Too Much Shade

The 'First Choice' caryopteris out by the front walk is blooming, but the plant is leggy and open and the flowers, while nice, are scattered on the shrub. I think it is in too much shade.
 

When I take a walk around the neighborhood I see small caryopteris plants that are fat, dense shrubs covered in flowers. On Chamisa path the grounds committee planted several 'After Midnight' caryopteris two years ago and they were mail order tiny pants. There is no irrigation there and we hand watered at first.

Now, after two years, those are gorgeous. Still small but easily three times bigger than when planted, and they are full, thick with flowers.

Mine is not. It has been in the ground for 8 years now and is finally the size of the 'After Midnight' shrubs planted two years ago, but much more open. 

I have not pruned it, waiting for it to gain some size, but it really should be cut back every other year to grow in denser. 

In this much shade, though, it might not help.

Plants that want full sun usually need some shade in this climate and elevation. But apparently the caryopteris really does need more sun than my 'First Choice' little plant gets.

Trim it back this winter and then transplant it to the corner by the driveway among the rocks there. It can go where there is an emitter, and then let the blackfoot daisies spread out around it.  →

If I take it out, what else could I plant in that spot by the front walk? There are emitters there.

I could put in a Gro-Low sumac for something neutral to cover that corner. They'll take shade. They look rich and glossy all summer.