Need something for around base of Birch tree

I have dug out a new border and in the middle of the border is a Silver Birch tree. Its about 50-60ft high, so the roots are quite a problem. About a mentre around the base of the tree the roots are that dense that theres no chance of planting too much.

Has anyone got any suggestions of a plant that will thrive in these conditions? Ideally something that spreads and could go all the way around the base of the tree. Height is not that important, its more a ground covering that i'm after.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Mick
Sheffield

 

sorry mate, moss usually does well in those sorts of places.
Seriously though, I've got euphorbia robbiae growing under trees, and it does pretty well. Not a spectacular plant but it spreads and grows almost anywhere.

 

Hi Zarch, Epimedium is great for these conditions, a good evergreen one is Epimedium x versicolour sulphureum
Under my birch I have woodland plants: ferns, Bluebells, Pagoda lily, violets, grasses & spring bulbs as well as Geranium phaeum.

 

Ive got Vinca minor growing nicely and providing good ground cover in a similar situation.

 

Try bluebells. I have the same problem and blubells that a friend dug out of his garden have taken to the spot like gangbusters!

 

Too Bluebells, add the ordinany single flower scilla. Anglesey Abbey has a pool of blue round their trees, and it is most effective.

 

grape hyicynth spread like weeds

 

little wood anemones would be lovely and should do well there. A wee creeping plant called Pratia would cover the ground too.