I am planning on moving plants in a long border that backs up to my neighbor's spruce trees. The border is facing south, but some of the back 2-3 feet are shaded by overhanging branches of the spruce trees. I tried some sunflowers there this year and they really didn't do well. I need something about 5-6feet tall and it will have sun annual/perennials in front of it.

Some of the plants I am considering putting in the front of that border are:

Phlox Nora Leigh,Perovskia,Zinnias,Liatris,Delphiniums,Cosmos,Lupine,Penstemon,Malva Maurantia with bearded iris and shorter edging plants in front of that of Dianthus, Coreopsis Moonbeam, grasses, Shasta Daisy Snowcap.

I won't be able to fit all that in but those are what I am choosing from. I have no idea what to try to put in the back.

Thanks :-)

Cinnamon ferns get tall, so you might want to consider them.

Maybe a kerria japonica? I seem to be finding somewhat conflicting info on this, but it might tolerate the dryness, and definitely will do well in shade. I'm thinking of one for a dry shady bed myself.

How about aconitum? I have some in several dry shady spots and it seems to be doing well. I had a hard time getting it established, but this year it seemed to finally take hold and is doing well. Mine is a late bloomer - just setting buds now. And it is tall - 4-5 feet - so it will look good at the back of the border.

Good luck - I'll be watching this thread for more suggestions. I can always use something for my dry shade!

:)
Dee

I love aconitum too Dee. I have tried winter sowing seed two years now without success. I have heard they are slow to start, but I may break down and look for one this fall to add. That might be one plant that will work in that area but I will need more, because the back runs at least 15 feet maybe more. I do like Kerrias, I will think about that one too.

Donna...I actually have two Ninebarks in that bed, further over and in the middle. One is the SSWine and the other is Dart's Gold. I really am enjoying those shrubs. The information I read on them, suggested that the first few years, you should cut them back hard to get a bushier fuller shrub, which I have done. So they are really short this year. Maybe shorter than 3 feet. I am wondering if I should consider moving them to the back of that area.

If the shade you've got is filtered or passing, there might be a fairly good list to choose from. The Shrubs Forum people would have some ideas.

Joe Pye needs moisture (it's suffering now in the drought) and my aconitum certainly doesn't like dry.

:-)
pm2