Need shrub suggestions for a new planting bed

I'm in East Texas in zone 8b. We are in the process of constructing new raised beds to surround three sides of our north facing porch.

The west-side bed is basically completed and I am going to cover it in plastic for several weeks to kill the grass and weeds. We live in a meadow and there is no evening shade whatsoever, so that west side is miserable in the evening time. I want to plant some shrubs or small trees that will provide some relief from the Texas afternoon sun, while we sit on the porch.

The bed is 5 1/2 feet wide and 26 feet long.

I'd like to find something that would be taller than it is wide, and must be heat/sun/possibly drought tolerant (although I will most likely set up a soaker hose for watering). Something fast growing and 6-12 feet tall would be ideal.

Flowering would be nice, and I don't mind thorns. Evergreen would be super, or at least something with three seasons of color and visual interest.

I already have fall bulbs ordered to border and fill this bed, too.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Please if possible provide a link or photo where you can.

Thanks again.

Carolina Cherry Laurel would be great, it is evergreen and fast growing blooms with nice flowers in the spring and has berries for the birds in fall, it is also native to Texas.

And the flowers.

Found some good links for you.

Texas xeriscape site. Just click on trees, shrubs, etc for xeriscape recommendations. There is a map that shows what grows best in which parts of Texas
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/xeriscape/xeriscape.html

Bexar county drought tolerant trees/shrubs/etc
http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F1Column/2006%20Articles/MAY21.htm

Bexar county drought tolerant perennials
http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F4Best/nTxLSPerennials.htm

texas superstar plants
http://texassuperstar.com/

How about nandinas? They fit your size description, and they are so lacy that you could catch breezes between the branches. They also are very hardy and drought tolerant. They do take some trimming (individual branches, usually) because they grow so fast!

I'm no gardening expert, but you cannot miss with these. Sorry I don't have a picture of mine, as they border a driveway so I have no flowers by them and have never thought to take a picture!