Hi all,



I am looking for a couple new foundation shrubs, and a few to go next to my
patio, and am hoping some of you can comment on the ones I am considering.
I'm not sure whether I've just been drawn in by the pretty catalog photos,
or whether these will actually be good plants for me. I'm in south-central
Wisconsin, zone 4, but the foundation area is full sun and supports zone 5
plants very successfully.



For the foundation (full sun), I am looking at Calycanthus Floridus and
Viburnun dentatum Blue Muffin. I am drawn to the scent of the Calycanthus,
and the berries of the Blue Muffin. I am a little concerned about the
Calycanthus, as I have read that it suckers easily (would it make a good
foundation shrub?) and needs moist soil. The foundation area itself is
rather dry most of the year, but a drainage depression runs about 2 1/2 feet
away from where it will be, and stays fairly moist. Will that be enough?



For the patio area, which is partially sunny, I am looking at Clethra
Hummingbird, Clethra Alnifolia Paniculata, and Spirea Japonica Shibori. I
prefer the Hummingbird to the Paniculata, but am not sure whether it is
hardy here? The patio area is on the north side of my house, and I am not
sure a zone 5 plant would be hardy enough there. The Spirea Japonica Shibori
is pretty in the photos, but I am afraid it would be a little, well, boring.



Thoughts? I'm open to other suggestions, too! Thanks in advance!

-Shelly