Daylilies won't do, they're gone in the winter, take quite a while to fill in before the summer, and their leaves decline by late summer/fall.

Shrubs are not my forte, but certain kinds of boxwood are less prone to winter damage than others. I have heard that Korean boxwood handles our winters fine.

There is always yew, grows in sun and shade.

Holly if this is a part shade site. Might be a bit fussier to get going than yew.

May I suggest Rhododendron 'PJM'? I just love mine! The extra added bonus to these beauties is that they maintain leaves throughout the winter.

Rhododendron "PJM" (PJM Rhododendron)

Zone 4 Mature size: 3-4' h

Small, dark-green leaves and abundant, purple-pink flowers adorn this broad, fast-growing plant. Leaves turn bronze in winter.

Rhododendron "PJM Elite" (Elite PJM Rhododendron)

Zone 4 Mature size: 3-4' h

Similar to "PJM", but flowers later in spring - the last of the PJM clones to bloom.

http://www.hortsales.com/catalog/broadleaf_evergreens.htm

Marilyn

Another option is spirea but that grows quickly and needs to be cut back to about a foot each year. There are both regular and golden so you could alternate plants and get a nice effect. I am attaching a picture, the bush in the back with the purple flowers is a golden spirea. diene

I need some rhododendron elsewhere, so if the PJM doesn't work as the hedge, I will certainly try it elsewhere.

And the spirea might be just the ticket! I considered it before, but thought it would get taller than I wanted...it never occurred to me to cut it back each year! :)

Thanks everyone!