Novice.. any idea what to plant here (pic included)

[Tetleyteabag]

Hi anyone have any idea what to plant in this area I'm digging out, it's mostly shaded under the tree bush thing. Not idea what I am doing tbh. Thank you.

Hosts and ferns would love that shady spot! I’d keep it all green with lots of texture through different leave shapes. Plant the ferns at the back closest to the tree trunk.

Also perhaps think about spring flowering bulbs, things like daffodils, bluebells, tulips etc. They will flower before the leaves come out on that bush.

Something like forget me nots will also flower early as well.

Hostas, a variety, can make a nice show

it's mostly shaded under the tree bush thing
Are you aware of the concept of "raising the canopy"? Basically, it means removing lower-down foliage so that more light gets in and you are reducing the shade problem. Here's a quick video which shows the Before and After so you can see what a difference it makes. YouTube.
I can't tell from your picture what the plant is. Hopefully someone can recognise it and advise on the best approach to pruning it (if you want to go for it, that is).

Look up woodland planting (UK). Some good suggestions here: https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/woodland-plants-to-grow/

You're certainly not limited to hostas! Spring bulbs are must, you might also be able to grow raspberries if not completely shaded.

Some roses grow well in shade - https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/collections/ideal-for-north-walls-and-shady-areas

Heather is also a lovely choice. A mix of flowers, greenery and spring bulbs would make for a stunning bed.

You could also have an edible bed - herbs can be grown in shade: https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/shade-loving-herbs-to-grow/

You could also take inspiration from fruit tree guilds and forest permaculture https://www.permaculture.org.uk/forest-gardens-0

I think that I would go for something a little different:
Disporopsis
Podophyllum
Beesia
Solomon's Seal
Saruma
Epimedium

And for shade tolerant spring bulbs:
Winter Aconite
Erythronium
Hermodactylus
Arum italicum

Whatever you choose though, the soil will be dry and moisture depleted, since the tree (which I cannot identify from your picture), will take most of the moisture from it and it will need a good deal of organic matter, in the form of leaf mould or well rotted manure, in order to boost its structure and water retaining properties.

Hostas and Heucheras. Heucheras are evergreen too which will give colour all year round. Maybe a fuchsia or two as well

I’ve found Japonica and heuchera have grown well in my shady tree covered spot

Does the tree/bush flower? The leaves look a bit like buddleia.

@APurpleSquirrelI’d agree it’s Buddleja. Late for this year but pruning in March next year will reduce shade. Brunnera and Epimedium are good for shade.

I have London pride in a shady dry area which does well.

I'd go for a variety of cyclamens and snowdrops.

I’m going to be controversial. The bed is a horrible shape and too close to a fence - the path past it looks narrow. I would seriously make it smaller and circular.

The buddleia needs a good prune. It’s messy and shapeless. There seem to be roots in the bed? Something? I’d dig it all out and replace the soil. You will end up growing something under it that likes shade but buddleias like sun. So not a great match really. I would try decorative grasses and daffodils in spring. Hostas get eaten by slugs. I’d definitely change the shape of the bed and it’s a trip hazard in my view.

I’m going to be controversial. The bed is a horrible shape and too close to a fence - the path past it looks narrow. I would seriously make it smaller and circular.
Well, if we are going down that route...
Buddleia are nothing special and ten-a-penny. OP could get rid of it and totally re-design the area. However, I don't advocate rush decisions in gardening; think about it, and plan, for a year.

I've got the following in my shady border: lots of bulbs (but some like sunlight so check), ferns, heuchera, peonies, aquilegia, brunnera, hardy geraniums, astrantia, toad lilies, foxgloves, hostas, dicentra, st john's wort.

If it's a buddleia - you can cut it back every year to about 1ft - I chopped mine back in November I think (long handled loppers and a pruning saw) - it grows back incredibly quickly - you can see all the green leaves around the stumps - that's the buddleia growing back - I like to keep one in the garden because the butterflies and bees love it.

Wild or alpine strawberries, they are idea for undeplanting trees, a woodland plant, had a long season fo interest with bright white flowers and red fruit, also great for wildlife and you if you like fresh strawberries.

@senua It’s not a great plant for that position. It’s always gojng to look average there. How shady is that spot without the buddleia? They like sun anyway but will can dominate that space. Other plants suggested are great but it’s not a border. I’d actually start again if nothing appears that’s appealing: not sure there’s much there!

Thanks all, been busy researching the suggestions. I actually thought I had got rid of the buddleia (thanks I finally know what it is) two years ago. We cut it down to just a stump but it has grown incredibly fast so I am now embracing it hence the weird shaped bed, trying to make the best of it. I have a patio in front of that bed so it provides a nice cosy private corner actually so it's here to stay lol

I have a patio in front of that bed so it provides a nice cosy private corner actually so it's here to stay lol
If you are going for a cosy seating area then I suggest you plant something with fragrance. Here's a list of recommendations. Choose one for each season (you don't want competing smells).
But meanwhile you need to keep on top of the pruning of that buddleia! And check that it doesn't self-seed around the garden. They are lovely flowers but the plant is a bit ... vigorous.

I too would just get rid of the buddleia and start afresh. Or bring it right down you can then have space and light for other things in the bed. There are specific correct times of year to cut buddleia but it's so tough it'll still come back up if you do it now. It's lovely for insects but if it's not doing it for you in that spot, get rid.