Potted plants for front door / online websites

KITTYKOMP

Hi All, So we had some big planted trees on either side of the front door that died (no idea what they were) and I'm looking to replace them. Our front door is south facing and I'd ideally want something low maintenance that grows tall and if it has colour/flowers even better. 
Has anyone got any recommendations and also any decent online websites?
Thanks

Justagardener

Bay trees are traditional for entrances. If you want flowers and colour you might be in for a bit more maintenance.
 The trouble with front door plants, they often get forgotten when it's watering time. Dare I ask would you consider fake plants?

KITTYKOMP

Justagardener said:

Bay trees are traditional for entrances. If you want flowers and colour you might be in for a bit more maintenance.
 The trouble with front door plants, they often get forgotten when it's watering time. Dare I ask would you consider fake plants?

Thanks I wanted something a bit more substantial than a bay tree. I will put it in my weekly schedule to maintain to make sure they keep well It would have to be a very good fake tree that wasn't very expensive to be honest. 

[Deleted User]

Being so close to the front door and south facing means a dry aspect - you will be watering  several times a week in the 1st year of planting, size of plant (shrub versus tree) will also give you an idea of the size and strength of its root system - not all are the same.

Plant size and budget: most plants you buy in a garden centre will be in pot sizes up to about 5 litre, research nurseries (online) that sell in large sizes (20 litre plus, it's actually very good value for money), and be realistic with your figures - you pay for a plant that's been brought on for 5 years plus. 
Pots are also better bought online as again, garden centres rarely do post larger than beer barrel size and the bigger the tree/shrub the bigger the pot needed.
Too small a pot will prevent root growth.

There are so many to choose from you'll be better searching for some books that provide you with relevant facts first, don't waste your hard earned money buying without first doing your due diligence, buying in haste leads to expensive mistakes.
Hessayon, the 'Expert' series is a good start for a novice as it doesn't assume you know things already.