Hi Goody and welcome to GoY. Feeding it isn't going to help if the roots are not receiving enough water which is unlikely under a large conifer... I can't think of any shrub that is likely to survive - sorry.

Agree with Moongrower - anything you put there needs to be a minimum of 3 feet away, preferably 4 or 5 feet, from the base of the conifer.

Mahonia japonica is the most shade and drought tolerant one I can think of but it still needs to be at least three feet away,

Thanks Moon grower, Bamboo and Steragram for replying so speedily. If it should die I'll give Mahonica Japonica a try.

Actually, use Mahonia aquifolium instead - spreads sideways and doesn't get lanky and tall like M Japonica, has mimosa like flower clusters early March. Good in shady areas.

Thanks Bamboo.
How tall does the Mahonia Aquifolium grow and how quickly ?

Not a fast grower, buy a reasonably sized one to start with because its slow when its small. Gets between 3-5 feet (usually 3 in shade) but spreads up to 6 feet or more. Can be pruned after flowering very successfully.

Thanks Bamboo, you've been very helpful

Gosh, I meant Aquifolium!! Sorry about that. And you can eat the berries if you want, though they don't have much flesh on them.

ok thanks Steragram