Forgot to mention, I am in Northern Sydney, sandstone slopes, light frosts in winter. A south facing slope, that does receive a bit of sun in summer for a couple of hours at midday. In winter, pretty much full shade.
I know this is probably more of a landscaping question, but any suggestions would be a thrill.
A

Hello A.,

I have successfully grown the following spreading plants in mostly shade:
Austromyrtus dulcis,
Goodenia (can't remember the actual species)
Weevil lily (it spreads by suckering - this is very attractive when covering a broad area, it's fascinating to watch them all sway in the breeze)
Grevillea lanigera (though only a relatively small plant)

Other attractive plants I have tried that do well in shade:
Syzygium wilsonii
some correa, westringia, and prostanthera species

Plants I have not tried but I understand do well in shade:
Plectranthus argentatus
some Hibbertia species (I have Hibbertia scandens in partial shade but this is not the same)

The following link and the other one attached might provide some guidance, but note that they list shade-tolerant species, not shade-loving species, so beware:

http://www.ilda.com.au/page/drought_tolerant.html

Good luck,
Frank

Here is a link that might be useful: SA shade tolerant plants

g'day A,

sweet potatoes there ya go get something to eat and a good ground cover to boot.

len

mail len

lens garden page

Hardenbergia will grow as a ground cover. You can get the common purple one or pink or white. It is hardy and will even flower in the shade.
Cheers,
Dee.

I have a steep sloping site on the Central Coast and have selectively planted a lot of different natives. In the smaller gaps between the rocks I have planted a mix of native grasses, mainly different Lomandras and Dianellas.

As for the grasses, at the base of the slope where it is likely to be damper I have planted L. hystrix, L. 'Tanika' and a few others. As it gets dryer further up the slope, I have planted L.'Tanika'and L. longifolia.

I have also dispersed the following shrubs as well; Syzygiums such as S. luehmanii, S. australe "Pink Cascade' and others. These have been planted in areas where there is some residual moisture. You are likely to find residual moisture at the base of the rocks. Further up where it dries out more and there is a bit of sun, I have planted Banksias among the Lilly-pillies, such as B. spinulosa, (which happens to be my favourite) B. ericafolia and a few of the cultivars.

Myoporum parvifolium is fine in areas that get limited sun although total shade may be a problem. I find when you plant in areas that provide opportunities for the above varieties of natives you end up with a very attractive natural look.

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions. The advice has aided and inspired me. This truly is a good resource.
I've spent the day re-landscaping another (yes I have many) sloped sites in my garden with big sandstone rocks. I'm trying to create more pockets of planting opportunity. I have some L. Tanika (probably my favourite plant at the moment) and a spare mint bush (my other favourite plant) which I will incorporate.
Next I will attack the site in question armed with your advice.
Thanks again Frank, Len, Dee and Robert!