Perennials that don't lean - recommendations please.

Thank you @Jess91, another option to consider! I had a white one close by which was very happy until I changed the colour scheme!

 

Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus
Doesn't lean but it might be a bit large for you

 

Thank you @BB3, I like the look of that but yes, it'll be too large for that space. I could have a rejig elsewhere though!

 

Another philadelphus worth considering is Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine'
It stays around 1m round and about 75cm high. It's very shaded, but hasn't got leggy at all.
Another in full sun does equally well.
Lovely scented double flowers now.


Philadelphus coronarius Aureus is just to the left of it which can be kept quite small by pruning hard in June, but then it doesn't look great for the rest of the summer

 

There's a new Philadelphus called Pearls of Perfume which apparently flowers for longer as the blooms are produced on both old and new wood. Presumably it smells quite nice too.

 

I grow Phil. Manteau d'Hermine - in various sites. I thought it was more perennials you were looking for rather than shrubs though, or I'd have suggested that.
I also grow the white Weigela and the early white Spireas in that sort of aspect, as well as larger Hydrangeas, Rowan [a white variety] Pyracantha and low growing plants like Pachysandra.

 

Hardy geraniums are always good bet.

 

Yes @fairygirl, there's only space for an upright perennial there but the other recommendations are very welcome for the next change around elsewhere!

 

Thank you @Baalmaiden, you're right, they grow well here. I've got one in reserve as another option!

 

Not sure if they’ve already been mentioned but Thalictrums are great for anywhere with shade. I have some towards the back in a north facing border, the front of which gets morning and evening sun, and they don’t lean forward towards the sunnier spots at all.

I have Black Stockings which has beautiful dark stems and has been in flower for about a week now. I think there are some which flower later and you can deadhead them to get more flowers but I leave mine as I like the seedheads (and can’t reach them easily to deadhead).

 

Just looking out the window and Rodgersia is another plant that doesn’t lean forward for me. I have it in a spot which gets some morning sun - front of border technically faces north but this spot gets some sun from the east facing side but only for a few hours.

Oh just remembered that you have sandy free draining soil so these might struggle. Could be worth trying if you could get a bargain one or a division from a friend.

 

Thank you for your suggestions @Butterfly6. I know and like the Thalictrum that you have so that's another contender. Rodgersia probably won't like my soil but it's another plant that I like!

 

Would Penstemons work? I have them in various locations, east/south and west.

 

Thank you @floralies, yes I think they would be OK now, but I haven't had much success with Penstemons over winter I'm afraid. Another one I like but struggle with!

 

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and recommendations. I've decided to try a shrubby Salvia in that location which I'm going to move from elsewhere to make room for some sweet peas. I've got a list of other options now though if it fails!