"Pam" wrote in message
...

I am unfamiliar with your climate, but IME, neither calycanthus nor
clethra will
be happy in the situations you describe and neither is particularly
attractive
off season.. For year round appearance, at least a few (if not most) of
your
foundation shrubs should be evergreen.

pam - gardengal


Oh, that was what I was afraid of wind deflating from sails. The other
foundation shrubs are mostly evergreens, and I love the look of deciduous
shrubs interspersed with evergreens in this application, so I do know I do
not want more evergreens... but it sounds like I should keep looking.
I do love my local garden center, but when I have asked for recommendations,
I find they recommend the same few shrubs that all of my neighbors have, and
I want something a bit different. I guess I'll have to make it more clear to
them that I am looking for something unique. Thanks, Pam!