I have an area that is direct sun for the first half of the day and I planted a ruby slippers hydrangea there along w my hostas. I also planted 2 crab apple trees. When the trees get larger the area will be full shade almost all day, with maybe only a couple hours of sun. The hydrangea is currently doing well here, and is blooming. It has doubled in size since I planted it last spring (2014). I am wondering if long term the shrub will like this location? I don't mind if it only blooms sparsely as long as it does get a few blooms on it. The area should still get bright light. Will it do ok here, or should I move it before it gets too large? What kind of shrubs could I choose that will like mostly shade? I thought about japanese maples but I think they would get too large for where I want to put them. any thoughts?

I have a Ruby Slippers hydrangea planted in an area that only gets late afternoon sun and it's blooming! I think this might be its 3rd year in that spot.

I went out this morning to get a picture of the blooms. Looks like there are two blooms on it.

Most all of my hosta are planted under black walnut trees. Even though black walnuts get a bad rap for the juglone it produces it has a tap root and thus not much for root competition with the hosta. And Hostas are quite happy there. However, I would like to put some shrubs in those beds and that might get a bit more tricky. Anybody plant around black walnut trees?

I have read very good reports about black walnut trees and hostas.

@Ticker -- Diann, I have black walnut trees in my yard. I actually posted a article here on ATP with a list of things that I have been able to grow under or near them. As far as shrubs go, I have a couple types of hydrangea, arborvitae, sambucus, a Tiger Eye sumac, and I just planted a boxwood within the root zone. Roses will grow there too, but my yard is too shady for them to thrive. Also kerria japonica would work, and I think that would look great with hostas. I have been looking for one of those but I will have to find it online, as they are not available locally.

@foraygardengirl - Thank you! I have a Hydrangea Quick Fire and a Tiger Eye Sumac that I need to plant yet. Hosta beds, here they come!!! Very Cool!

foraygardengirl said:Also kerria japonica would work, and I think that would look great with hostas. I have been looking for one of those but I will have to find it online, as they are not available locally.

I think High Country Gardens normally carries it... ....but they are out of stock right now. Here's the link:
http://www.highcountrygardens....

(They were a previous contributor to the donations for the NARR--last October's, in fact--so I've been perusing their site, thinking to support them in appreciation of their past contributions. My purchase from them might have to wait until planting season picks back up in spring, though.)

Hey Dogs! We have a Kerria that is doing really well under the oak trees. I'm trying to create some starts, but not having much luck. If I have something in the spring, I'll let you know.

Rick, what variety is it? I'm looking for the single flowered variety. I believe Lazy S and Digging Dig have it also. But if you want to share, I'm game. Would love to see pictures of it!