Background plantings for Shade -Reply

Hi Sheila:

I live in a little warmer climate, PNW, but
count myself a 6b because I live near the
Columbia Gorge and we get freezing, drying
winds for several weeks at a time.

I have a long border, bordering east (the coldest
part of my yard).  It is almost all in shade with
only a little morning light, under a 100 year fir,
very similar to your lighting conditions.  I have
been successful for 7 years with the following:
(here I'll make a disclaimer and apologize if
these don't work in your zone, but perhaps
other members of their families would?)

Camellia japonica and sasanqua
Vinca minor
Hellebores
Dicentra (bleeding heart)
Sweet woodruff
Epimedium
Corylopsis pauciflora
Kerria japonica plenaflora
Hostas (darling mini 'Golden Tiara' -- I would
suggest in such a dark place light margined,
golden leaved varieites to brighten up the
space)
Many climatis, particularly alpinas and
macropetalas
Ajuga
Columbine
Lobelia cardinalis and syphilitica
Aconitum
Astile
Ligularia
Digitalis
Hydrangea
Toadlilly
Corydalis luteau and others
Probably many of the viburnums (carlesii needs
some shade)
Jasmine nudiflorum (winter jasmine)
Lamium
Filipendula ulmaria and rubra
Aronia (chokecherry)
Lonicera standishii (winter honeysuckle)
Anemone sylvestris 
Phystogia (obedient plant)
You could try Monarda (bees balm), I have had
success with that too in shade.
Oh, trees, Amelanchier is a wonderful
understory shade tree, the variegated Japanese
maples need protection from sun.
I have a rose that gets no direct light and is
doing very well in only some reflected light,
Darlow's Enigma.

I'm not sure how familiar you are with these
plants so I was brief and tried to use just
botanical names.  If you want descriptions,
common names, or any other help, please let
me know.  I have personally grown all of these
for many years in the shade with success.
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