Alternative to a Fatsia, any suggestions?

[Flingingmelon]

I have a space in the corner of my garden where there is a gap in the hazel fence. I want to cover it with a big tall plant in a large pot. It gets partial sun there and my mum suggested a Fatsia. Problem is, I don't like the look of them. Can anyone suggest anything else? The garden is a fairly classic cottage garden.

[ppeatfruit]

Maybe fennel the herb, not the vegetable. Or acanthus mollis , that's lovely and likes partial shade.

[Liara]

what about a shrub like a hardy hibiscus, a camellia or a rhododendron?

[ItsRainingInBaltimore]

Mahonia? Although if you don't like the look of Fatsia you probably won't like that either.

What other permanent planting is around it?

Bamboos are fast growing and good in pots, not classically cottage garden though.

[Flingingmelon]

It would believing in its own as it's space we've just regained after taking down an old shed. That's why we have the funny space in the fence. I was planning on having the barbecue there as Ive a load of herbs in pots a couple of metres away. The fennel looks lovely and the camellia is gorgeous. Might get both as I've a similar gap in a different area of the garden.

Thank you

[Flingingmelon]

Be living!

[Methe]

Mahonia are the ugliest plants there are, well second only to the Monkey Puzzle tree. They always look so municipal.

What about a cornus?

I have a cornus albua elegantissima which I have left to turn in to a large shrub and it's very attractive. Normally dogwoods would be hard pruned for the winter foliage but you don't have to do that. They are deciduous though.

[Flingingmelon]

They are very attractive and I have a few already. The previous owner seemed to love them. Something that sits along side them would be good?

[Methe]

A lilac? Might be hard in a pot though. bamboo is a good call and does well in large pots.

[biffchas]

just flicking through active conversations and thought for a moment that 'Fatsia' was being suggested as a baby name. Relieved to see it's not...

[SwedeDreams]

Choyisa- Mexican orange blossom. Flowers, scent, evergreen and really easy?