Suggestions for perennials to add between existing shrubs

[Curlygirl]

Hi, I'm new here and this is the first topic I've started so I'm hoping someone will have some feedback for me.

We purchased a home 2 years ago and are really enjoying our flower beds in back of the house that we built. The previous homeowners did some landscaping in front of the house and planted some basic shrubs along the front of the house (in this order, left to right): globe cedar, juniper, spirea (pink & white), juniper, globe cedar. Down the front steps and walkway they planted two more spirea and a yellow potentella. The location gets early morning sun and then shade for the rest of the afternoon. I would like to add some flowering perennials between the shrubs. There are about 2-4 feet between each shrub.

Any suggestions on perennials for us to add? I like bright colours but am open to anything. We live in zone 4-5.

Thanks!

[Newt]

Hi Curlygirl,
You're foundation plantings sound lovely. I did something very similar at my daughter's home a couple of weeks ago. I looked hard and long to find perennials with a long bloom time. Her colors and sun conditions are the same as yours. We also did hostas with variegated leaves for added color when the perennials aren't blooming. Some plants that come to mind:

Hardy geraniums. The two that bloom the longest are Geranium 'Rozanne' and Geranium cinereum 'Ballerina'. I just planted 3 of each in front of my daughter's home. Take a look around these sites. Btw, you can get the 'Rozanne' by mailorder for less. If you are interested just let me know and I can refer you to the wonderful nursery I ordered from.
http://www.plantdelights.com/Catalog...ail/05111.html
http://www.shared-visions.com/explor...s/geranidx.htm
http://geraniaceae.com/geraniums/

Daylilies - so many colors and many are repeat bloomers and some are fragrant. Think about this one I planted in my daughter's front yard too.
http://www.perennials.com/printthisp...170&type=Plant

If leaf color will help you to add color, consider hostas. There are different leaf sizes and colors and even different shapes.

Heuchera comes with lovely leaves now and the colors can be striking. I especially like Heuchera 'Plum pudding' with Hosta 'August moon' with it's lime green leaves. The 'plum pudding' would look lovely with your pinks too.
http://spi.8m.com/plumpludding.jpg
http://bonsaibc.ca/peninsula/Hosta_August_Moon.JPG

Astilbe is pretty too with it's feathery plumes in late summer. Here's one that's pretty.
http://www.santarosagardens.com/brow...Visions--.HTML

These folks have an excellent reputation and are having a sale.
http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/c...ml?id=x7uFrh94

All that I've recommended are hardy in your zone. Hope this helps,
Newt