Where are you? What is appropriate to suggest will depend heavily on your location and climate.

certain hydrangeas do well in shade

It's so hard to find pretty things, especially shrubs to grow in shady areas. Hydraneas do well, but not a shrub. It always says full sun- not the afternoon shady sun I have. If you find any- let me know!!!!
I do recommend ferns, autumn fern is an evergreen.

Hebe & Abutilon unless you have a lot of freezing

Ninebark (Physocarpus) and Mock orange (Philadelphus) are native plants that will grow in some shade. You could also look for Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) which is native also. There are many different cultivars ranging from 3 ft to 10 ft.You might need to check at a local nursery for the hydrangea.
Rhododendron and azalea both like morning sun.

Japanese Kerria. I've never seen them at HD or Lowes, but many local nurseries carry them.

I have had very good luck with Acuba japonica grown in shade. I think the variegated varieties are nice because they add some color to shady spots.

Still researching my latest find... Frosty Pearl Euonymus 'Duncata variegated vegeta' but simply THRILLED so far! It's gorgeous!

It likes shade, likes it on the dry side, and will have color year round via foliage and berries. I planted mine next to the basement breakwall hoping that it grows/climbs more "up" than "out".

Here is a link that might be useful: Frosty Pearl Thread