Groud Ivy: Good ground cover for shade? Invasive?

I am just west of DFW Airport - I have a very shady area in my yard, under a willow tree. I have been told that Ground Ivy would be a good ground cover here, and will not spread into sunny areas of the yard. I have done some on line research and overall results are negative, but most input is from Northern areas. I am also trying some ferns and other plants in this same area.

Does anyone have any personal experience with this plant in North Texas?

Kathleen

It's invasive in the south as well. To me it's a true weed...grows were you don't want it...won't grow where you do want it.

Southern Wood Ferns are good for dry shady areas. Wood violets would be nice too.I'll try to post more as i think of them.

kat, what plant are you calling "ground ivy"?

Here is a link to a discussion on shade gardening. The link also contains other links to further posts on shade gardening.

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/719649/

ivy tends to grow everywhere.

I have grown several dry shade groundcovers with good success.
Ardisia japonica, sweet and labrador violets, ajuga reptans metallica crispa, and wild woodland strawberry have all done great. I listed these from least invasive to most invasive (ardisia japonica grows quite slowly)

edited for spelling

This message was edited Nov 18, 2007 9:27 PM