Thanks, laceyvail! I was thinking of red also, but it doesn't seem like there are many shorter height red perennials. There aren't that many images of Blue Shadow shown in garden beds online, either.

I've had two for several years. I didn't really think about perennial companions because the effect of Blue Shadow is essentially neutral. Think of it as gray. It would much easier to create an uninteresting combination than something that insults the eye!

That said, mine is underplanted with Japanese Painted Fern. It is very short and I really don't remember whether it is the 'ordinary' one or one of the newer . I don't remember how tall "Lady in Red" is but it might be very pretty with Blue shadow. Perhaps a nice, tight small leaved geranium such as bioviko or possible Karmina? I would also like european ginger for the shiny contrast and compact growth.

I think Blue Shadow may be a focal point when it is in flower; afterwards it's attractive but unlikely to be the star of the garden.

If you've already bought it, then never mind the following: pick it yourself. The amount of blue can vary from specimen to specimen. A landscaper's employee got mine at the nursery and the two were markedly different. Of course one might have been mislabled. Never the less, it was returned and the new one was much bluer.

It is a very good plant: very little insect damage, no diseases, fragrant, and compact. I hope you enjoy yours.

We used to have three in front of a Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash', but only two have "made" it. They seem to struggle a bit. The colouring in front of the Shiloh is quite nice though, and they have great three season interest.

Thank you, Marie and brothergarm, I will research those suggestions. I have not purchased the shrubs yet, I'll probably wait until next spring, but will be purchasing them myself so I can see them in person. I am interested primarily in what they offer for the spring season, as I don't have much going on in my yard before summer. Thanks!

Well then, they are perfect spring bloomers. I realized one is planted next to hakone grass. They look good together. Not earth shaking but the contrast of the rounded leaf and shrub form contrast well with the grass. I

If you can find them in the fall, is there a reason not to plant then? They can get established between Sept/Oct and Dec./Jan . Fall planting is desirable. Maybe on sale then, too.

I would think that any choice of perennial color would look nice with the slightly blued foliage. Or consider a contrasting foliage color such as variegated or gold for a long season of contrast. I find summer Fothergilla boring though they are quite effective in spring and fall, so once mine were established, I planted hard prune/type 3 clematis on 3’ trellises next to the Fothergilla. The clematis climb the trellises and then spill over to ramble across the row of Fothergilla. It is a quite casual look, so if your garden is more formal It might not work for you.

I just bought one, the blue foliage is stunning. For some reason I hadn't seen one before. I have a different Fothergilla and it's pretty blah.