My mother in law has killed two Miscanthus plants so far. The soil does not drain well enough for Miscanthus. Columbines grow well in this spot. The idea replacement plant must be:

* A single plant or single mass of smaller plants

* 4~5 feet tall (FOCAL POINT)

* Provide winter interest

* Not look "like a weed"

This last requirement is the hardest. She thinks even the fancy selections of Euphatorium and Sambucus "look like weeds." Great. All the stuff that will grow there successfully is considered unsightly. I'll take any suggestions, and try to convince her that they're far better than the dreaded bare spot.

Oh, and it can't be aggressive or invasive, because she likes everything to look perfect, yet doesn't have time to garden.

The site is:

* Full sun (from late morning to sundown)

* Gets a bit hot in the afternoon in summer

* Poor drainage, even in winter

* Rich soil

* The acidic side of neutral

* Gets regular water from sprinkler system