There are a wide range of perennials that could be planted in this location.  What you select depends on the soil and light conditions.  If the soil is well-drained and the location is in full sun, you have the most possibilities.  

If you are worried about the soil conditions, you can get a soil test, but this area shouldn't be drastically different than other areas of your landscape.  Apart from having to dig through some old roots, the soil is not drastically altered by the spruce once being there.

Work to buy perennials that bloom in all seasons so there is always something of interest.  
Some low maintenance perennials for full sun (these, in particular, may be good choice for you) include:

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Peony (Paeonia hybrids)
• False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
• Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
• Gas Plant (Dictamnus albus)
• Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)
• Hardy Geranium (Geranium spp.)
• Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
• Hardy Zinnia (Heliopsis helianthoides)
• Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
• Daylily (Hemerocallis
  spp.)
• Perennial Salvia (Salvia x superba)
• Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
• Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)
• Carolina Lupine (Thermopsis caroliniana)
• Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
• Speedwell (Veronica spp.)
• Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
• Ornamental Grasses (Various species)

Below are some resources that can help you find some perennials.

• https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/Perennials-for-Sun
• https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/may-blooming-perennials
• https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/summer-blooming-perennials
• https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/fall-blooming-perennials
• https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/soil-testing-resources-home-gardeners

Thank you so much!! What a great resource you have provided!
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