I'm looking for a privacy hedge in zone 5 (St. Louis):

1) that would look great in a formal garden

2) at least 5-6 feet high, no more than 12 feet

3) Year-round privacy is a plus, but not necessary

4) can be clipped into a neat angular shape or has a tight appearance, nothing loose or airy looking

5) can take full, full sun. It's a newly built neighborhood, so there are no trees providing shade.

6) can tolerate some clay soil

7) prefer faster growth as my backyard faces a street

I have considered Emerald Green Arborvitaes, but they are expensive at $36/plant at Lowe's. I may just have to break down and buy arborvitaes if I can't find anything else. I have also considered Limelight Hydrangeas(love the flowers)and golden euonymus.

I welcome any suggestions you may have. Thanks for your help!

With the roses, boxwoods, and lavender type plants, I think Crataegus monogyna (English hawthorne) would be a good fit. It is the classic English countryside hedge. Look for the "stricta" variety. The one potential caveat with hawthorne are the thorns.

Too bad about the full sun, otherwise you might have considered planting yews (though it may be costly to get plants the size you would need.) Whatever you choose, good luck with your hedge.