My neighbor in Mpls has his front porch edged in korean boxwood (smaller leaf type). Boxwood is evergreen (not sure about privet) but will get winter burn if planted in full sun (also not sure about privet with regards to this).

From U of MN Extension:

BOXWOOD

Boxwoods are broadleaf evergreens that are used extensively in the eastern United States for landscape purposes, but unfortunately there is only a single species that has proved hardy in Minnesota. It should be protected from the winter sun. If planted on the north, west, or east side where there is some shade, it does not have to be wrapped to prevent winter sun injury.

Korean Boxwood (Buxus microphylla koreana), 2 ft. with a spread of 3 ft. The winter color is often an olive to purple-green. The selection Wintergreen holds the green color better than the species. It does best planted where it will be in winter shade. It makes a satisfactory specimen plant and a useful plant for a small hedge. Protected sites in zones 3 and 4.

PRIVET

Privets are used extensively in foundation plantings and hedges in areas with milder climates. Even the hardiest privets are subject to winter injury in Minnesota.

Cheyenne Privet (Ligustrum vulgare 'Cheyenne'), 5 ft. This is the hardiest privet, but it will occasionally dieback severely during some winters. It has a dark green, fine foliage. Flowers are small and white. Trial in zone 4.

Also the dwarf arborvitae, Hetz Midget will stay in bounds nicely, but it does grow slower. Evergreen and winter hardy too, for sun or part shade.

Rick

Boxwood: These will not winterburn in sun in the Twin Cities-- not one single bit. Go for the Glencoe which is fabulous and will be only about 2.5 feet high (3 feet wide) with no pruning req. There are many others, could try also green velvet. Korean is OK but bigger plant with smaller leaves than the 2 that I mention. All boxwood evergreen which is a huge plus for a hedge.

Barberry is a garbage collector and very thorny, has nice fall color.

Rick

I also have a Green Mountain which has the unfortunate habit of putting out September new growth which turns white by spring. It is covered by the new growth in the spring. No winter buring problems, tho.

Tom, have you tried any boxwood that have not made it?

Rick

I would say that they are white because they come so late in the season the leaves don't get a chance to flesh out at all, just a guess.

It is interesting that you are having this white issue with the Varder since that is the true sempervirens. The Green Mountain, the only one of the hybrids that is upright like the typical sempervirens, has the same problem.

Autumn lover: pygmy plants can be painfully slow growers and have itty bitty leaves-- you should check that out in before buying.

My five Green Mountain in west central Minn. develop large amounts of yellow leaves in late winter. I planted them about 3 years ago along the eastern foundation of my house. (Bought from Hortico.) I can't have them looking so badly in the spring so I was going to tear them out this year. Do you recommend I try another boxwood?

I love my foul Cheyenne privet hedge. It can get very big however.

Dave