Where are you? Is watering an issue?

Oh yeah, I suppose that would help! Thanks for the reply.

Watering: irrigation in place

Location: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Dwarf fuchsias with the camellia. The bamboo is going to fill the whole planting spot, there will be no room for smaller plants.

And will spread well beyond it if there is no adequate barrier in place.

Even if you have it in a plunged pot it will escape through the drain holes. And probably over the rim also.

Thanks! I've been looking to replace the bamboo too. Any ideas then for a taller centerpiece and something at the base? Can I get any color in a full shade spot in my zone?

Regarding the Camellia spot, would you add anything else or the dwarf fuchsias should be it?

I'm wondering if there's a need for any lower ground cover too, maybe vinca minor? I know that can get pretty tangly and overgrown though.

I would be more likely to do as Embo suggested with a brightly flowering shade plant like the fuschia. Just put in more than one. Way more interesting than vinca as well as less maintenance. You could add a second Camellia for the bamboo spot.