Ideas wanted for a shrub in a tub

Farway

Dustyevsky said:

An Acca would give you flowers and fruit. Most people don't know it, so more chance of keeping the fruit! Around the edges, how about undemanding Heliathemums?

Now that sounds interesting, however I'm just coming round after looking at the prices so probably not an option unless my Premium Bonds cough up

I like the Heliathemums idea though, not checked but Rock Roses should around for less cost, maybe even Morries on a good day, or perhaps a car park stockist?

GreenBucket24

Farway said:

GreenBucket24 said:

Farway said:

The area is sheltered by the building, and we are in souther Hampshire, so nothing drastic with the weather

There is one more large tub which has had various plants in, fuchsia etc, none of which have really thrived, and I'm looking for a good "doer" like Hotlips but ideally not another salvia

When you described as 'sheltered', is this south facing? north? west? or east facing? I asked as there are many plants that live better based on the aspects and exposure to sunlight or partial light. Is your larger tub in the same area?

It's an L corner of the building, facing mainly East so bakes in morning before sun moves over the building, loads of daylight, sheltered from West & Southerly wind, rain, or snow

Residual heat from the building walls

Ideal for something like tomatoes sort of spot, but not them or other fruits because they get pinched.

A very nice shrub that will enjoy that aspect you described is "Tutsan aka hypericum androsaemum", in Spring it has a yellow green foliage, then in Summer its foliage transforms into yellow orange which will last until Autumn, can be trained as a nice shrub just trim all small growing branches at its base to train to an upward growth; with beautiful yellow flowers that last for long period, and during Winter it will bear black berries for birds. The height and spread will become 1.5m if unattended. If it is shaped and trimmed, it is easily manageable. The cascading plant is called "Persicaria vaccinifolia" with pink flowers from late summer to Autumn. Some gardeners use this as a ground cover but i use it as cascader in my multi-plants arrangements in pots/containers. cheers! 

RizwanKhan

Lavender is a fantastic option for your border. It's tough, offers a long flowering period, and requires minimal care. Its aromatic foliage adds another dimension to your garden. Additionally, Russian Sage and Echinacea are worth considering for their hardiness and extended blooming season. Remember to group plants with similar needs together for efficient care, apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and keep a watchful eye on your plants for any signs of distress. Happy gardening!

Dustyevsky

Farway said:

Dustyevsky said:

An Acca would give you flowers and fruit. Most people don't know it, so more chance of keeping the fruit! Around the edges, how about undemanding Heliathemums?

Now that sounds interesting, however I'm just coming round after looking at the prices so probably not an option unless my Premium Bonds cough up

Ah, not easy to root, apparently, though I'm sure if the results were valuable through high demand, our friends with the grow lights, fans, and heat mats would succeed! I can't remember how I ended-up with 3, but I have a vague inkling it was via splitting an old multi-stemmed one in a pot.

ArbitraryRandom

Dustyevsky said:

An Acca would give you flowers and fruit. Most people don't know it, so more chance of keeping the fruit! Around the edges, how about undemanding Heliathemums?

Acca sellowiana? 

Googles and adds to my unusual edible plants list. 

Dustyevsky

ArbitraryRandom said:

Dustyevsky said:

An Acca would give you flowers and fruit. Most people don't know it, so more chance of keeping the fruit! Around the edges, how about undemanding Heliathemums?

Acca sellowiana? 

Googles and adds to my unusual edible plants list. 

Yes. Hardier than many imagine, but fruit may depend on location in UK.