Not sure what size area we are talking about but something that might provide a soft ethereal look is Gulf Muhly Grass which has a maroon/pink seed head in the Fall. I've got some planted on the West side of my house which, due to tree canopies, is mostly shaded but gets a blast of afternoon sun for a few hours before the sun dips down behind some trees. They should be planted 2-3 feet apart so space is a factor. My space is up against the house and is 2 1/2 feet wide and 7 feet long.. They are effective as specimen plants as well as background plantings, are native, drought tolerant and easy to care for.

Here is a link that might be useful: About Gulf Muhly Grass

This post was edited by mrs.wiggley on Thu, May 15, 14 at 3:43

Turk's cap could be a option. It's native, and the blooms attract humming birds. Pretty low maintenance plant once established.

'Little Henry' Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a 2 to 3 ft shrub that may do well there with occasional watering. Ours needs little beyond the lawn over-spray, but is in fairly dense shade during the hottest days. Leaves are a lighter shade of green for most of the year that should look good against the dark brick and it has many white flowers in spring. Semi-evergreen in Dallas. The orange/red leaf colors in late fall and winter are very nice, and should probably still look okay against the dark maroon.

May depend on how fierce the temps get near the dark brick wall during 2 or 3 hours of late afternoon summer sun; could limit the spot to really tough plants like the hollies.

Here is a link that might be useful: Itea virginica - Little Henry

Thank you all....great suggestions. I have since learned by watching that this area gets about 4 hours of Sun starting now around 2:30 or 3. Gives her some options but there is still the issue of removing the hollies. I'll keep these in mind in case she goes forward. smiles c