I think Azaleas, hostas and rhododendrons would be a good combination for a shaded place. If you have deer problem then forget about hosta.

I know it's not an evergreen but how about hydrangea and japanese ferns? in zone 5a the hydrangea is green from April to December. The ferns are dorment in the winter and late to revive in the spring but they are great with their gray or green or red shimmer.
Paul

In my area, the deer eat azalea, rhododendron and hydrangea. Hopefully you don't have that problem. I have pieres japonica (andromeda), boxwood, dwarf mountain laurel Little Linda which is beautiful right now. I would like to get kerria japonica and dwarf magnolia. Check out the different varieties of boxwood, they vary a lot, you might find one you like and they can take dense shade. Holly is also good, many varieties, get a male and female for berries. There are numerous perennial choices, have fun researching. Good luck!

If Autumn foliage is your goal, please consider fothergilla for the sunnier part of the border. There is a small and large version. It is one of the most magnificent shrubs available for foliage in the Fall.

Teresa

Yew. There are low growing varieties of emerald, velvety yew. Very rich looking.

When the new growth comes on in the spring, the stems are all tipped with chartreuse. Some yews make a cherry colored berry that the birds love in the winter. It's always a great foil for perennials.