Photinia is out because it likes moist soil as do many evergreens. You may have better luck with deciduous, I know it may not be to your liking, but that's Mother Nature. I don't know if rosemary is hardy enough to winter over. I have Hawthorne in the shade and it's no problem.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

When you do decide what to plant, I would strongly suggest using a granular polymer such as "Soil Moist" in the planting hole. I buy mine in 3 lb. size from www.snow-pond.com because it's cheaper & I plant a lot; Ace hardware usually carries it; other store like HD and Lowe's have a similar product.
It really soaks up a lot of water & releases it slowly so your plants can handle dry conditions MUCH better. It lasts in the soil 3-5 years while your plants get established.
Don't put over the recommended amount, though.The first time I added it I was thinking,"some is good, more is better" - then when I had to dig up the plant to move it, the poor roots were growing is almost pure expanded Soil Moist! Put a single granule in water and you won't believe how huge it gets!!!
I'm convinced that this has saved many of my newly-planted azaleas, flowering cherries, hydrangeas and dogwoods from all the drought we've been having for the last few years!! Sue