That's interesting, rabbit. I was just going by what does best on my place with the least light. I don't guess any of it is in "total" shade. I've got some that gets only a little morning light though that is a good 8 ft. tall. You sure you're referring to the same cultivars? I think I've got 6 or 7 different types on my place, and a couple would be difficult to distinguish from the "standard" variety, except that they are shorter. I've had very few stray nandina to deal with, but they do "walk."

Ramon, I have no idea where you posted previously but the suggestion to repost here was way off base :-) This is an exchange forum intended for the trading of plants or seeds. It is not intended to discuss landscaping issues or plant selection - those would be far better addressed on either the Landscape Design forum, Northwestern Gardening (our regional forum) or the Shrubs forum. These are all very active forums and you would have gotten dozens of responses to your request after this length of time instead of just 4 comments. I am very active in all of those but never look here as I don't trade plants - I just saw this in the listing of recent discussions......... Just for some clarification, you state you want a more "solid piece of landscaping" and then ask about annuals and perennials. Annuals and perennials are generally considered just window dressing in a landscape - the solid stuff is the trees and shrubs that form permanent year round structure. Do you just want to add some temporary seasonal color or are you more interested in a good, year round look? I am a professional landscape designer and consulting horticulturist by trade and live on the west side of the Sound (after living in Seattle for many years) so I'd be happy to help you fill in your garden if you would like more specific suggestions. You can message me directly if you like (just click on my username and look for the message button) or you can try reposting this on one of the other forums I suggested to get even more input from a broader selection of responders. Sorry you were sent away to very lightly trafficked and inappropriate forum and not receiving the info you needed in a timely manner.

I've had good luck with winter gem boxwoods here in zone 5. Also have had green velvet without a problem with the cold. I think these are both varieties of Korean boxwood. I have lost one or two over the years to what I believe was a fungal disease, but most years they look great. I don't happen to be using them as Foundation plants but you could. I also have had no problem growing densiformis yews in partial shade. Probably a prosaic plant but it works and stays fairly small. Maybe three feet wide and two feet tall. I do use some of these as Foundation plantings. Obviously you would want to combine several different types of plants. Annabelle hydrangeas are also popular here as foundation plants in shady spots.

Do you get deer in your neighborhood? Just in general, consider bringing a very large planter (or 3) and having a tree/trees. If you don’t have harsh winters, many tropical trees grow in shade and won’t need to be brought inside. Otherwise, if you are strong with no back issues, you can put big planters with winter-hardy trees or tropical vines in them on hand carts and put them in a protected place in winter. Some planters that are made to look like stone are actually plastic and not very heavy in themselves — although filled with dirt and rocks they are impossible to carry alone. These happen to be roses, which wouldn’t grow in shade, but tropical flowering vines trained up a post or trellis would. Or tropical (planters come in all kinds of finishes to suit your house)