20" is quite narrow, eliminating many options. How about Hosta 'Curly Fries' or H. 'Praying Hands'

Ferns. Iris foetidissima. Hellebores. All have striking leaf shapes and can take shade.

Thank you all! Some great suggestions here, This definitely helps!

I think it will be between the Praying Hands, ferns, or even Alocasia (though i don't like the idea that they are not perennial, unless LaLannoxa wants to come to Stoney Creek and plant them each year!)

Might I suggest Adiantum pedatum - Maidenhair fern would be a spectacular compliment to H. 'Praying Hands.

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum or A. n. 'Regal Red' would give a totally different look.

Aralia 'Sun King' is another possibility. And the bright gold coloring really lights up a shady location.

As well as the shade you may need to factor in dryness. In the lee of a house against the wall the soil is often very dry. No good for many shade tolerant species Ligularias. And I wouldn't want to irrigate along the foundation of my house.

Of the above mentions, I'd prefer the Ligularia. Foliage of many cultivars is outstanding, and with the morning light you should get a very impressive bloom as well.

Common horsetail is used so much in this area for narrow modern areas it's now a cliché but I still like it. Don't know about your area but if I unleashed horsetail on the east side of my house it would be just fine even though it is shaded from dawn to 9am so only gets about 3 hours of sun.

I think it will be between the Praying Hands, ferns, or even Alocasia (though i don't like the idea that they are not perennial, unless LaLannoxa wants to come to Stoney Creek and plant them each year!)

As long as the money is up front....:-)