Bomb proof plant for this spot?

[MerylSqueak]

Can you suggest a plant that will be happy in a container in this spot? It's shady but I didn't think it would be terribly difficult but it is. I'm buying a single planter to give more root space.

I've tried several perennials that are supposed to like dry shade ( for example heuchera and hellebore) but they don't like it. They limp along but they're not happy. I've also tried typical container annuals like pansies and alyssum but they're the same.

It's a pretty ugly spot without anything there so I'd like to try again.

Bay tree at the back for height and structure, Japanese anemones in the middle (get ones that flower at different times) and ferns at the front.

Alchemilla mollis

If you are not too far north you could grow aspidistra there. They put up with almost anything. They live outdoors here all year round. There's a variagated variety but I haven't tried it myself.

London Pride, low maintenance, will grow in shade and has pretty flowers. You can also break off new growth and plant elsewhere.

@MerylSqueak Slugs love hostas. They also get quite big. I’d buy a trough and plant smaller grasses. They will provide soft edges and are easy to grow.

That space isn’t big enough for larger shrubs. Lavender might actually be ok, eg Hidcote. Full sun isn’t necessary.

Thank you for those ideas. I'll look at them all.

I've failed to find a larger planter that will fit so I think I'm stuck with the smaller pots for now.