Here are some possibilities.

At my workplace there are several Fothergillas ('Mt. Airy', I think), which were planted last year and are showing brilliant foliage color now. One is an even rich crimson, another has dominant yellow color with red and purple highlights, and a third has a balance of all of these hues. All look fantastic.

Nandina, a sheltered place around the house is best for this one. I lived and worked in Cincy for a year so I know they will make it there.

Nandinas will do fine in a sheltered spot, as will some of the hardy crape myrtles. Fothergillas are great, as are clethras and viburnums, especially V. juddii, V. tomentosum plicatum "Shasta," and others. "Karen" azaleas and PJM rhodies do well here even with our neutral to alkaline soils. The "Northern Lights" azaleas will too if you treat your soil. Star Magnolias also.

Barberries and cotoneasters do fine. Some are vividly colorful. Others are pretty dull and common.

Chamaecyparis grows well here and there are many yellow and blue foliaged cultivars. Arborvitaes and junipers too.

Other choices are beautyberries, deciduous hollies, lilacs, Lespedeza "Gibraltor," and hypericums.

Scott

Come out to the Boone County Arboretum... we have 200 shrub beds planted with everything that should do well in Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky. The Arboretum's purpose is to show homeowners what they can use in home landscaping.

Here is a link that might be useful: Boone County Arboretum

Boone County Arboretm has a new and improved site. You can now browse our species records more effectively than before under "plants".

Here is a link that might be useful: Boone County Arboretum