Ground cover under trees

[LadyKooKoo]

DH and I bought a new house in March with a large and neglected garden. We have got rid of the years worth of weed/nettle/bramble growth and in one section we have a large Christmas Tree (about 20 foot) and an equally large Magnolia tree. There were lots of dead leaves and pine needles under the tree and after getting rid of that we have found some herbs and some bluebells. Given the height and girth of the trees, there is not much light under there so does anyone have any suggestions for (colourful) plants that we can plant under there which do not need much light but give good ground coverage?

I have Solomon's seal and berginia under a magnolia and flowering cherry tree. They seem to do well even though they are in permanent shade.

Periwinkle, epimedium, geranium macrorrhizum. To be honest, not much that's very colourful will grow there, especially under the christmas tree.

Most herbs want full sun so won't be that happy, although mint and lemon verbena might be Ok there but keep an eye out as they both have a bit of a thing about world domination.

I'd have the Christmas Tree out frankly. They always look like 'oh someone bought a rooted christmas tree and plonked it in the garden' and they can get absolutely huge.

i too would get rid of the christmas tree. the soil will be very acid surely so will reduce what will grow further. ferns, hostas, forget me nots also do nicely.