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Ideas re plants for porch planters please ?

muckyhandsmikemuckyhandsmike Posts: 239
in Plants
I have these planters, about 18” high, which I want to use in our porch area. They will not get much natural watering but should get plenty of sun as they face south.
Any suggestions for flowers, shrubs that might suit ? Tia mhm

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Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Cordyline australis perhaps? 
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/cordyline-australis-red-star/ 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited February 2022
    Phormiums too, but whatever you plant, you'll need to use a sensible medium, and ensure they get watered  :)
    Turning them now and again would also help.

    Some annuals will be ok too, if you like them. Nasturtiums or petunias - that kind of thing. Those pelargoniums too  ;)
    Herbs as well - most of them like sun and good drainage, so they'd work  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I would fill a large portion with, polystyrene, plastic bottles whatever,then plant in a pot. It would take a huge amount of compost. Fairy says turn them,you wouldn't be able to move them. Depends on your style and the style of your property, love the bricks by the way. We have cordylines,bananas, which go in the green house in winter,but could be bubbled wrapped in situ. Scented Pittosporum. South facing. Dahlias which love hot sun and stay out.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're only 18 inches high @Nanny Beach, and triangular, so less volume. I wouldn't have any problem turning those -and I don't have anyone to help!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • muckyhandsmikemuckyhandsmike Posts: 239
    thank you for your responses folks ! Yes I will be able to turn them ok.
    hoping to plant something that isn’t too thirsty really - thinking of reliability of neighbours if we are away ....
  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    Rosemary?
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Euonymus Green Spire might be worth considering.  It is evergreen, columnar and likes sun/light shade.  The newly emerging shoots are an interesting lime green, turning darker as they age.  You could add more interest with Erigeron karvinskianus which will spill over the sides - the flowers go on until December.  Both plants will be easy maintenance for you and your neighbours!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you're away, anything in a sunny site in a container, with no natural rainfall getting in, will need watering, regardless of what you plant. The only exception would be something like succulents.
    You might need to use saucers underneath, or have an automated watering system if you don't have reliable neighbours. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I was just thinking the same as @fairygirl on my walk this afternoon!  Regardless of whether you are away, any plant in a pot will need attention with regular watering during the growing season.  Even if the pot's out in the open, the canopy of a plant will shield rainwater from touching the compost in a pot, like an umbrella.

    I'd use a soil based compost like John Innes no 3 rather than general purpose compost and also top the pot once planted with either grit, gravel or decorative pebbles to help retain moisture.  It would also be wise to line your wooden planters with plastic or geotextile membrane to conserve water and protect the wood (many people use empty compost bags for this).
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • muckyhandsmikemuckyhandsmike Posts: 239
    Yes point taken re watering - I was just fishing for ideas in the hope that someone had a real “not thirsty” plant in mind. Yes plantminded I will line with black compost bags and top with pebbles - I’ve dug up 3 or 4 pots worth of lovely pebbles when planting other stuff. John innes no.3 it is then 👍
    feeling good today as I’ve been to dundry nurseries for my seed potatoes - I’ve never seen such a wide selection ! Great to be able to buy individually as well 😁
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