I have an area just like that. I have not planted it yet but so far my research says that cast iron plant would be the number one plant. Personally I think they are a little boring but I just recently saw a variegated cast iron plant so I want to locate both and interplant them. That might give a little color to that area.

I have also been trying rosemary in a similar area. It is doing well so far though not as big as the rosemary I have planted in full sun. Both these areas are VERY dry so there are not a lot of things to choose from. I would also welcome any other suggestions.

Go to the library and check out The Southern Gardener's Book of Lists: The Best Plants for All Your Needs, Wants, and Whims by Lois Trigg Chaplin. There are very few pictures but she covers just about any growing situation you can imagine. It's one of those books that I keep around all the time.

Then you can look in Steve Bender's Southern Living Garden Book for pictures of the plants Chaplin lists!

Good Luck!
Carol