how badly do you want to cover that patch? if it is really dry it will
not spread as much as some of the other posters say. In my case, it
spreads mildly in a 2-hr sun location (it took 3 years to cover an area
of 4X6 sqft, starting from five trasnplants), but other ground covers I
have (like vinca minor, lilyof the valley, and mint) spread much faster
with less sun. It spreads about as fast as sweet woodruff, slower than
ivy and slightly slower than lamium. As you say, it is best planted in
a situation where it is the only cover, with perennials coming out of
it. If even ivy did not take, it may be your only choice. It is almost
certain that it will not spread much. Maybe place a barrier only in the
direction of the woodland. Your mower will make the edge towards the
house.