I have one area of deep, very dry shade and a Dwarf Burford Holly that is doing well back there. It's hung on for years with very little light. My Pieris are thriving in the same spot and this time of year really put on a show. Prince and Princess Blue Holly, too.

When I first moved here I tried multiple Rhododendrons and never had any success at all. My neighborhood is also full of decades old specimens, so all I can figure is I didn't pay enough attention to watering during establishment before I knew better. I keep meaning to try again but I've used up most of my space now.

Kalmia are finicky for me as well, I think it's simply too dry. I have two I've had for years- they live but I would never say they are thriving.

How tall does it need to be?

I'd either find a good looking conifer that could deal with that light or try one more time with a larger Rhododendron- you know it's what you want :)

Aucuba japonica always comes to mind for shaded positions. Inconspicuous flowers but very decorative foliage variegations.

Maple trees are notorious for roots that prevent anything growing where they're established. If the spot you want to plant is wetter than other spots, it might be the Maple sent more roots there. Your rhodo in the picture seems to be doing great. So, I would guess your soil is probably OK. But sometimes you may have worse soil in one spot because there's buried concrete or something.

I suggest building a little raised bed and plant a big rhodo in it and make sure it gets plenty of water the first year. It might give the rhodo enough of a head start to compete with the maple.

I hate maple trees and would never plant one. But I have a huge one I inherited and almost nothing will grow within 10 feet of it. Not even weeds.

CBHaill - I have both the Prince and Princess Blue Holly in another corner 10ft away from a neighbor’s 60yr old Maple. I’m surprised they have done as well as they have. The blue holly I have under this Maple has not grown as well at all. I will take a look at the Burford Holly.

I only need something that grows 6-8ft tall.

You are in Kentucky, for some reason I think your 6b is better than mine here in Massachusetts. [g] and I fear my winters or springs are the reason the Pieris hasn’t done well. But - I love them.

I think I will have to try another Rhodie and maybe a Pieris and if they don’t work there, I’ll just have to keep moving them until they take.

Thanks Floral - I like variegated foliage, I’ll add Aucuba to the list. I tried a variegated Holly, but it has languished in the last two places I planted it.

KidHorn - Yes, I’m very aware of the ‘roots’ issue with the Maples. I have two Maples, my neighbors have 6 surrounding my property. I try to vegetable garden in raised beds 25ft from the Maples and the roots grow right up into the beds over the course of one year. I’m amazed I get anything to grow. [g]

That photo is of my neighbor’s Rhododendron who lives across the street.

"You are in Kentucky, for some reason I think your 6b is better than mine here in Massachusetts. [g]"

And I think of yours as better- less gooey sticky humidity. Likely not but that's my perception.

The grass is always greener.