I would think that the combo of hot, humid, and chemicals from things like drier sheets would be tough for a lot of plants, though it might depend on how far out she could plant them. Can the bed have an empty space or sculpture at the back and then the plant at the front so there is something like 2’-3’ in front of the vent without plants?

The grass near my furnace vent regularly died, so we just ended placing a large flat stone there which looks a lot nicer than dead grass.

I have 2 big roses near a dry vent, Rosarium Uetersen and The Fairy. They are about 2.5'/ 3' away.

Never planted roses there (North side, no sun) but my hydrangea is next to my dryer vent and it seems to love it!

Thanks guys! Sorry, I got busy and didn't check anything over the last couple days. I'll have to check the spot tonight - NHBabs, a nice rock is always nice, and especially better than dead plants! And a rock with a rose in front of it would look great! Rouge, that 'John Cabot' is gorgeous! Seil, that sounds like a good spot for a hydrangea - they like the humidity, and the extra warmth could help keep them from getting so winter killed. I have one on the east side of my house that has never bloomed. I need to dig it up and move it or dump it.

Her vent is on the south/southwestern side of the house, so it could be that between the brick house and the dryer vent it's just too hot in the summer for much to grow. Depending on the size of that border, I'm thinking a hardy geranium or other herbacious perennial would work well (no winter foliage to burn, easy to get rid of any lint).

Or, I've got some coneflower seedlings she could have! No idea of what color (they're from a Powwow White) yet.

I have a Nandina planted to the side of a dryer vent and itsit's leaves are in front. It is fine. I am going tito train a rambling rose up in front of it. Below it I have planted Iris tectorum and it can handle it.

Still haven't had a chance to ask about/see the site - last week was busy, and I work weekends. Tomorrow, hopefully. It really sounds like any rose needs to be sited so it's mature size is at minimum two feet away from the vent. I think any of mine would get too big for the 'bed' she had there, but I'll check anyway.

Totoro, I think she's tried irises there but I'm pretty sure all hers are bearded iris - the tectorum kind might be a good option, if I can find it!

Dianthus, yarrow (the colorful, garden varieties not the yellow, prone to spreading one!), lambs' ears, and catmint (and I have a 'Walker's Low' I could give her) are options, if anyone has experience with those. Or a salvia or speedwell/veronica?

I have a hybrid tea - loves promise - right next to my dryer vent on SE corner of house. I worry sometimes, but that rose is thriving. We do about 2-4 loads of laundry on saturdays...

Got a chance to check the site yesterday, and it would be too small for the roses I have. A typical HT (tall and narrow) would probably work okay if placed to the sides of the vent (rather than directly in front), but might look out of place with the rest of her landscaping.

Thanks for your input guys, even if it was ultimately a bust. Information is always good to have, and maybe this will help someone else with a similar spot (and more space!).