Shrub for front of row house

[Anonymous]

It's shaded and ground is dry as there is a really large maple tree there. I've had laurels before but they did not last. Might those be the best to try again. Someone recommended yews but they seem very boring/standard shrub. Any other ideas?

[Anonymous]

Are you looking for an evergreen or any shrub? Spicebush is pretty, as is silky camellia, but both of them lose their leaves in the fall.

[Anonymous]

Any plant will struggle in those conditions.

[Anonymous]

Maybe aucuba? You’re going to need something really determined to grow because of the maple, and you might just be out of luck. Hostas might be able to hack it although of course they will be dormant in winter. If you try to plant any shrub, you’ll want to run a soaker hose or irrigation line for them and be diligent about wAtering the first several years.

[Anonymous]

Globosa nana- it’s a dwarf Japanese cedar

[Anonymous]

Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low' aka Fragrant sumac

It's a small fragrant evergreen shrub. It can take any kind of soil, though it does prefer sun.

My mom had luck with spirea under a maple tree.

[Anonymous]

Do you need a shrub? Not many shrubs will thrive in dry shade. What about perennials for this location? One of my favorite larger perennials for shade is Aralia Sun King but I am unsure if it would succeed in a low water situation.

[Anonymous]

I haven't had good luck with shrubs under those conditions but my hellebore do really well. If you're willing to water, hydrangea might do well, too.