Q.New Bed; Zone 8b. Japanese Maple Backdrop; Corner Yard At Driveway.
Thinking heuchera? Dwarf plumbago? St. John’s Wort? Dianthus? Hyacinth?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Is that a shady or part shade location? If so, the heuchera and dwarf plumbago (perennial groundcover) would do well. St. John's wort needs part sun. Dianthus and hyacinth bulbs need a full sun situation. The heucheras would be nice because they are evergreen. If it's a shady site, hellebore is also evergreen. There are lots of dwarf hydrangeas now that bloom on new wood and can be kept short. Bobo hydrangeas only get 2 to 3 feet. I don't know how tall your Japanese maple will get, but small shrubs are also a possibility.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/dianthus/growing-dianthus-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/st-johns-wort/st-johns-wort-plant-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hellebore/growing-hellebores.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/zone-8-ground-cover.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/zone-8-shade-gardening.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/zone-8-rose-varieties.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/zone-8-bulbs.htm
