Hi,

I am no expert, but boxwood would be too slow growing. Dwarf AB Spruce is also slow growing plus susceptible to winter damage.

Some roses, such as ones that are Rugosa type roses (Jens Munk, Hansa, Terese Bugnet, etc) can hit a height of 5 to 6 feet.

Maybe hedge cotoneaster (cotoneaster lucidus) would work good. It gets appproximately 5 to 8 feet high, glossy green foliage, blooms in spring, followed by black berries. Hardy to zone 2 as well. There are some houses here where they make a nice clipped hedge, or some don't trim them until they get too big.

Alternately, maybe peking cotoneaster, (cotoneaster acutifolius).

If you husband likes 'evergreen', perhaps woodward arborvitae ('cedar'), thuja occidentalis 'woodwardii'. It stays in a globe shape and grows up to 5 feet tall. Rarely needs pruning to keep it's shape and winter hardy.

Or, if you want taller, there are columnar (tall and narrow) types of arborvitae as well.

Regards,
Glen

If you don't need privacy during the winter, why not think about planting Diablo Ninebark (Physocarpus). It grows to six feet, has wonderful arching form and best of all a great burgandy leaf colour and peeling bark for winter interest. Oh, it also grows fast.

Another shrub to look at is Alpine Currant (Ribes).

Best of Luck and cheers!

I think a lovely hedge is a woodwordii ceder. A friend off mine has it along the south side of her yard and it is fantastic. It gets to about 7 feet high and wide and is very easily pruned. It looks nice from top to bottom without any loss of foliage at the base.
Carole

A lot of people in my area have lilac hedges. They can be clipped to a desired height. They get thick enough that they screen even when the leaves are off in the winter.
Ian

Little leaf lilac is very popular for hedges and does not need extensive pruning.