So I've finally found an image that has enlightened me -- this isn't a "ground layered cane", it's a runner rhizome (so at least I've got it right as p. nigra!), and I've planted at about the right depth. The color description might indicate it may be the 'Muchisasa' variety (brown-black instead of purple-black). I keep learning more... Any extra info help is still greatly appreciated. Thanks Tina

I'm definately no lupin expert...only grew them once, but I did read recently that they do much better in cool summer climates. Definately not typical Hudson Valley weather! I'd put them in a place that gets atleast some shade in the heat of the afternoon, but they do need sun to bloom. Some pointers that I also read were: when you buy them look for ones in 1 gallon containers as they have long taproots and don't handle small containers well. Try not to disturb the roots too much when removing from the container to plant them (also because of the taproot). Soil doesn't seem to be so important, but keeping them as cool and moist as possible seems to be the key.

You don't say where you are, so I don't know what kind of soil you have. The first two suggestions need acid soil. - Look at some of the Lights series of azaleas such as rosy lights, northern hi-lights, golden lights, orchid lights, etc. - Depending on whether you are zone 4a (-30F) or 4b(-25F) there are a fair number of Rhododendrons hardy to -25F, though some of those in this list will have damage at the coldest end, there are others like the PJM series or R. groenlandicum (formerly Ledum groenlandicum) that will be fine after -25F. Many do best with winter shade or deeper snow. - Some of the smaller Hydrangea paniculata (hardy to zone 3) stay under 6' and even as small as 3'. Large leaves and long bloomers. - Diervilla lonicera would work.- Little Devil Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius, has dark red leaves. - Spirea - many types ranging in size from 2' tall to about 6' tall, with green or gold leaves depending on the type. - One of the smaller lilacs like Minuet. You don't specify what you consider small, so all of these stay under 6' for me, and most stay under 4' and a few are shorter than that.

New kiwi vines. I hear differing stories as to where to plant them. One says part shade because the leaves will scald in the sun. Another says full sun. Still another says treat it like a clematis: Shaded roots but full sun for the main plant? I have a wall with a North West exposure. It gets full shade until noon then full sun all afternoon. The area does support Bleeding heart, hardy geranium, tiger lilies, day lilies and Sedum.