Grace - you may want to ask this question again in another forum since you didn't get any answers here. You could try the Ozarks Forum or Midwest or Perennials. Those are all here at gardenweb but different people visit different forums. Be sure and tell whether it's in shade or sun. Here's a link to the Ozarks forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ozarks Region Gardening

I wonder if morning glories would work? If they have nothing to climb they tend to make a big, beautiful mound. The less water and poorer soil the better, but they need sun. Good luck.