Both want a moist location and are deciduous. What about an evergreen ceanothus instead?

bboy,

Thanks for your suggestion!
I actually have several ceanothus in my front/side yard, i would rather have more varieties of flower colors/seasons if possible. Also, I'm a bit concerns of planting ceanothus right next to garden path due to spring time bee...:)

Any suggestion/advices will be appreciated!
Thanks!

-b

Maybe Carpenteria.

I have a California Bay (umbellularia californica) in the exact same exposure by the path from front to back of the house and it does beautifully. Very drought tolerant, smells good, small yellow flowers, then berries (and the leaves can be used in cooking).

There is a shrubby form but most seen here are the typical one that grows into a large broad tree. 6' x 10' would be the kind of shape and size many ceanothus have. Otherwise a drift of several of something less broad-growing could be used instead. Other possibilities include choisya, cistus, escallonia and Viburnum tinus.

Grevillea 'Poorinda Queen'