It gets about 4 hours in summer but more in winter. Also another vote for Acers, they look great sheltered under other trees and although not evergreen the ones with bright orange or green stems look great this time of year.
The green choisyas will certainly take some sun, but the golden ones, which are nicest for shadier sites, aren't as tough, so you'd need to check that it would suit where you live, and where you site it. The purple Acers do best with some sun to get the best from their foliage, but not searing midday sun. The palmatum types are easiest. Essentially, Acers are woodland, or edge of woodland, plants. They need moisture, and decent drainage, and in a site where they're protected from morning sun. West facing is the best aspect. Unless you get a lot of rain, you won't be able to grow a lot around the base of that tree, other than ground cover which will gradually spread - aconites and cyclamen, bulbs etc, so it's important to research any plant you like for it's suitability, and then prep the ground properly. The aftercare until plants establish themselves, is also important.
Careful siting of anything you plant is the most important thing, and be prepared for some plants to fail too. Good luck with whatever you decide to plant
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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The purple Acers do best with some sun to get the best from their foliage, but not searing midday sun. The palmatum types are easiest. Essentially, Acers are woodland, or edge of woodland, plants. They need moisture, and decent drainage, and in a site where they're protected from morning sun. West facing is the best aspect.
Unless you get a lot of rain, you won't be able to grow a lot around the base of that tree, other than ground cover which will gradually spread - aconites and cyclamen, bulbs etc, so it's important to research any plant you like for it's suitability, and then prep the ground properly. The aftercare until plants establish themselves, is also important.
Careful siting of anything you plant is the most important thing, and be prepared for some plants to fail too. Good luck with whatever you decide to plant
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...