Ground covers for deep shade - Zone 7a

Hi,

I'll be putting in some type of ground cover or slowly-spreading perennial plants under a couple trees, but don't want to disturb the roots too much (one is a southern magnolia). I'm thinking Lamium galeobdolon 'Variegatum' or Ajuga reptans, for starters. Does anyone have any experience with perennial Begonias or cyclamen as possible alternatives? Maybe phlox divaricata would work where more sun hits around the edges.

Thanks,

Mike
pepsis1 AT netzero DOT net

Hi Mike,

Your choice sounds great. Most Begonias are not hardy perennial though,
Begonia grandis is perfect for your zone.
http://davesgarden.com/pdb/showimage/33087/
Some kinds of hardy cyclamens (C.hederifolium, C.coum etc) are happy to grow at the root of trees.