Hi:

Just discovered GardenWeb and this forum and have learnt so much already!

First off, thought I'd look for ideas for colorful foliage on the north/north west side of my garden. It's in shade or dappled shade (douglas fir, ponderosa pine, western? oak) with anywhere between 2-4 hours sun; soil is dry amended clay/humus.

Last year, blackberry brambles and deer ferns reigned in this spot, now I've got azalea rosebud, hebe amy, false lamium, vinca illumination, Oregon grape, rhodies (various kinds), Japanese Pieris, Japanese spurge, Japanese forest grass, Nandina Gulf Stream (sunnier spots)and various purple heuchera and heucherella. (And the Deer fern!) So far, so good with all these plants.

Next I'd like to plant a bed of golden hydrangeas with a taller specimen/architectural plant. Thinking about Hydrangea sunlight and preferably a purple foliage specimen. Any ideas for a tall purple foliage plant that can deal with dry shade? Thoughts/experiences with Hydrangea sunlight or suggestions for a better gold/yellow hydrangea?

Thanks in advance!