This is a great idea; it's often really difficult to find what actually thrives in your zone. Here in Kitchener Ontario zone 5b I've found several that just grow like crazy; through really bad winters, snow cover and no snow cover. I don't mulch and won't keep plants I have to fuss over.
Vera Biaglow is amazing. Blooms like crazy every year, comes through multiple freeze/ thaws like a champ!
Annie Golightly is another one Ive had for years, I brought it with me from my previous zone 4 garden. She makes it through bad winters, dry hot summers, and dogs that like her a bit too much!
Ruby Spider is another daylily I will never be without. Performs beautifully in both my previous zone 4 garden and present zone 5b one. Takes dividing well, doesn't mind being crowded, partial shade, average soil, icy winds, dogs! Great plant and gorgeous color. Polys quite often too.
I should also mention Tuscawilla Tigress. A dependable, vibrant, blooming machine that takes a lick'in and keeps on tick'in!
Also Night Embers which has done really well.
There's more, but I'll add them later.
