Looking for a potted plant/shrub/bush/tree

firsttimebuyer2013

Ok, I know nothing about gardening so I apologise in advance.

At the front of my house I have a small bed, 50cm deep by the width of the house. I'm planning on putting those little fence things around the border and then covering with stones. But I want a pot next to the door. I just don't know what.

I was thinking a tree/shrub type thing. Is there something that will last year round, won't get to big, maybe a metre high, and doesn't need much sunlight as the front is north facing. Ideally it would be as cheap as possible.

Sorry if this is so vague I just really don't have a clue.

Thanks

I_have_spoken

Box balls are always elegant, don't need much sun

madjackslam

Choose as large a pot as you can. This helps the plant, and discourages light-fingered passers-by. How about a standard bay with something at the base (eg, ivy) to stop the pot looking too naked? Bays are relatively cheap, and you can keep them clipped to a size and height. I do like box balls, but cringe every time I pass a nearby house that has two box pyramids by the front door. One is alive, but one died almost a year ago, so there is now one brown and one green!

Yolina

I keep mentioning Sarcococca Confusa here every time someone is after an evergreen, no-maintenance shrub that thrives in the shade It has masses of small flowers in January which smell wonderful. Oh and it's hardy too. There's also a couple of other variants: Sarcococca Hookeriana and Sarcococca Ruscifolia.

bouicca21

I've put sweet box on my list - will fit a very shady corner very nicely, so ta for that one, Yolina. At the risk of hijacking the thread, I am also after something sculptural and hardy that will look good in a tall container.

firsttimebuyer2013

Thanks folks. Bought a box ball as they were half price at Homebase. Still quite expensive though.

Will get another one or two soon, they look really good.