Shrub/Perennial suggestions

[puglady]

I need some suggestions for a large shrub/tree/bush and some perennial. I want an evergreen of some sort, and for it to be 10-15 tall tops. I also need some larger perennials that aren't wispy to bring in some more structure. The shrub will go in the middle of the planters and the perennials will go somewhere in there depending on where they fit/what they are. Definitely full sun. On the right end, I plan to add a Japanese maple, the shrub variety. Please ignore the lack of fresh mulch we are a bit behind this year.

[litasail]

It would probably help if you shared where you are.

[treedimensional]

What kind of planters? Are they in the picture? It's so tiny I can hardly see it (even enlarged). They look like very small planters, so I'm assuming you mean INCHES when you say you want the plants 10-15 tall.
Where will you put the planters? Somewhere other than their present location, I hope? The foundation bed needs a complete redesign.

[puglady]

Sorry I was very vague. That's what I get for posting on the fly I am in Maryland, and 10-15ft in height is what we need The planters are large urns, probably 3.5 feet tall. I would guess. They are traditional black urns. I don't know how to resize the pic, as I have only been on these boards on my phone. I will try to repost the pic and see if that works. Probably won't, but it's worth a go.

[puglady]

Tree, what would you suggest for a total redesign?

[treedimensional]

Those urns are probably only 5, maybe 7 gallons in volume, which is NOT enough root space for a 10-15' tall tree. And why would you want to put two 10' tall plants smack in front of the windows? And why urns? Why not plant shrubs and trees directly in the ground?
I must restate my opinion that you need to redesign the whole space. The plan (as I understand it) isn't good.
I agree that evergreens make good foundation plants, but apart from that, I'd start over.

[puglady]

I was going to put the large evergreen in the ground between the two urns, not actually IN the urns.

[NitaX]

I always like to jump in and say, if treedimensional tells you something, you should probably just go on and do what she says. She's the expert meaning like she got degrees and stuff and does this for a living.

Now my two cents, a shrub right there is going to look awkward and unnatural. Plus, it will tower over the other plants since it's grouped alone.

[treedimensional]

Ok, I misunderstood about where you wanted the tall evergreen; I'm sorry.
I think it would be interesting to have a broadleaf evergreen, like a viburnum, in the central position, mostly because of what nitaw pointed out about it possibly looking out of place and too tall. Or, you could go with a very stout conifer (not a narrow one), I think that would be a good choice.
Of course, you still need a full foundation planting, badly. Not the urns, and not the skimpy plants you currently have there. I mostly use evergreens for foundation plants. If you layer evergreens (3-4' tall) along the foundation, a deciduous plant in the center would be better than an evergreen, and would open up more options to you (for plant selections).
Move the urns to the front entryway, or some other area you want to frame and highlight.

[puglady]

Thank you. I agree that something stouter would be better there. I really would like to build a stronger foundation without making it a wall of hedges, kwim? We have that on the other side of the house, and I think it would be too boring. I definitely need to bring in some more solid pieces as what I planted in the back didn't fill in the way I thought it would. I appreciate your input, you have given me some things to think about