In addition to the ones listed below, you might consider the bridal wreath
spirea, which makes a beautiful billow of white in spring, weigela, which
makes a splash of pink or red in early summer, (some rebloom), Viburnum
mariessei (double-file viburnum), mountain laurel (although its needs are
similar to azalea, so it might not be successful in your site), a lilac or
two (if you want to match sizes consult local nurseries - there are a number
of dwarf and semi-dwarf lilacs that top out at 6 feet or so), one of the
hardier crape myrtles they are developing at the National Arboretum, etc.
"David J Bockman" wrote in message
...
A few traditional choices include:

Myrica pennsylvanica, Northern Bayberry, Candleberry. This would be grown
primarily for its fruit rather than flower. The fruit is a 'drupe', 1/6 to
1/5" across, grayish white, covered with a waxy coating, effective from
September through April and later of the following year, borne in great
quantities and usually covering the stems of female plants. Very
attractive.

Berberis thunbergii, Japanese Barberry. Hundreds of cultivars available.
A
nice combo is a mass planting of a red form interspersed here and there
with
a chartreuse-green form such as 'Aurea'.

Viburnum trilobum 'Compactum', American Cranberrybush Viburnum. Great
flowers, fruit, and foliage.

Cornus sericea, Redosier Dogwood. This is very nice in winter if you have
a
contrasting color behind it to show off the rich red canes.

Dave
Fairfax, VA


"Groundswell" wrote in message
...
Hi --

I live in the northern Washington DC suburbs and I'm looking for ideas
for a flowering hedge or thick border plant. I'm bored with the idea of
the typical yew or boxwood or privet. The location has mediocre quality
soil, it's neither heavy clay nor heavy sand, full to medium sun. The
length of the hedge would be about 40 feet.

I'm interested in something that is relatively low maintenance. It
doesn't need to be a privacy or security hedge, just something to define
the border and discourage the dogs and kids from running off the
property. Ideally it would thrive at somewhere between 3 and 5 feet.

One possibility is Rose of Sharon -- I have a couple of plants right now
and I'm used to taking care of it. I've had bad luck with azaleas for
whatever reason. I'm not crazy about the look of forsythia. I'm also
open to the idea of a mixed planting -- say 4 different plantings to
flower at different times of the year.

Any suggestions are welcome.