Question
I live in zone 7 (NW atlanta) The soil is predominantly clay with some construction rock mixed in (not on purpose but it was difficult to get out!). I've amended it a little with gardening soil last year and plan to add mushroom compost this week. The location is on the west side of an 8' retaining wall. No morning sun, but a lot of afternoon sun.

I would like to plant some more perennials around the shrubs I planted last year. Here is a list of shrubs I already ahve planted in order. Any ideas for good pairing?

Chinese Variegated Privet (2)
Climbing Dawn Rose
Althea
Climbing Dawn Rose with 3 mini gardenias in front of it
Althea
climbin Dawn Rose
Helleri Holly (2)
Japanese Maple

I don't know when the gardenias are supposed to bloom or how to care for them. I planted them last year and they look sad.

Answer
Tiffani,

I have never been very good at perennial pairing, but some of my favorites are:
Delphinium, Coreopsis, Chrysanthemum, Heliopsis, and Potentilla.

As for the gardenia care, I would recommend you check out the following websites:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG336
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1065.htm
These websites should help you out.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen