I read on another site that ENGLISH ROSEUM (that's what I have) prefers quite a bit of sun and likes evenly moist soil (my soil dries out between waterings) and must have acidic soil or it will yellow and die. I don't know if my soil is acidic or not, but most of the soil in this area is more on the alkaline side than acidic. So it sounds like my rhodie was dead the min I planted it unfortunately. I guess I need to either move it or toss it out altogether because it is not going to live where I have it now. Article also said that rhododendrons tend to have an extensive root system that is rather shallow. So amending the soil just for the shrub will not work because it roots out so far.
The spot its in now is pretty much full shade although it does get light (it is not dark shade) and the soil becomes dry and powdery between waterings. So if I can improve the soil some, with the full shade, should hostas do ok there or will they need more sun too? I can probably amend the soil enough to grow hostas which would have a much smaller root system than of course a 6 ft woody shrub would.
I would like to add something to the area to add a little more interest in the 3-6 ft range, besides hostas. Is there anything else at all that will live in this area? I also have a RubySlippers Hydrangea in this area, and so far it looks great but I just planted it this year also and it was a premium size in a larger pot-more developed root ball. So over time this also may go downhill like the rhodies did, because I am afraid it will not be able to compete with the tree roots and the full shade (they need a little more sun too I bet).
I just need ideas on a small kind of shrub that likes full shade. It wouldn't have to flower, or be evergreen but that would be a plus. I guess it would not even have to be a shrub, just some kind of largish plant that likes shade and would be able to hold it's own with my Hemlock-roots.
