What can we grow in this corner?

jackieblack

We have a north facing corner between the front wall of our house and porch, sheltered on the third side by the detached garage.

We would like to put a large-ish pot or planter here, and grow something, preferably evergreen, maybe with the aid of a trellis or wigwam/obelisk (don’t want anything growing up/attaching itself to the wall)

Ideally something that would grow to 1.5-2m-ish tall (it’s a bungalow)

Would anyone have any suggestions, please?

We have been looking online and have found some suggestions for things that would tolerate the position but not in a pot, or things that are deciduous, so we’re wondering if we’re looking for the impossible

Thanks in advance

Dustyevsky

RHS Rosemoor have Camellias and a Garrya elliptica in that sort of shady position, close to their entrance. It actually faces east, but the nearby trees shade that border in the mornings.

EDIT: The Garrya's probably not the best choice, but I think you could keep a camellia within bounds. A hardy fuchsia is another possibility.

Farway

Sweet Box, ideal for first insects and you will love the scent on a sunny winters day

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16452/sarcococca-confusa/details

PS, pop variegated ivy into pot, to trail over edges, with some dwarf daffs [Tete a Tete or Jetfire] as well

Slinky

We planted sarcococca a couple of years ago. It seems to be incredibly slow growing. Maybe 3-4 inches a year. I think we paid about £15-£20 for ours. Our local Notcutts had one about twice the size of ours, a couple of weeks back, for £65!

fatbelly

The advantage of a pot is that you can use acid (ericaceous) compost and grow acid-loving plants even if you dont live in an area of acid soil.

So Camellias are a good shout - and the lack of sun means the blooms should stay unblemished on a frosty morning. You could also look at azaleas and rhododenrons

jackieblack

Thanks, will have a look at all your suggestions.
My daughter is particularly liking the idea of a camellia.

cardtexpert

Herbs? Chives are very hardy and they keep coming back each year for me. Also great for chopping into things.

jackieblack

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81924933#Comment_81924933

Thanks, but I already have a herb garden and we're looking for something that will grow to about 1.5-2m

cardtexpert

What about Foxgloves? They're slightly shorter but the ones I have are in a shaded spot and do ok. Nice flowers on them too. Or you could try Salvia nemerosa Caradonna, nice plant and quite high.