Aucuba japonica (Japanese laurel) is often recommended for situations like this. Very tolerant of shade - even full shade - and dry soil conditions. Also will compete quite successfully with tree roots, so easier to establish than some other shrubs. And variegated forms can bring some color and brightness to a deeply shady location. Here is a link that might be useful: Aucuba links

I think a lot depends on what you are trying to achieve also. Some ambiguity with the term "border hedge". Don't know if their are clear cut definitions for either, but generally when I think of a "hedge" I think of a planting to either screen out an unpleasant view, mark a boundary, or create a windbreak or some such utilitarian function as that. A "border" connotes some type of significant feature unto itself. That's not to say a hedge has to be or even should be unattractive, but the emphasis is on function. If you are trying to to create a real eye catching pleaser, I would again say- mix it up for maximum year round interest. If you are merely trying to create a sense of coziness or block out an unpleasant view- something simpler might be nice. If there is anything unattractive to be seen above the hedge line, consider that the busier it is the more your eye will be drawn to that area. Also, consider whether there are other focal points or beds in your yard that you might be distracting attention away from unintentionally. A uniform planting will draw the eye up and down its length but allow it to wander in other directions more easily. A mixed planting will more rigidly fix the eye and call other things in the same general direction into view. Another factor is the distance from which it will be seen. A mix of plants that might be interpreted as a "mish mash" when seen from 60 feet away, will work just fine in a narrow corridor of space between two houses where only a couple of plants can be seen from any given angle at a time anyway. And if I'm standing or walking right next to a 6 ft border I'm more likely to focus on the hedge and not the eye soar behind it than if I am viewing it from a distance. Others may have different design philosophies, but hope that helps. I suppose you might combine both feature AND function into something that might VERY aptly be called a "border-hedge" and if that is the intention, just make sure that your function is met consistently across. For instance, if its privacy or traffic deterrence, make sure everything is sufficiently twiggy or dense to accomplish that. If you want to say "this is the edge of my property", a mixed planting can do it, but a single species planting might say it more loudly and clearly, particularly when viewed from afar. In the case of a true "border-hedge" that will be seen from afar, the aforementioned unifying plant (like the Cherry Laurels) is an excellent suggestion for cohesion. Though it doesn't necessarily have to be arranged in such a way that might be discribed as a hedge behind a border. You could "weave" a low growing unifier thru the entire length of the planting in a varety of patterns (more or less formal) as desired. I believe unifying the planting in this way would give you much greater freedom to be less repetitive (if at all) with the rest of the plant material- however you will want to strike a balance thru foliage colors and shapes,...

I can see this is an older thread - but hope I might still get some info/advice: I planted a Blue Muffin about 3 years ago - but in a NE exposure in a foundation area at front of my home - as it was just what I wanted for the spot. Its sun is also reduced somewhat from the shadow/overhang of the house. I haven't had any flowers or berries (though I have an arrowhead and some others in my backyard, though unfortunately none on the list of viburnum pollinators in this thread) - though the plant has been in good health. In current circumstances, am I at all likely to get flowers/berries, - or do I need to re-site it? I took a tug at it today with my fork - and the roots seem pretty well-developed. It's also been growing 'straight up' - and I'd like to prune it a bit for some shape at this time - whether it stays where it is or I move it - I assume that won't affect the 'lack of' flowers/berries this year (!); ie, I assume w/o flowers I won't get berries. Thank you for any information or advice those on this forum can offer. 'Much appreciated.

I'm a different zone than you are, but I have a lot of shade too. Some plants I have in shade are: hydrangea azalea dwarf azalea astilbe columbine hellebore pulmonaria hakone grass (nice bright color!) bleeding hearts monkshood foxglove lily of the valley tiarella heuchera viburnum hostas, hostas, hostas, lol! (lots of beauties out there!) solomon's seal geraniums plumbago ferns sweet woodruff ajuga Some of the above are in beds that do get some morning sun. Do you get any sun at all? And can you plant spring bulbs that can bloom before the oak trees leaf out? Shade gardens can be incredibly lush and beautiful, places of peace that refresh. Okay, I know, corny, lol, but I do believe that. You just have to learn what can grow in the shade, accept that these will grow while sun-lovers just won't, and learn to appreciate the beauty of those plants. :) Dee P.S. Agree with the above - go to a real nursery! :)