Hollies? Yews? I assume you want evergreens maybe sone of the hardier rhodadendrons? how high do you want your hedge to grow? a planting of viburniums might make you happy or some of the other shrubs that are hardy

Not the ideal spot for ES hydrangea, even in MN. If you water them a lot, it can be done. The will likely still wilt during the hottest part of the day, even when well watered. Too dry for too long and they will burn. Morning sun with some afternoon shade is best. Boxwoods might burn over the winter with a SW exposure. I like Strawberry Candy Daylily.

Ben, you are so funny! From what I can gather bunnies do favors grass, of which I have none, and therein I think lies the problem. Even so, my irises and roses were safe until the summer of 2018, which had abnormally scorching temperatures early in the season (I remember it was 115 one day), which I think killed most of their natural sources of food. We are now two zones hotter and drier than we were ten years ago, and that, along with the six-year drought, left the wildlife with very little to subsist on. When I look at all the greenery in the photos of people in rainy regions it must be difficult to understand that in areas like mine life is poised very much on the edge of survival. If we didn't have water imported from northern California most of us would not be able to live further south. In areas closer to the ocean, for instance where Lisa lives, there is not the extreme temperature and level of dryness that prevails here. I know many of you have friends or relatives here, or have visited CA, but living here now with the advent of global warming has taken on a grim aspect that I wouldn't have dreamt of 8-10 years ago. It is very sobering. I am grateful that for now there are still roses in my garden to bring joy to my life.

Well, you will receive more suitable responses if you share where you are, what zone; is it full sun or partially shaded? What direction of sun exposure? How extreme might reflected and radiated heat from patio or pool decking be? How tall and wide would you prefer? There is a ton of difference between miniatures that top out at 18" and Gloire des Rosomanes which can grow 8' (or more). Is scent important at all? How "red" do you want it? Dark pink, brilliant red, orange-red...? What are the disease pressures and issues where you are and how likely are you to spray against fungal issues? There are MANY questions left unanswered, making the ubiquitous answer, "Knock Out" as valid as any other. But, with some insight into some of the above variables, I'm sure you will receive some creative responses.