So we put in 3 Holly's (Castle I believe) and 2 Rhodys 2 years ago in our West-facing foundation bed. Half the bed receives No sun, it's the north side of the porch, under a tree. We've pruned the tree to allow more light, but this area is still full shade. The area south of the porch receives afternoon sun, and in trying to achieve some balance we've planted a young Japanese Lilac tree to offer afternoon shade. This long cold winter just did them in, the Hollys are brown, what's left of them, and the Rhodys are nearly bare.

The house goes on the market next week. So. Without busting out the savings account, what can we do? The shrubs are all at least 2' tall, the Rhodys are just as wide. We can't let them be as they'll surely scare interested parties away.

I was thinking Oak leaf Hydrangeas as well as Annabelle Hydrangeas might do, something pretty. But not really substantial. Nor really pretty in the winter... Should we just throw some Arborvitae up there and forget it? They could at least be moved to a more preferred area of the yard later.

Thoughts for fast growing foundation shrubs that love the shade and don't cost a lot? Need them 2'-5' tall, 3'-5' wide. Pretty blooms are a plus.