Plants for memorial area

This is my first post as I'm new to the forum so hello to everyone. I'm looking for suggestions regarding plants that could be used on a memorial area for my dad at a crematorium. I would like three shrubs in total and they need to be:

- hardy
- one needs to have winter interest
- suitable for a windy(ish) site
- low maintenance
- drought resistant
- not too unruly so would need to withstand hard pruning and not get too big in the first place (up to a metre tall)

Ideally I would like Rosemary, Lavender and another shrub. I've been thinking of Mahonia. Does anyone know of any Rosemary, Lavender and Mahonia that would be possible? If not Mahonia, any other recommendations or suggestions?

Thank you in advance.

 

That’s a lovely idea for a memorial @BezzaDougal. Sorry for your loss.

My thoughts re the Lavender and Rosemary is that both require a sunny spot with well draining soil so I would check the spot for that or they won’t thrive. A Mahonia prefers a bit of shade and a richer soil in my experience.

If there are other planted areas on the site, maybe have a look to see what works well. If it’s at the crematorium, they may be able to help with suggestions.

If you are looking for evergreens then maybe look at Hebes, Heathers or Skimmias. A rose might work well, but would be a bit bare for half the year.

I hope you find something suitable and fitting.

 

Provided the site is sunny and well drained, a shrubby salvia like Amethyst Lips would be a possibility, becoming drought tolerant once established. It flowers profusely with bicoloured purple flowers and the leaves have a pleasant blackcurrant scent. There are other varieties like Cherry Lips (scarlet) and Hot Lips (red).

 

I think Mahonia might be ruled out on the grounds that it's extremely prickly, but the rosemary and lavender are possibilities.
A lot of Crematoria have rules and regulations as to what can and can't be planted so it might be worth checking if you haven't already done so.
Could you give a general idea of the location of the Crematorium please? It might help with suggestions if it's North or South of the country .