In my dark cold area of the garden which is north facing I have the following. At the back. A golden Euonymous; Thalactrium; Lonicera 'Graham Thomas' climber; Acer Palmatum; Hydrangea Petiolaris 'Humilis' climber; Camelia; Slightly smaller shrubs in the centre. Sarcococca Hookeriana 'humilis'; Skimmia; Hydrangea; Smaller plants. Hellibores; Heucheras; Astrantia Major red and white; Liverwart; Dicentra. Red and white; and some bulbs.
Hope that helps.