs of woodlands...they prefer sun to ripen the wood to produce flowers. The Corylus will grow well but in shade will not produce many catkins that make it so attractive. I am busy now will come back later with ideas. Aesculus parviflora pics below.
Thank you all again. Internet is slow here (I blame the Rhodies!) but hopefully these pics will upload now.
These are east facing so there's a good amount of morning sun in these areas.
In the first one under the pine tree, there's a stump of a lovely Rhododendron that was removed by accident - gutting. It covered the gate really nicely. This is the view from the house so I'd love to put something evergreen in front of the gate again.
I did think about getting a nice evergreen Rhododendron again but are the toxic to bees, or is that just ponticum?
The second photo shows where I've started clearing and plan to keep going to the right.
Your area looks very similar to mine, clay with very tall trees! For me, shrubs that do well include sambucus nigra, enkianthus, deciduous azaleas and various hardy fuschias. The best evergreen growing right next to a large sycamore is choisya ternata, a real surprise but it doesn't mind the summer dryness. Also large semi evergreen white flower hebes fit in with the natural look and attract loads of pollinators ( sorry I dont know the variety, cutting of a cutting!). Hostas are great, very little slug damage under the trees. For ground cover sweet woodruff also thrives directly under the trees.
They all sound amazing, thank you. I am learning so many new plants through this thread. Spoilt for choice now - especially deciduous for wildlife! Does your Choisya get some sun?
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You are spoilt for choice for woodland shrubs on ericaceous soil - Hamamelis and Stachyurus praecox would be nice. Japanese maples.
Smilacenia and Polygonatum are nice spring flowering perennials
Luzula nivea is a beautiful evergreen grass for white spring flowers, Sesleria autumnalis for later in the year (in sunnier patches). Ferns of course.
Eurybia divaricata (white wood aster) would be ideal for later colour.
If You Go Down to the Woods Today … - Trentham Estate
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
The Corylus will grow well but in shade will not produce many catkins that make it so attractive.
I am busy now will come back later with ideas.
Aesculus parviflora pics below.
These are east facing so there's a good amount of morning sun in these areas.
In the first one under the pine tree, there's a stump of a lovely Rhododendron that was removed by accident
I did think about getting a nice evergreen Rhododendron again but are the toxic to bees, or is that just ponticum?
The second photo shows where I've started clearing and plan to keep going to the right.