I have koreanspice viburnum in shade but the flowering season doesn't last that long.

I also have boxwoods and yews in shade and haven't had an issue with these.

I don't have any but from reading - what about a Hydrangea arborscens like Annabelle?

thanks maries1120 that is really helpful.

Macrobiota decussata grows in pretty dense shade. The one here has only about 2 hours of sun and is doing well. In the winter they look every bit of dead though, no green, not even a speck of a greenish shade, just as brown as dead. They green up fast in the spring. Grows on a bank in the shade of the barn.

Rhododendron maximum grows in full shade but it gets bigger than the size you mentioned.

Is it heavy, dense shade or bright, dappled shade? Full shade could be either.

Check out a mountain laurel. I have a new one that is not even in the ground yet, but I purchased it for its tolerance of shade. It is beautiful with its shiny green leaves and the flowers are really cute.

Kerria japonica is a great shrub for shade.

Here is a link that might be useful: google images

For a 'very sheltered area' you could experiment and try an Aucuba japonica. Zone pushing....don't invest a lot of $ in a large plant, buy small.

Shade is only one factor. Is the area full of tree roots? Or is the soil deep and rich? Are you prepared to water regularly?

This spot is so small, what about tall ferns or perennials? Or a landscape feature such as a birdbath, statue, trellis, water feature, planted container? You could change the plantings seasonally, if you wanted. Just some thoughts....

Thanks for all the great ideas everyone! There are no trees at all in this space. The shade comes from the fact that it is north facing with a wall obscuring the late day sun and a new shed obscuring the morning sun.
Very sheltered so I might try some of the fun things mentioned AND possibly a small fountain.
You have all been very helpful!

Pieris

Annabelle Hydrangea

Boxwood - green velvet

All do well for me on the north side of my house