We put in some purple gem Rhododendrons last year from Lowes. They are supposed to get about 3ftX3ft, are evergreen and get beautiful purple flowers in the spring. Winter color is maroon.

Do you know your soil pH? If you know it is acidic, then there are a fair number of rhododendron/azalea/pieris type plants that will do well in shade. If the soil isn't acidic, it gets a lot trickier. A lot of the supposedly shade tolerant shrubs get leggy or don't bloom nearly as well if they don't get enough sun.

My soil is around 7 ph but I could put acid fertilizer down. I have 2 rhodies and 2 hydrangeas in that area. I think I would rather put in something a little different. Do azaleas like some shade?

My soil pH is about 6.5 and my Ericaceae family plants (and Gardenia) do fine there. I think the acidic "requirement" is somewhat overstated.

I would plant them and see how they do, then adjust pH later only if necessary. If your rhodies are doing fine, then there probably is no need to adjust. It all comes down to whether the shrubs are able to get the nutrients they need; most of these types of shrubs aren't particularly demanding of nutrients and they can get what they need in only slightly acidic soil.

Have you considered Japanese Kerria if you dont want Rhofies?They have profuse yellow flowers and bright green stems for winter color, and prefer shade.

Azaleas would do fine as would several viburnums. The viburnums may get bigger than you want, though. I have lots of azaleas and just love them.

Don't forget Camellias. Though they get large over time, they are fairly slow growing and easily manageable.

The big question is whether it is afternoon sun or morning sun. That can make or break it for some shrubs.

Maybe a Viburnum would work? We have a shady area with Cool Splash Diervella (sp?). Not much for the flower but the variegated leaves brighten the area. I haven't heard issues with these be invasive in our zone. I have another shady area where I am going to try Sugartina Clethra this year.