Unfortunately Dusty Miller is not a shade plant, but prefers bright, sunny locations. In fact, it is very popular as a "beach" plant, as it does well in sandy soils & can take a certain amount of salt spray.

While it might survive for awhile in shade, it will eventually either get long & scraggly, or rot out at the base.

Like purple? I have alot of shade to and one plant I like for color is ajuga its a great groung cover, once you get it started it grows like crazy!

I have dusty miller in my shade. It seems to be doing good.Just put it in this year. It really brightens up the shade. I'm hoping it won't get leggy or rot. My parents have it in zone 7 also, and it never died during the winter.
Still gorgeous!! Theirs gets afternoon sun.

It will take some shade. I've got mine in the front of a flower bed on the northwest side of the house. Between the location and the big tree in the front yard it only gets a couple hours of direct sunlight tops but still thrives. Definately worth trying IMHO.

There are two types I would recommend. Artemsia (SP) silver brocade - lower to the ground with a scalloped edged leaf and then a tall version Silver Queen. I live in a zone 3 and have these planted in both shade and sun. Both grow just fine.