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Suggestions for front door containers

andrewnewtonandrewnewton Posts: 155
in Garden design
As you can see from the photo I've lost a second upright yew - the smaller plant was a replacement for one lost the previous year. 
I'm looking for ideas please on what to use by the front door - ideally something permanent rather than keeping replacing plants each season 
The door faces east but is shaded from the sun as it moves round by trees and shrubs
Any help much appreciated thanks

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Something like a Pieris would be fine, but you'd need to address the reasons for the yews failing - ie the soil and drainage etc, and how you're managing watering.
    Some of the smaller Choysias might be ok too, or the evergreen Japanese azaleas. 

    Container plants of any kind are higher maintenance than when in the ground  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited May 2023
    I wonder if the one that has died has run out of space to grow, is it pot bound?.
    East is cold aspect especially with the wet/ cold winter we have just had. However Yew is a VERY tough plant so I think you need to try and work out what has happened before investing in something else.
    All plants in pots need regular watering especially so close to the house, can often be in a rain shadow. The Yew that has done well is smaller so may not have filled the pot and does seem to have more protection compost will be better too. Good to repot evergreens in post every few years and top dress with some fresh compost yearly.
    I would take a look gloves are best for this job in my opinion.
    Please come back lots of info available here for a 'new look'
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • andrewnewtonandrewnewton Posts: 155
    I wonder if the one that has died has run out of space to grow, is it pot bound?.
    East is cold aspect especially with the wet/ cold winter we have just had. However Yew is a VERY tough plant so I think you need to try and work out what has happened before investing in something else.
    All plants in pots need regular watering especially so close to the house, can often be in a rain shadow. The Yew that has done well is smaller so may not have filled the pot and does seem to have more protection compost will be better too. Good to repot evergreens in post every few years and top dress with some fresh compost yearly.
    I would take a look gloves are best for this job in my opinion.
    Please come back lots of info available here for a 'new look'


    Thanks for that. You make some valid points. I'll have a look at the roots once the council clear some space in my garden bin later this week ! I have a feeling that it may have outgrown its container or alternatively the drainage hole may have become blocked ? Both containers would have been fed and watered at the same time but as you suggest the soil may have just been insufficient for it to survive
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