Compact, as in small (2' or so h x w) clumps of roses similiar to the ones I mentioned in my post above. The Bucks do look very nice, but I probably have a better spot for them where they can spread out a bit more.

Hi all! (This is a cross-posting in the Hydrangeas/Conifers forums). I checked threads from the past asking similar questions, but thought I'd start a new query, hoping more info, ideas and experience may have accumulated since... I've been brain-storming about planting paniculatas (thinking of Little Lime, Bobo or possibly Little Quick Fire) paired with evergreen shrubs (or maybe *small* evergreen trees...if that's a thing, that is) as the main layers. This is for our front yard facing south-east that gets plenty of morning to very early afternoon sun. I would like plants in the back row to be 4-5 ft high. So, (1) If I go with Bobo, I believe whatever evergreen shrubs with that height would have to be planted in the back. (2) On the other hand if I go with LL or maybe LQF, then smaller evergreens would most likely be in the front. For these two different scenarios, what evergreens would you recommend? And what combination(s) have you actually tried and how is it doing (I would very much love to see photos!)? There seem to be overwhelmingly many choices out there... your suggestions would be much, much appreciated! Eri :-)

After more sleuthing, it turns out to be Lonicera involucrata (honeysuckle family) aka Twinberry or other various common names.

Pragense viburnum, easy, but will need to be trimmed regularly. Very hardy. Deer resistant. Euonymus japonicus, maybe 'Aureo-marginatus' (Golden) or 'Chollipo', 'Silver Queen', others. In the south they can get scale. I've never had a problem in 12+ years. Deer love them. Euonymus kiautschovicus 'Manhattan' , a bit course, but very fast. Needs shaping. Deer will munch on them, if they are a factor. Osmanthus heterophyllus - spiney, tough. Slow growing. Deer resistant. Osmanthus x fortunei -- can get eventually to 15 feet. Will need shaping. Spiny, deer-resistant. Fragrance in fall. Hollies - there are so many. Certainly one to fit your space. Some are spiny. Look to Japanese hollies such as Steeds upright, Convexa, or hybrids like 'Spartan', 'Castle Spire', 'Fosters', 'Blue Maid', 'Centennial Girl', 'Liberty', etc. etc. Usually deer resistant, but you never know. Dwarf Burford holly. May get some late frost burn, but otherwise very tough. Spiny, glossy leaves. Will grow more slowly though. Easy to shape. Regular Burford grows faster/taller/wider, but needs more shaping more regularly. Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'. very hardy, but needs extra water in droughty times. Other than that, it's pretty easy. Upright evergreen leaves. Should be good for cooler zone 7. Deer resistant.