Australian Rosemary or Westringia fructosa is the best hedge alternative out there. From 4-6' blue green foliage with occasional light blue blossoms to 2-3' super pruneable white and gold variegated forms. This plant packs it all. And tolerates a lot. Easy fragrant and with varieties that take sun or shade it's hard to go wrong (except, like all drought-tolerant plants in hard packed clay soils).  

Climate Zone: 9-10 / Sunset: 8, 9, 14-24

Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade, (Shade: Grey box)

Water Needs: Low 

Growth Rate: Medium

Prune: earliest Spring and late summer

Native to: Australia

Spacing: 2-5' (as tight as 1-2' with low-growing 'Grey Box')

Special Features: Evergreen. Fragrant. Pollinator. Borderline xeric in seaside conditions. Drought & heat tolerant.