The shade and competitive root systems of large trees limit the kinds of plants that can grow successfully beneath them. Several groundcovers that spread laterally and have shallow root systems that can be grown in these challenging areas. Periwinkle, also known as myrtle is one of the best, since it is evergreen, providing green foliage throughout the year. Other useful shade groundcovers are the nettles (Lamium), barren strawberry (Waldsteinia), bugleweed (Ajuga) and sweet woodruff (Galium).
For more information, please see the PlantTalk script "Shade Gardens: ground covers."
