WOW, now the loropetalum really sounds interesting.... i was thinking very seriously on the gardenia but I didn't know if it came in another color other than white or if there was a way to dye the bloom... this is my problem my house and barn is bright white the porch is brown and green grass I would love some bright vibrant color that just explodes (you know)... think i may do both the loropetalum and gardenia due to the area that needs to be covered.... you all have really been helpful.... so excited

Be sure to post pics!

You are most welcome! It's nice to have a mix so the gardenia & loropetalum would look really nice together -- gardenia have nice deep green glossy leaves & you will get the fragrant white blooms --- just make sure to give them enough room & don't crowd things when you plant. Keep in mind their mature spread. I think planting too close together & too close to the house or porch rail is the biggest mistake people make.
Gardenias only come in white & there's no way to dye the blooms. But you can pick them & bring them in the house for a scent that is sure to make you think you died & went to heaven.

The two shrubs will play very nicely off of each other.

Or, how about Abelia? My sister used to live in North Georgia and they bloomed all spring and summer: http://garden.org/plants/searc...