Also, can you tell me which varieties based on your experience would work? I prefer more purples or whites- no pink.

Thanks!

Those are perfect choices...for Seattle. If you're in Zone 23, you should be thinking more along the lines of plants that are naturally adapted to Mediterranean, desert, or dry subtropical conditions. There are thousands of plants from Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and the Canary Islands that would be suitable. Forget about the northern stuff. You have far more exciting possibilities awaiting you.

Can you give me suggestions so I can look them up? thanks!

I'd be interested in that too.

I also could use some ideas on foundation plants for sun to filtered shade. I can suggest though you check out native plants. There is a forum here I believe and Sunset has a section of natives in their book.

I had mirror plant (Coprosma repens) in So. Cal. with it's incrediblely glossy green leaves. Had a Viburnum (don't remember which one) with leatherly leaves that unfortunately was susceptible to spider mite. In hot sun Murraya paniculata always looked good. Natal plums (Carex) are attractive (thorns). Escallonia - shorter hybrids. Grewia. Hebe 'Pattys Purple'. Nandina (looks like bamboo).

In shade I used camellias with azaelas - did great. Loropetalum needs a bit of sun protection down south.

The local Home Depot will carry what does well in your zone - perhaps some hydrangeas are bred for So. Calif.?

Bob Perry wrote a book well suited to your area. It is "Landscape Plants for Western Regions". Your library may have it. He is a professor with California State Polytechnic University Pomona. Al

I like my Springtime Viburnums. I have some facing east, don't know how they would like facing west with no shade.
Renee

I have had good luck with Dichroa febrifuga, false hydrangea, evergreen hydrangea, in the same situation. -Here is a post by someone growing it in zone 23.

P.S. by same situation, I meant foundation planting/northeast exposure.