Hi Lynn I live further north and I have a Potentilla goldfinger (eastern exposure shade by noon) and some Red twig dogwoods(pretty in winter) as well as Bailey Compact cranberry bush (pretty berries, winter interest) that do well in the shade. You might need to water regularly first year to gets roots established.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Ginkgonut, Where did you get the New Jersey Tea? I have not heard of that before.. I am going to plant all of your other three suggestions.. up near Nevis/Park Rapids, MN, Thanks!
Potentilla, Red Twig Dogwood, There is a new yellow Sumac but it is hard to find. I have several Snowballs but they get rather tall. Look at Stokes catalog, they have a bunch. Maybe you could amend your soil where you plant the shrubs.You might try Winterberry too.
