Osmanthus
Arguably the signature species of this genus is O. delavayi, with small evergreen leaves and incredibly scented white flowers, in early spring. Trees and shrubs, generally good foliage, some holly-like, flowers small, but often in profusion. Well worth growing on their own as specimens, as part of border, with some being suitable as hedging, O. x burkwoodii, O. heterophyllus.
The intensely fragranced flowers of most species are extremely attractive to bumblebees, honeybees and hoverflies in early spring, a time of year when nectar resources are at a premium. They form sometimes dense shrubs, ideal as nesting places for garden birds such as blackbirds and dunnocks.