You don't say where you are, so I don't know what kind of soil you have. The first two suggestions need acid soil.

- Look at some of the Lights series of azaleas such as rosy lights, northern hi-lights, golden lights, orchid lights, etc.

- Depending on whether you are zone 4a (-30F) or 4b(-25F) there are a fair number of Rhododendrons hardy to -25F, though some of those in this list will have damage at the coldest end, there are others like the PJM series or R. groenlandicum (formerly Ledum groenlandicum) that will be fine after -25F. Many do best with winter shade or deeper snow.

- Some of the smaller Hydrangea paniculata (hardy to zone 3) stay under 6' and even as small as 3'. Large leaves and long bloomers.

- Diervilla lonicera would work.- Little Devil Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius, has dark red leaves.

- Spirea - many types ranging in size from 2' tall to about 6' tall, with green or gold leaves depending on the type.

- One of the smaller lilacs like Minuet.

You don't specify what you consider small, so all of these stay under 6' for me, and most stay under 4' and a few are shorter than that.

Thanks for the suggestions, that's what I was looking for. As for where I live, I live in Quebec, Canada. I don't know the ph of my soil though, I should probably need to find out.

As for the size 3 to 4 feet are what I had in mind so you where right along.