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What shrub to plant in this trough?

madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
in Plants
What could I plant in this trough by the fence? (The oblong one)
(H: 33 cm x W: 32 cm x L: 70 cm with 59 litre soil capacity)
It faces west but does not get any direct sun but is fairly light.
I want a shrub not a climber.
Not Pyracantha or Cotoneaster horizontalis or franchetti as I already have these!
Possibly another type of Cotoneaster perhaps?
Not too big but prunable.
Ideas please!
 
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited 6 February
    Sarcococca confusa 

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/sarcococca-confusa/


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    It can't be a very big shrub as the container isn't deep enough. Have a look at Mahonia "Soft Caress". It isn't prickly like other mahonias and it will grow in shade.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    That's good suggestion @Dovefromabove, the flowers would smell divine as you come and go through the gate.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • SueAtooSueAtoo Posts: 380
    As a recent post recommends, check first that you like the scent.
    East Dorset, new (to me) rather neglected garden.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Re that thread @SueAtoo [ ;)] I mentioned Osmanthus. It can be pruned, and although it's quite a small container for any shrub, it should be ok for a good few years. Evergreen, small creamy white flowers in late winter, early spring. Mine is in a fair bit of shade, but they take a fair bit of sun too. 
    You'll need a decent soil mix for any shrub so that it doesn't dry out too readily, but I expect you already know that @madpenguin :)
    A very easy shrub would be Potentilla, but they may not like being in such a small container long term - I've never tried that. Very prunable though, but not evergreen. Various colours and long flowering. Skimmia might be ok too, but the same would apply- long term they could struggle, but can be pruned. Pieris are the same. 
    You can add bulbs around any shrub while it's establishing and growing on, to give an extra bit of seasonal interest if you see the container on a regular basis. Snowdrops and crocus are fine in that aspect, and most daffs. Pasqueflowers are also good for early spring flowers.    :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I second @Busy-Lizzie's suggestion of M. "Soft Caress"
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Acer palmatum, a small tree, but shrub like, would be another possibility.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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