I plan on more hostas and brunera, but i need something with some height

I think you need some kind of tallish (possibly evergreen) shrub as an anchor, maybe in that back corner. Maybe a smaller rhodie, about 5 feet tall? A pieris or yew?

fothergilla? holly - evergreen and/or deciduous? aralia Sun King? Hydrangeas?

Sorry, I'm switching over to a lot of shrubs so I have shrubs on the brain lol.

I have digitalis grandiflora that do well in shade. They aren't as spectacular as the biennial foxgloves but they are reliable, low-maintenance, and have a lovely soft yellow color. Bees love 'em. The "spikes" get up to 3-4 feet tall.

Actea/cimicifuga

larger astilbes

aruncus

monkshood

lobelia cardinalis is lovely and did well in lots of shade for me, but that was in a very wet garden so I don't know if it could handle shade AND drier soil.

Not that tall but lovely to brighten up a shady spot - hakone grass. Not sure if you have too much shade for that though....

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out!

:)

Dee

I am quite fond of Ligularia The Rocket and it would work there. Kirengeshoma would work too.

I have it in 2 spots .

A little variegation would lighten up the corner. Ferns? Ghost Fern grows for me in deep shade, as does Japanese Painted Ferns and both are low to medium height. How about some ajuga along the edge of the pavers? IF you know you won't have a problem with them getting away from you. I am able to grow ajuga along the edge of a bed at the bottom of a small slope that is along the street and have more problem keeping them, [g] but some I know have the opposite problem. They do add some texture and pretty flowers in the spring. I like chocolate chip. I know there are probably a number of native creepers you could consider, but I don't know what. Those I do know, need some sun to flower. Not sure how much sun you have along the edge of your pavers.

Hollies in deep shade for me, don't grow very well. Taxus can handle it. Pieris, I love but for some reason it doesn't love me. Maybe you would have better luck with them. European Ginger, Solomon's Seal. Jack in the Pulpit, spring bulbs, like snow drops, crocus if the squirrels and moles leave them alone. They don't touch my snowdrops. OH...and I have a dwarf Solomon's Seal that grows about 4-5inches tall and acts like a ground cover. That seems to handle shade and dryness well.

Good luck! It's a very pretty corner and love your pavers and statue.

Is it too shady for small conifers?

gardenho I was thinking tall garden phlox as well, but wasn't sure about the sun.... I have some in partial shade, but they do get morning sun. L Clark if you think you have enough sun, I agree the white phlox would look nice there and some are very fragrant as well.

:)

Dee

I suspect that's too much shade for conifers hardy to your location, unless you like yews (Taxus sps)

Would astilbe do well in this area?

Thanjs for the feedback!! Very helpful.

I tried japanese painted fern and ostrich fern, but i let both dry out and they died back in the summer and came back , but didn’t make it through the winter. I am trying ostrich fern again and I am trying leatherwood fern, too.

I tried a rhinelander astilbe, but it did not do well. I think I will give astilbe another shot.

I also have a limelight hydrangea in there somewhere, but it has remained small so far (albeit healthy looking).

lets start with the basics. We are given a substantial list of plants that failed and we should figure out why.

Are there any water sucking trees nearby, such as maples on your side or the other side of the fence?

whats the soil like?

Does it have a “ History” ? that might be affecting its fertility?

what have you done to improve it?

whats its waterholding capacity-dig a 6-8 ” hole,then fill it with water,; see how long it takes to drain, poke a ruler or dowel down to see how deep the water penetrated.

have you ever had the soil tested to see how much organic matter there is?

if youve already done these things and your information says something should live there, the only thing that cime to mind is lack of water. For instance Even though astilbe is a tough plant it needs regular watering. just because an areas shady doesnt n mean it that ” should” remain damp. thats why theres that entire area in the nursery for ” dry shade”

very curious what your actual conditions are there. personally, i wouldnt spend a penny on plants until I could be sure the environment could support them , or that you have the time time and energy to get them established

marie

Sensible suggestions, Marie. IF ferns have dried out and didn't make it through the winter, you might consider soaker hose on this area and cover it with mulch. Really a 2-3" layer of bark mulch over everything would improve the moisture of the soil there.

But I agree with Marie, IF you really want to do it once and be done with it, I'd do enough investigation to determine if that area has everything plants will need to thrive. Then you can decide how much effort, and money you want to invest to provide it, if it is lacking in anything.