Alternatives to Ivy?

[Alan_b]

I have an area under some conifers that is both dry and dark.  It requires a heavy rainfall to even wet the ground and heavy rain is rare near Cambridge.  On the plus side, there is about six foot of headroom so I can get in there and plant things and being sandwiched between the house and a boundary wall makes it a sheltered spot.  Ivy does well but I got bored with the regular ivy and pulled it up.  I have imported some ornamental ivy from elsewhere in the garden but that will take years to establish and spread and I would really prefer something that flowers at ground level.  Apart from the Ivy, I have a self-set Mahonia (aquifolium?)and a self-set Yew, both very small so far.  I just mention those as examples of things that do manage to grow.

Any ideas for attractive plants I can grow in such adverse conditions?

     

[Maggi Young]

Galium odoratum is a useful ground cover for such a site, as is Vinca
I wouldn't be surprised if Dicentra eximea did not cope with the conditions, too.
Also Asarum europaeum and Chrysosplenium macrophyllum are other ground covers that might suit.....

[Alan_b]

Thanks, Maggi.  I have plenty of Galium odoratum elsewhere in the garden; never thought of trying it there but that's easily done.  It's in flower at the moment and looking really good.  It say 'moist but well-drained soil' here http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=835 but then it often does say that. 

The Dicentra would be lovely if it will grow.  Either of the other two suggestions would be great also, but living where you do I doubt you can easily appreciate how very dry it can get here. 

[Alan_b]

Okay, three trial clumps of Galium odoratum in place.  It will look very nice there, if it survives.

But there's plenty of bare ground left so I'm still open to other suggestions.

[Maggi Young]

Yes, Alan, I know it is a very different prospect to have a dry spot in your garden and one in mine - but these plants may still be worth a try. They get no watering here at all and compete with many rhodos, trees etc.

[WimB]

Most Epimediums cope with dry shade too.

[Margaret]

Hi Alan

You could try Euphorbia robbiae, Stipa arundinacea, Begonia evansiana, Luzula sylvatica, Ophiopogan planiscapus and Polypodium vulgaris.

It's a great place to overwinter tender stuff in pots. You could also try a bit of sculpture or some well placed rocks.

[Alan_b]

Thanks for your suggestions, Maggi.  I have immediately tried the Gallium odoratum.  I'm not very keen on Vinca because I have to fight it elsewhere in the garden but I'll try any of the others I can obtain.

I have Epimediums growing successfully in some very dry spots elsewhere in the garden but these spots are far less shady; still I might give one a try.  In fact I'll try anything I can get hold of that isn't too expensive.  You would think it would be a good spot for overwintering tender plants but that hasn't worked too well in he past.  It's something of a low point in the garden so perhaps acts as a bit of a frost pocket despite being sheltered from the wind.

And thanks, Margaret.  Euphorbia robbiae is the easiest to get hold of from your list of suggestions so I'll try that. 

[Gail]

Cyclamen hederifolium is indispensible. Scopolia carniolica is good in spring here with interesting flowers and has gone dormant by the time the cyclamen flower. (I'll send you a bit to try in the autumn if you like)

[brianw]

Some of the smaller Solomon's seals or Maianthemums might be Ok there.

[Alan_b]

I am very grateful to everyone who has risen to this challenge.  I have never tried to grow Solomon's seal since my traumatic first attempt when my plant was demolished by caterpillars.  Maianthemums I'm not sure I have ever even seen!

Cyclamen hederifolium I have in another dry spot in the garden which it is gradually naturalizing but I always assumed it wanted more of a summer bake than it would get in my dark and shady spot.  And Scopolia carniolica is again, something I don't know at all.  I'm rather betraying my ignorance here, aren't I?  I'd like to try some but the spot I am seeking plants for is the toughest spot in the garden; it's going to kill most things so I am loath to sacrifice anything rare there.