answer:You didn’t say what kind of sun the area in question receives….? Full/Part/Shade? “most” shrubs do best in full sun…..Perennials are what you are looking for if you are wanting flowers to come back the following year. You best bet might be to visit a local garden center (NOT Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) in your area. They will likely carry stock and have knowledge of what will work best in your region.