Ten delectable plants that will fill tricky bare patches of soil in shady spots are recommended here by Matthew Murgatroyd, head gardener at Holker Hall
Matthew Murgatroyd has been head gardener at Holker Hall in Cumbria since September 2022. “I started out at Levens Hall, then spent some years with the National Trust,” he explains. “My career then took me to Highgrove, where I worked for 13 years.” The gardens at Holker Hall span 25 acres and boast a fine plant collection. “This winter, my team and I are working on several exciting projects including the restoration of the Cascade and new planting schemes, which we’re looking forward to showcasing when the garden reopens in March 2024,” he adds. Here Matthew suggests ten good groundcover plants for shade.
Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7PL. Tel: 015395 58328; holker.co.uk
1Vinca major
“When you have ground to cover, nothing beats the greater periwinkle. It will cope with dry shade, no problem. Just treat it mean to keep it under control,” advises Matthew. Look out for the variegated form, which will brighten darker locations, with both its violet flowers and its attractive cream-edged foliage.
2Cyclamen coum
“I’m pushing the boundaries of groundcover, but planted en masse under established trees without too much competition, C. coum can naturalise to form a stunning carpet of flowers as the worst of winter passes,” explains Matthew. This hardy, clump-forming species grows to about 10cm tall with a similar spread.
3 Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’
“‘Jack Frost’ is another favourite of mine; the white veins on the leaves are just divine,” observes Matthew. “At Holker, it can be seen on the Mound and close to the Cascade.” This is a robust plant with distinctive leaf markings that distinguish it from the species form. It’s fully hardy, although it dies back in winter.
4Tellima grandiflora
“This is a favourite from my time at Highgrove, where it is found in the Stumpery. Just watch out for it going to seed because it will be everywhere,” cautions Matthew. Also known as fringe cups, this is a clump-forming plant that’s suited to most soils. It grows well in north- or south-facing aspects, and in full sun to full shade.
5 Epimedium x rubrum
“Jacob Tarr from the garden team at Holker has selected this to be planted in an area
