How tall would you like? Firespike (trimmed at least twice annually) might fit the bill. They are beautiful in late summer/fall.

I had never heard of firespike, but I did the search and it looks familiar. Thanks for the suggestion! I'll try and see what I can find around here.

A lot of ferns like water and deep shade - If the drainage is a problem you can plant them in large pots. This would also give you a chance to grow some marginally hardy plants such as caladiums because you could take the pots in when it freezes. I have hostas in pots mixed with coleus and impatiens and vinca and plectranthus in shady areas.

Hey J

Cast Iron plant will grow in your deep shade.

I wonder if Hidden Lily would make it in total shade. It has grown very well in a really narrow spot between the house and 6 foot fence about 6 feet wide. The light is very minimal. Boy, the flowers are fabulously pretty. They can be somewhat invasive though. Mine are in some very loose soil and, I can easily dig them and give some away when they get too thick. Last fall I thinned them back severely.

Calla can take lots of shade and still bloom. Total shade???

Have you ever considered having your oak pruned just a little, to let in some light? Just take out a few branches from the canopy. I'm sure you already know how just a little light gives you infinitely more choices.

Here's what likes my constantly damp shade garden:

Ligularia - late summer bloom
Astilbe - late spring bloom
Anemone - early fall bloom
Solomon's seal - early spring bloom
Acorus - no bloom that I know of
Southern wood fern - no bloom
Chelone lyonii - early fall bloom

There are some other plants that do well in constantly damp shade, but none I like very much.

Im trying Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) and Summersweet shrub (Clethra alnifolia)in a similar area in my yard, Both are good in boggie shady conditions and they have wonderfully sented flowers!