Sue mentioned Hellebores and I totally agree with that. They tend to be kinda pricey in our local nurseries but so worth having. They usually start blooming around Christmas. This year mine surprised me b/c they are still blooming. They come in many colors and I'm itching to get more.
Hollies are always good.
And while Frostweed (see recent article by Frostweed aka Josephine) plants are not especially showy all year, altho butterflies love them, you live in a great climate to grow them. Once the temps get really cold, the stems will break open and put on a display that I can't begin to describe. I imagine Josephine or someone has posted some pictures in the database. Just checked and here's the link.
Frostweed (Verbesina virginica)
