Evergreen hardy bush suggestion help?

eyecatchercwd

Hi I need help in suggestions for a evergreen hardy bush. I need this as a wind breaker so it needs to be strong and fast growing. It would also be in the sun. Ideally something that would bloom or change in colour and grow at least 4ft high. It would be free standing not against a fence. My mind is blown looking on websites so any suggestions much appreciated.

robairdmacraignil

I have seen Olearia traversii growing well in very exposed locations. Here is a clip of one in my own garden that was blown over to one side in a storm but is still continuing to grow well. I have a few others that were not blown over and are also growing well but the one that was blown over was a bit pot bound when I bought it (from a clearance section)so it might not have had time for the roots to anchor it properly.

Fairygirl

Can you give a bit more info as to where you are roughly, and the general conditions ? A photo too if you can 
Is it just to fill a gap? Anything fast growing won't conveniently stop at four feet, so you'd need to have the time for pruning.
Eleagnus are relatively fast growing, but don't have much changing colour or flowers. Tough as old boots though. Cherry laurel too, but they grow like mad when happy. Mahonias and many Berberis would also be good, but they're jaggy, so you may not want that if it's near a doorway or similar. 
Some Viburnumns would be good, but most aren't evergreen, so you'd need to choose carefully if you need that. A deciduous shrub is still a good windbreak though. 

KeenOnGreen

Pyracantha, if you don’t mind the thorns and trimming it a couple of times per year.  Choisya or Pittosporum would be an alternative depending on where you are, as they are not hardy everywhere.  

Fairygirl

Choisya's a very good shout @KeenOnGreen . 
Pittosporum too - I thought of saying that , with the usual proviso of conditions. They're good evergreens.