Inspiration for flowering plants under a bay tree and grape

[LittleBearPad]

We have a very healthy bay tree and vine that between them draw pretty much all goodness out of the soil. In addition the bay tree is pretty dense so not much rain will get through

What can flowering plant I plant underneath it that will survive and not demand too much attention. The bed looks so boring!

[MapMyMum]

Would native wildflowers work here?

[everywhichway]

Japanese Anemones, Geranium Macrorrhizum, Epimediums and Cyclamen Hederifolium might all work.

[MereDintofPandiculation]

Would native wildflowers work here? Which ones? Native wildflowers run the whole gamut from plants needing full sun to plants coping with shade, plants growing in dry habitats, to bog plants and water plants.

What's growing in the bed at the moment? - ie what "weeds" do you pull out? If the answer is "nothing" then you'll struggle to find something to grow.

[Enb76]

Gallium Odoratum is pretty tough and spreading. I think it's pretty but it can get invasive if not kept in check. I like umbellifers so maybe some of the cow parsley looking plants like Cenolophium denudatum or Chaerophyllum hirsutum ‘Roseum’.

I'm currently trying cornus canadensis under a particularly dry shady bit of garden next to a wall and under a crab apple - it prefers slightly acid soil but is apparently not overly fussy.

[Beebumble2]

I have the same combination along the garage side, west facing.
Cranesbill geraniums, hellebores and Vinca do well. In the spring I have Lilley of the valley and snakes head fritillaries.

[LittleBearPad]

Sorry I forgot all about this - not used to starting threads!

I shall investigate all these suggestions. I’m tempted by cyclamen for now. Thank you

[MereDintofPandiculation]

Cyclamen hederifolium for flower now, Cyclamen coum to flower after Christmas and into the spring.