A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 What shrub to plant in Dallas, Texas?

We have lived here 3 years, and for those three years I have watched everything I've tried in this one spot die! It's bloody frustrating.
Under the house overhang, faces north, with the most beautiful live oak tree in front, so you can imagine the amount of shade we get.........but nothing lives. I brought a camilla with me from Oregon, and finally planted it in this spot in the spring. It was doing beautifully: new growth, looked like it loved it..........then no rain, 40-some days of 100 and plus temperatures, and you guessed it: dead! What can I put there? I'd like something that would grow about 5 feet, flowers would be nice, I thought Encore Azalea, but even they need a little sun...........HELP!

Welcome to the forums! Your spot sounds perfect for a Hydrangea. If they are watered on a regular basis, they are very dependable. Have you considered Hostas or are you interested in only shrubs? The weather in this part of the country has been tough on the plants the past year. Hopefully we'll have a better one coming up.

I suppose that you watered the Camellia about every other day, correct? If not, that's probably the problem.

Full shade but hot, right?

Still needs routine water if newly planted.

If you were watering it frequently, then there is something odd.

Does it have to have flowers, or can it be something like a yew?