Some info I forgot to include--the bed is probably 5ft deep & 20 feet long; bordered by a flagstone/concrete path, & has lots of clay. Also, PLEASE no grasses--the previous owners used WAY to many of them and I want flowers!!! ;-) Also, that foundation bed has the sole access to the backyard spigot at the end, so we can't have anything prickly in the back. Thanks!!

Turk's cap is one that you can try. There are several varieties that you can plant. The bright red flowers are commonly sold and it's very easy to grow and fills in space quickly. It does die off in the winter but comes back when the weather warms up. I don't know who sells Pink, white and variegated type. I have pink one but it doesn't seem to grow that many flowers. White doesn't seem to do that either but both are vigorous grower. There is a named pink ones called 'Pam Puryear' that may bloom as much as the red ones but I've only found one online store, not stores. Variegated w/ red flowers looked pretty cool. Again, I've only found it at online store.

Anyway that's just one plant. I'm sure there are plenty of other options that others will chime in.

Clay shade can be pretty harsh. You might consider raising it a little and adding several inches of washed brick sand and some kind of organic material like peat, humus or compost, then rototilling it in. That would free up a lot of options for you.

For shrubs, I don't think you can beat Loropetalum, which is also known as fringe flower or Chinese witch hazel. It does well in shade or part sun. If it can survive my mother, it can survive anything. I'd stay away with the acid-loving, high maintenance azaleas, camelias and mahonias; they just take too much work for an area that size. Same with hydrangeas, for different reasons.

Crinum, ginger, elephant ears and turk's cap are all good medium-sized plants. They get pretty thick too, which gives a nice lush appearance.

Liriope is a great filler plant. It's just a big bunch of dark green grass that makes a 10" mound or thereabouts, then sends up purple spires of flowers right about now. Similarly sized/habit plants are columbine, purple oxalis and purple heart.

Groundcovers for shade that have done the best for me are algerian ivy (of which there is a magnificent variegated variety at Calloway's), asian jasmine and vinca (all of these can be invasive to differing degrees.)

Small accent plants are begonias, impatiens, violets and ferns. The former two are annuals; the latter two come back most of the time.

For planning out your beds, think in terms of trios and loose symmetry. You don't want a bed all of the same plant, but using the same plant in several places ties the space together. Also, pick colors that go together, like purple, pink and white, or orange, yellow and red. Different textures can have just as much impact as different colors, so look for some contrasting texture, too - like elephant ears next to a loropetalum.

Shopping online is a great way to buy stuff; the big box stores just can't offer the kind of variety that a local nursery or a mail-order can. Also, be sure to make the plant swaps this fall! They're a great way to get pass-along plants like turk's cap and ground covers!

Pink white and red Turk's cap is avalible at Weston's in Fort worth. They have a large selection of plants that thrive in Texas clay and heat without amending. They sell both adapted and native plants. PJ

Here is a link that might be useful: Weston gardens

where do you live? If you're anywhere near Arlington, you are welcome to stop by, I have lots of shade, and bright shade.

If you want something dramatic that doesn't bloom think about Persian Shield. Depending upon where you live, it might need to be replanted but it's dramatic.

Turk's cap does bloom, eventually. You might try some pentas now and see how they do. I have the best luck with them when they only get a few hours of sun. Another is Yellow Lollipops. Both of these are annuals in 7b.

Have you considered oak-leaf hydrangea? It blooms in the spring but the leaves are interesting all year. Salvia Black and Blue will bloom in bright shade as will it's cousin: Argentine Skies. I have azaleas that are very happy.

Then there's Mona Lavendar. Again, these are annuals.

Have you checked to see how much sun you actually get?

I second all of Cynthia's suggestions! Cynthia, how do you get your azaleas to be happy? Mine just die. They're in well-drained acidic sandy loam in the shade. Maybe I need to buy a better quality variety?

Alumina - If you can get to Arlington, definitely take Cynthia up on her offer to come to her place! It's absolutely gorgeous. And she won't let you leave without taking plants! She's a lovely person.

If you're an artistic sort, you might spend a day going out every hour or two and sketching in any changes in shade or sun in your beds. You might be surprised at how much light you get. Ooooooor it could be one big house shadow, depending on the angle. :D

Second (or is it third, now?) to lorepetalum and oak leaf hydrangea. And yes, you will have better results with anything you plant if you amend that clay soil.

I'd also recommend amending the soil with some compost.
For something to throw into the mix: Columbine.

If you decide to go with Black and Blue Salvia, also try Zexmenia - a very dependable bloomer that does well in almost any light for me.

Thank you for all your help!!! I did not mention that I'm in flower mound, but arlington is not THAT far in the scheme of things ;-) I'll probably get to work on this project this fall, when it's not so hot. I'll probably use perennials. I'll plan on also really determining how much sun it really gets--I may be underestimating, partically during summer. Thanks again!!

don't be afraid to mix annuals or tropicals with your perennials. That's what I do. The salvias return each year, there are a couple of strawberry euonymous' and yellow lollipops, pink plume plant, maracas and ornamental peppers as accents in front of the deep foliage and royal blue flowers. Behind that is red turks cap.

If you get in a mood and want to come take a look, just email me and com'on.

mommyfox
you are so kind!

I have a confession to make, my happiest azaleas were planted wrong. I read the part about diggin a big hole and loading it up with pinebark and peat, but I didn't read the part about raised beds.

The first azaleas were an experiment because my husband loves them and I found some of the once blooming bushes in big pots on clearance sale. Did I mention that I planted them in late June during a dry year? Yes, I did it all wrong and they are really happy. Later that fall when they had survived, I planted some encores and they are happy, but struggling to get out from the bigger bushes.

Those I planted later in a raised bed died. Those I planted in another area died.

moral of the story, beginnings luck, or maybe a raised bed isn't necessary when your soil is NOT all clay.
smiles
c