I need some shrubs that don't get a lot of sun. We live in Alabama so the summers are hot and dry.
Thanks,
Debbie

Answer #1 · John Heider's Answer · Hi Debbie-Some additional information will help in finding you some nice plants that won't require a lot of direct sunlight. How many hours of late afternoon sun does the area get? Is there still a lot of indirect sunlight or is the area more heavily shaded during the day? Is the shade under a tree, next to your home under an eve or patio cover? Are you looking for flowering shrubs or foliage greenery or both? Will these plants be used to fill an area or possibly as a background plant? Are their other plants that will be companions to your new plants? Are you hoping to find a shrub that may act as a focal point in your garden or a nice entry plant? Do you have any height or width requirements in order to plant under a window, eve, or possibly next to a doorway? Uploading a picture of the area if possible would also help in giving myself and those that are more acquainted with your areas climate better choices for you. You thought this was going to be easy didn't you? Well it is! Your question is a good one and just a little more information will provide you with some nice choices. We just don't want to see you removing or having to prune a 20' shrub in a few years when you were hoping for an azalea. Above this answer and to the right of your name you will see where to upload a picture. Below I have listed a few articles on Gardenality you may be interested in. The article on 'Choosing A Shade Garden Site' will also tell you how to search Gardenality for shade plants that will grow in your climate. Although we will help you with some good choices you may enjoy looking at a few on your own. You can click on the links below to take you directly to the articles.

www.gardenality.com/Articles/396/Garden-Types/Theme-Gardens/Introduction-to-Shade-Gardening/default.html
www.gardenality.com/Articles/397/Garden-Types/Theme-Gardens/Choosing-A-Shade-Garden-Site/default.html)

Answer #3 · John Heider's Answer · Debbie-Many landscapes have sections of the yard that are shaded by mature trees for much of the day, but get some direct sun early or late in the day. There are many plants that will do well in this medium shade location. Knowing your azaleas haven't done well makes me wonder if your soil, drainage, or both in this location may be a problem. If their foliage is sparse, leaves dropping, browning or yellowing the soil may be holding too much moisture. Fertilizing with the proper food Including iron for chlorosis will not help as wet soil inhibits nutrient absorption by the plant. If you have a clay soil or one that does not drain well it would be advisable to amend it or possibly build a raised planting area. Possibly an adjustment of the amount of watering in this area is all that needs to be changed. Most plants, even shade loving plants, will not do well if their feet are constantly wet instead of moist.
Below you will find a list of shrubs that Brent, acquainted with your area, has listed for other members for shade locations. I have also listed a few that I have used that have done well in the shade also. Ones that I am partial to, only because I have had them myself, and have done well in the shade with no direct sunlight is the Oregon Grape Mahonia, Nandina, Gardenia, azalea, viburnum, and Mirror plant. You can copy a plant’s name and paste it in the search box under the ‘Plant’ tab above. There you can see pictures and details of the plant. You will see the varieties that will work best for you in the shaded area. Some plants or varieties may not be available in your area, but your better garden centers should be able to help you with their availability and best variety for your location. I have also listed a few more links to articles in gardenality you may be interested in regarding your soil and shade gardening. Just click on the links to go directly to the articles. If you need any more help please let me know.
Hydrangea
Fatsia Japonica
Mahonia
Aucuba
Azalea
Camelia
Anise
Creeping Yew (Cephalofaxus harringtonia)
Nandina
Pieris
Winter Daphne
Holly
Euonymus
Mirror Plant


www.gardenality.com/Articles/752/Resources/Terminology/What-is-Loam-Soil/default.html
www.gardenality.com/Articles/399/Garden-Types/Theme-Gardens/Planting-A-Shade-Garden/default.html
www.gardenality.com/Articles/398/Garden-Types/Theme-Gardens/Maintaining-A-Shade-Garden/default.html)

Answer #2 · Debbie Moore's Answer · John,
Thank you for answering so quickly. The area is next to our home, under eaves, and is shaded by many other trees. It gets filtered morning sun and a couple of hours of afternoon sun. We planted azaleas in these beds when we built the house 18 years ago and they still look pitiful. They rarely, if ever, bloomed. I would like for the shrubs to grow to at leas 5 feet high and be as wide as possible. I don't care if they bloom or not. I need them to cover up the cinder blocks that are our foundation. Sorry but I don't have any photos to upload. Maybe some holly bushes?
Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks,

Debbie)