IME Clethra does OK in average moisture but not really dry, so depending on summer moisture in this spot it might work. Or are you saying you already tried one there and it was too dry? I find Ilex verticillata and Clethra along with buttonbush/Cephalanthus occidentalis like similar conditions. There is a smaller (6') selection of buttonbush I have seen.

Would any of the Viburnums native to your area work?

One of the red-twigged dogwoods?

Would non-native Hydrangea paniculata work? I don't know how it would do with your winter wet.

Yes, I think in summer I'd have to supplemental water (which I prefer to limit or altogether avoid) for clethra or buttonbush to work well. At best, they'd look tired and half dead by late summer/autumn.

Actually viburnum rufidulum might be an excellent choice (grew it before at previous house, where it was soaking winter-early summer, then bone dry)..nice fall color too. I hadn't thought of it.

I don't think I like Hydrangea that much, but thanks for the thought!

Hmm, I may also think viburnum rafinesquianum might fit the bill, but I'm unfamiliar with it. Anyone? More suggestions welcome, I probably won't look to plant for 2 more weeks.

If Clethra and button bush won't work, I would skip the winterberry holly as well.

Winterberry grows in dry areas as well as moist ones in this area.

Ilex verticillata does here as well, but so does Clethra. Different soil, moisture, and temperatures I guess.

Clethra is a water hog here...never in dry soils.

Itea would work well. It suckers some but is very handsome.

Well, Mary Ann (Pine Ridge Gardens) said to forget both Ilex and Itea, unless I want to do some watering. I think I'm down with Viburnum rufidulum, having seen it take everything Nature threw at it at a previous house.

Exochorda, because i like saying it.

Calycanthus, because a long season of bloom with fragrance is always a plus.

Viburnums, because if you find out there's a problem that bothers you, it's easy to give away.

Lindera. Native, flowers in an odd time of year.

Best advice? Find what you like. There is no shortage of chouces. You know you should stay away from things that really like water, but seasonal summer drying could be a potential issue with just about anything, depending on duration and competition. A couple years of some extra moisture always help.

Lindera...well it's a bit dry for lindera benzoin, I've seen severe dieback on it when not watered quite a lot in summer, though I do love the plant.

Yeah, I don't mind having to water a year or two, just not forever ;)

Calycanthus is an interesting choice...it never really occurred to me. I'll think about that.

I must say I wasn't even sure what Exochorda was till I googled, and I can't say I've ever seen one.

I have found Itea to be quite tolerant of neglect. Mine is in a garden that gets dry as a bone in the summer (full afternoon sun) and it is covered with flowers, suckering, and quite happy. It has only gotten to about 5 feet tall, and it's been in that spot for at least 10 years, so maybe it doesn't get taller?