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Suggestions for low maintenance shrubs for these planters

didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
in Plants
We (my In Bloom group) has just had two new planters (1mx1mx1m) delivered.  

They are made of plastic and match the metal ones in the centre of town in which we have alamenchiers underplanted with prostrate rosemary and bulbs.  The two new ones are in more exposed places and will not be able to have quite as much attention.  
What to put in them?  Not trees and not phormium.  Suggestions please!
Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If you’re planning on planting them now for autumn and winter interest, how about Pittosporum Golf Ball, one of the variegated Euonymus, a Cordyline (may be too much like a Phormium but the variegated one is quite nice) or a dogwood with red, green or orange stems, underplanted with small leaved ivies, tête-à-tête daffodils and anemone blanda, either blue or white.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I suggest one of the variegated Euonymus same as Plantminded said. I find they are very tolerant of most situations and weather and don't need much looking after.

    I prefer the green and white ones rather than the green and yellow varieties.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Perhaps Ophiopogons as a filler. Carex Evergold, Euonymous emerald and Gold.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    Ooh - some nice suggestions here - thank you!
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Astelia Nervosa or Astelia Chatamica, various cultivars. Very architectural, we find they need very little water or maintenance. They prefer shadier conditions, but we have one in a pot in full sun, and it's doing fine.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Not sure Astelia would last the winter here but beautiful. If yoy aim for at least one plant two thirds the height of the pot this will look in proportion
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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