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Originally Posted by goosey  I think I will go with Cotham Marbles suggestion of the Sarcococca, it looks perfectly suited to being in the shade most of the time, with the added appeal of sweet smelling flowers in winter! |
I have another Sarcococca, S. hookeriana var. digyna planted in shade save for late afternoon sun. I haven't noticed any wildlife value but it has elegant evergreen leaves so it looks fine in an understated way all year round, and that scent in winter is a huge plus point. Mahonia 'Apollo' is next to it, also seems well behaved and not as assertively prickly as the x intermedia type, but I only planted that this year so it's still quite small. In the last couple of years, each time I've had my first bumble bee sighting, of the year, they've been on Lonicera fragrantissima in my local park. I haven't got one but if I was trying to squeeze in another shrub right now I'd be tempted.
You may still have time to plant some bulbs too - how about some ones reputed to be quite good for nectar like winter aconite, grape hyacinth, crocus? Not sure which of those are the most shade-friendly but good old snowdrops would do fine.