plants for ground cover in shade

Hi all,
I have prepared a new bed in a corner of my garden which gets little or no sunlight in winter but partial mid-day sun during summer. light is so low that even grass grew very patchy and and refused to cover the ground. So, I have decided to re-vamp the area. Bought a Fatsia vareigata which likes partial shade and is also happy with minimal sunlight. And have planted three Hostas around it. Can someone please suggest smaller, perrenial and evergreen ground cover plants which can be put in this area to make it nice and green. I was thinking may be Lamium, but am too afraid as have read that its very invasive. Other option that I found is Geraniums but am not too sure.
Also is there a combination of evergreen plants and some annuals that I can grow so that the area will look nice and green while I wait for the perrenials to establish?

 

http://plantsforshade.co.uk/

Have a look on here. It should give you some ideas. I've been researching Ferns and there really are some beautiful ones which live happily in shade.

 

Two plants I have found useful for grond cover in shade is Pachysandra terminalis and Lungwort. Although Lungwort grows to about 12" high so it might not be your idea of ground cover..... it has lovely flowers on it though which the bees love.

 

I like Lungwort, its looks great with Hostas too..

 

Not all lamium are as invasive as the common variety, I have Hermann's pride which is a lot slower growing and it's v v pretty and really brightens up a dark corner, also looks great with ferns, which are fabulous for shady spots (only problem I've found with them is I'm develpoing a fern addiction and just want more and more!)

 

Thanks everyone, great suggestions, need to look up some of them. I have heavy clay soil and full shade. Also didnt want invasive varieties, but looking for evergreen stuff, so was getting confused.


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Marley has beaten me too it , I planted Ajuga in a shadey spot. It does really well nice flowers and leaves.

 

Lamium can easily be kept in check, I trim mine twice a year. The green, sliver and purple (and all colours in between) Heucheras are great for shade.