Hi Mina, I'm not familiar with Italy plants, but here's a list of beautiful flowers or plants that grow well with shade in the US in Zone 8 or 9 (like I said I'm not sure that these will be adequate for Italy):

Hydrangea- these are absolutely beautiful and most species can grow well in shade and Zone 8/9. Fuchsia- gorgeous flowers that come in many colors and most varieties are hardy for your area. Viola- these are very attractive plants that have tiny, colorful flowers. Impatiens- these have beautiful bright flowers and love the shade.

Herbs can be very attractive as well. Do some research for some good shade loving herbs that grow great by you.

Hopefully this little list helps. If you don't find anything you like, I'd recommend going to a local nursery and asking the same question. :)

Thanks for the suggestions! I think your US suggestions would be just firne for Italy ;-)

I didn't realise hydrangeas could do well in shade. They grow very well here - in fact with roses, olive and lemon trees they're pretty much the mainstay of gardens here. I guess I must have seen them growing in the shade without noticing!

I like violas very much too. Our kitchen opens onto a south-facing terrace so we have lots of herbs there to hand and I hadn't thought of growing any at the front, but I'll have a look into ones that might do better in the shade.

You're welcome! I agree, I didn't realize that until I was looking into hydrangea plants for myself... Apparently they do better with shade. And I found cilantro, chives, parsley, and lemon balm all do amazing in the shade. I'm glad I could give some suggestions! :)

Great, thank you. Lemon balm would be great. I love cilantro (though we call it coriander here ;-) ) but it's always bolted super fast here so I'd given up, growing it in the shade is a great suggestion, thanks!

Yes, I think mint, chives and cilantro will do quite well. Maybe a few shrubs?