I love Brunnera, but I do need to grow it in the shade here. I only have variegated forms. Similar flowers to Forget-me-nots w/out the nasty clingy seeds... I don't have a lot of shade areas that have irrigation, so I have to forgo my desire of all the wet woodland plants I'm drawn to.
The old-fashioned red Heucheras used to be known as drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials. There are some purple-leafed forms that are sun tolerant (Palace Purple is one), but I think all the new fancy-leafed ones do demand some shade. The flowering forms I grow are in full sun.
Lupines are short-lived here, but I'm trying some anyway, even if they only last a year
I like the brownish color of 'Competitive Edge' with the dwarf red Berberis.
Surprisingly, conifers look great with Iris. 'Mulled Wine' with Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pencil Point'
Or 'Gingersnap' with mini rose 'Teddy Bear' and Spirea.
