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Hi,
My house faces SW and is very exposed. I'm want low maintenance foundation plants for along the front of my house. Any suggestions? Facing SW means that area is shaded for a big part of the day. I could wrap them for the winter but if I don't have to it would be a plus. Soil is also normally acidic here.
I looked up Azaleas in Plant Files and there are several listed for your zone. Is your zone 5a or 5b? I thought I saw your zone on your post but after I just looked it is not there.
I've had a few yards with shady and partial sun areas and I live in upstate NY so my zone is the same as yours and the soil is acidic as well!
Here goes:
Hosta - a great hearty variegated plant. Even flowers in Summer. :)
Hydrangea - flower all summer. Trick is leaving the stems from last year's growth on the plant till June every year to make sure you don't cut off new growth.
Day Lily's - hearty long lasting summer blooming. Usually yellow in color.
Golden Girl Spirea - great mounding habit with yellow green leafs and petite pink flowers mid summer
All of these are what I call "wicked hearty" and take little care and grow quickly!
Have fun!
