Hibiscus moscheutos

Also a tricky plant to grow. A daphne relative, it requires much the same growing conditions and shares the same persnickety, temperamental nature. I have to say I am a little surprised to see an Asian woodland plant apparently thriving in Brooklyn!!

Realistically, there are many more interesting shrubs than I've suggested, but without some indication of where you are and/or what your soil is like, you are not necessarily going to get the best suggestions for your area. I gave you a list that will grow in most parts New England or the midwest/Great Lakes, but if you are in New England or some parts of the Great Lakes that have acid soil, there is a large group of shrubs that prefer acid soil with good drainage and a relatively high organic content that will add some additional interest. Another few that will grow over a wide range of z5: Philadelphus/mock orange Syringa/lilac Ilex verticillata/winterberry holly (deciduous) Some of the taller spireas such as Vanhoutei Some of the larger Chaenomeles/flowering quince Kolkwitzia/Beautyberry Lespedeza thunbergii/bush clover Some of the Viburnums such as plicatum Be aware that regardless of what you plant, in order to have a successful hedge you will need to kill the grass over a wide strip so that it doesn't shade out or compete with the shrubs, you will need to mulch the new shrubs well to help even out moisture and reduce weeds, and you will need to water thoroughly at least once a week unless there's been 1/2"-1" of rain that week from whenever you plant until the leaves drop in the fall. Fall planting will make this easier since you will need to water for a shorter period of time. If you aren't able to commit to this, I'd not plant until you are living there or at least able to visit regularly since you will probably just waste the money spent since the newly shrubs won't survive without regular care.

" Looks like they have made over-wintering basal foliage, as though saying "It's time to clear away the flowering stems". " At this time of year Rudbeckia Laciniata should look all lush, green, and yellow (flowers). It looks like plants are drying up much too early also in the OP's (warming up) climate. Plants are definitely not created by Nature to have their blossoms "cleared away" as soon as they start flowering.