Let's make this clear (to me). I'm confused, I guess, because azaleas should do just fine with morning (only) sun. Are you saying that the white FLOWERS turn brown so fast or that the entire plants are croaking for some reason? If it's just the flowers, then I'd suggest that you replace the azaleas with more azaleas, but of a different color. The fungus disease that attacks azalea flowers seems more common on white ones, for some reason. This disease, called Petal Blight, can be prevented by a combination of horticultural housekeeping and timely applications of fungicide. If the whole plant is dieing, then I still say that you need to figure out why before planting anything else. I'll respectfully suggest that Nandina dometica is probably not the best of choices for you. As pretty as it is, it is happy to achieve heights of 8 feet (or more). Considered an aggressive grower, you'll be cutting this plant back more than once per year. But the more serious issue is that of it's status as an invasive plant. A highly invasive plant. It is often on the top ten list of the worst offenders, especially in southern states. Research has been on-going to produce more sterile cultivars than exist now, and it will be worth watching to see what happens. Right now, "Fire Power" is one of the cultivars that will not flower nor fruit. Some people don't like the coloring of that particular Nandina, though. Some of the other dwarf Nandinas were reported to be sterile when they first came out, but revert pretty quickly. Also, even the non-fruiting varieties are still able to form thickets by suckering and underground rhizomes. http://santarosa.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/lg_nandina.pdf Above is a fact sheet from UFL that discusses the problems with Nandina and what we can do prevent this invasive species from causing problems in our own communities. Here is a link that might be useful: More information

Container plantings for a new/inexperienced gardener are much easier if you select seasonal plants. Long term container plantings - like with evergreen shrubs, dwarf conifers, etc - just require a bit more attention and gardening skills than you may be prepared to offer. Nothing is 'plant and forget', especially in a container! A visit to a local nursery (Squak Mt. in Issaquah, Molbaks in Woodinville) will offer many seasonal choices for a mostly sunny position. Pick something that offers some height, something for fullness and something that drapes or cascades. Use a good quality potting soil, add some slow release fertilizer and water thoroughly as often as necessary. The planters will need to be changed out as the seasons change but there are cold weather annuals that will work virtually completely throughout our winters without concern, especially protected under a covered porch. But you will need to pay attention to watering even then.

In the PNW, there are literally scores of plants that can be grown in a container and kept outdoors all year long. I'd suggest you go to a better local garden center (Swanson's in Crown Hill would be my first choice or Sky in Shoreline) and see what broadleafed evergreen shrubs that will tolerate mostly shade are available and appeal. Sarcococca humilis (dwarf sweet box) is one of my favorites - lush, tidy deep green foliage and produces extremely fragrant, tiny white flowers in winter. I grow one in a container on my front porch. Doesn't mind some early day sun but prefers shade and tolerates pretty dry conditions as well. Gardenias are a good choice as well but not the easiest plant to grow.......they are a bit picky in their preferences. Otherwise, ALL my houseplants come outdoors for the summer beginning around the end of April and get left out until October. The brighter light and higher humidity of outdoor conditions is very much to their liking and combined with the routine watering and fertilizing all my outdoor containers get in summer, they thrive. Just check thoroughly for any unwanted hitchhikers before bringing in again in fall.

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