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Choosing shrubs for shady borders

Q Please could you suggest shrubs that will grow well in shady areas in my garden? These areas get the sun first thing in the morning, but by mid-morning they go into the shade for the rest of the day. I’m looking for something that will attract wildlife, and will grow to no more than 3-4ft (1-1.5m).
David Smith (via email)

A The following small shrubs should prosper in your garden which is shaded for most of the day:
Aucuba varieties: Female plants of A. japonica enchant us with scarlet berries; A.‘Crotonifolia’ has large leaves speckled with gold; evergreen.
Berberis ‘Harlequin’: Purplish-pink leaves with white speckles; deciduous.
Berberis stenophylla: Wealth of orange flowers in spring; evergreen.
Mahonia x media ‘Charity’: Cones of citrus-scented yellow flowers create a stunning show in late winter.
Ribes speciosum: Commonly called fuchsia- flowered flowering current, stems are sleeved with rich red blooms.
Sarcococca confusa: Small Christmas box with creamy white flowers in late winter; evergreen.
Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’: Bright pink flower buds, blush blooms; evergreen.

Water new shrubs well after planting and mulch with well-rotted compost or farmyard manure that will help the soil retain moisture.

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