I need a small red shrub or bush I can put next to a boxwood that will grow in full shade...any thoughts?

Question

The area gets 1 or 2 hours of sunlight in the morning...that's about it.

Answer 1

Can't think of any red shrub that would tolerate that much shade. How about switching to an annual. Impatiens if well watered and fertilzed, in good soil will grow about 18 inches high, and have a fantastic show of flowers in a variety of colors. Some of the new varieties of Coleus may also be worth checking out. I think there is also a dwarf red-leaved musa (banana} that might work but you'd have to bring it in if you have any winter at all.
Good luck. I have tons of shade, and know it is a challenge.

Answer 2

A red shrub is going to need more sunlight than 1 or 2 hrs to really be red. It's going to look washed out with such a lack of sun. Burning Bush turns red in the fall but it need partial shade...and would not show much color (if any) in your full shade conditions.

Maybe there's some way to bring more sunlight in?

Answer 3

Try the 'lady in red' hydrangea. It is a shade growing plant. You can see pictures and info on it at http://www.ladyinredhydrangea.com/