Hardy Plants?

Need a list of hardy and durable plants for the side of my house. Flowering is good, but I do not like Hostas. I am not too open to evergreens either. I'm in zone 5a. Any ideas?!?



I am also looking for something to replace the evergreens in the front of my house. Something more bushy and flowery is nice. I like the gardenia.
Hardy Plants?
lillies of the valley

bleeding hearts

black-eyed susans

cone flowers

prim roses

columbine

astible

shasta daisies

wild geranium

delphinuim

lupine

liatris

penstemon

russian sage





shrubs:

hydrangia

varigated wiegalia

flowering almond

butterfly bush

spirea

azalea

rose of sharon (many colored varieties)
Reply:You didn't give much information about the location other than that it is on the side of your house. Depending on the amount of sun that area gets, and also wind, there are several kinds of plants that could do well there. Azaleas or Hydrangeas would do well in an area that is partially shaded, and they need to be planted in a rich humus soil.

Butterfly Bush are great for full sun areas and once established are drought tolerant.

The Chinese fringe flower plant would also do well, and the planting requirements are similar to the azalea and hydrangea. It would give you the color you want as the leaves of the bush are dark maroon, and in the spring have beautiful lacy magenta flowers. Gardenias are tricky. They really don't take too well to full sun, and need specific fertilizer requirements, but you could try one and see how it does. Whatever you decide, make sure that you amend the soil, water well in the beginning, and use a good mulch after you plant to help protect the roots and conserve moisture. Good Luck.