Suggestions..Broadleaf Evergreens

I would like suggestions on fragrant broadleaf evergreens that I can plant in my yard. I have pulled everything and I am starting from scratch so I am building this plan from scratch. I am in Zone 8 with good drainage. The front yard has a western exposure and has direct light all afternoon. The backyard has an eastern exposure and is shielded except for 4 or 5 hours in the afternoon. I have space for plants requiring direct light and partial shade.

 

How big do you want your broadleaves to be? If you're not picky about leaf size or plant height, then you can look at Thyme and the other herbs as accents. If you want fragrant blooms, try Monarda, and if you don't mind vines, try Allamanda (but keep it contained) or Akebia quinata. You might also be able to get away with Passiflora, say P. caerulea or one of the other hardy varieties.

Everything else I might reccomend might not survive your winters, or is not fragrant. For example, Musa basjoo is cold-hardy and makes spectacular accent or focal point, but the bloom has no odour. Ditto the hardy Cannas, Alocasia, Colocasia, and many Zantedeschia.

 

Buxus sempervirens, Cistus ladanifer.
Don't forget conifers, too; Cupressus macnabiana is particularly strongly scented.

 

Osmanthus delavayi.

 

One of my favourite fragrant broadleaf evergreens is Sarcoccoa ruscifolia. It has small shiney dark green leaves and tiny cream, intensely fragrant flowers in late winter. Make sure that it's places somewhere where you'll pass by it to enjoy it's scent.

 

I like your thinking. I planted three along the walk that takes you down the north side of the house. I am in zone 8 and selected this plant for a mostly shady portion of the walk. I planted all three about 2 months ago and they seem to be doing well. Thanks for the input.

 

Other suggestions for your area are;

Choisya ternata​

Berberis (many species or cultivars)​

Mahonia (many species or cultivars)​

Daphne burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' a nice variegated form (semi evergreen), its small non-glossy leaves with cream edges make a nice change from the usually shiny broadleaf evergreens​

other Daphne species or cultivars​

Skimmia reevsiana (easy and self-fertile with lots of pretty red berries)​

other Skimmia species or cultivars​

Clematis armandii - this vine can be picky, (both my attempts failed) but when it is happy (like my neighbour's) it is beautiful and the smell is fabulous​

I suggest you make sure to include some deciduous plants as well, they provide seasonal interest and a contrast in texture and color which complements the evergreens. I also agree with Michael F's suggestion to include some small conifers for their fragrant foliage and more textural contrast. Oriental Lilies are a wonderful fragrant addition and almost unnoticable when not in bloom.

 

Burkwood viburnum is another one that is quite fragrant while in flower.

 

Good information, thank you.