Cottage style Shrub needed for shady/dry area - stumped!

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MPeacock Greensboro, NC Feb 21, 2011

I live in zone 7 (NC), and have a eastern facing home with a great big beautiful curly willow out front. The good news, I love the willow, the bad news: I can't keep my azaleas alive because the willow hogs the water supply! My cottage style garden needs some shrubs (4-5 ft) to anchor it. Do you know anything that will survive the willow water competition, the shade, and still be "cottagy" (no dense formal shrub like a yew, boxwood, or holly - I just don't like them)?

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Feb 21, 2011

Hydrangea?

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MPeacock Greensboro, NC Feb 21, 2011

I would love to put several hydrangeas there! I didn't think they would survive the willow any better than the azaleas (but I really am a beginner) - do you know a variety that is more drought tolerant than azaleas?

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Feb 21, 2011

In my experience azaleas need less water than hydrangeas. I grew both at my old house under the same ash tree, the azaleas did just fine but the hydrangeas were always wilting. I had a Nandina under the same tree and it did fine so you might try that.

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rednyr Sumter, SC(Zone 8a) Feb 21, 2011

the hydrangea's are a very pretty idea but won't survive the willow roots if the AZ can't. How about some Mock Orange?

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Feb 21, 2011

Should have specified...sorry there are 2 types of hydrangea that can take dry shade....

Little Lime Hydrangea "Jane" and "Limelight"

or how about a flowering Quince?

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rednyr Sumter, SC(Zone 8a) Feb 22, 2011

I like Quince! one of the first spring bloomers for the yard....great idea!

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plantfreak78 Rolesville, NC(Zone 7b) Feb 22, 2011

How about Pieris or Rhododendron?

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Feb 25, 2011

Here is a link to plants that will thrive in Dry Shade. (woodland settings, under tall trees, etc)

http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/shade_gardening.html

http://www.ehow.com/list_5931562_shrubs-dry-shade.html

http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/planting-under-a-tree.aspx

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ccnp2120 Livermore, CA Feb 26, 2011

Some thoughts. Pieris, Hamamelis, Kalmia, Leucothoe, Mahonia, Skimmia, Vaccinium, Cornus stolonifera. I would check with local garden center for whether these will do in your zone.

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MPeacock Greensboro, NC Mar 12, 2011

Thank you all for your help. I think I will try Ninebark or Snowberry - Keep your fingers crossed for me :)

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