ideas for container plants - very windy corner!

[harpomarx]

I'm looking to put some new plants out on our steps - it's a very windy corner, gets loads of sun (when we have some!) and we are near the sea. Wanting something that will look colourful/interesting over the autumn and winter. A beachy type theme would be good but I'm open to all suggestions.

[Pannacotta]

Some info here
www.coastalgardens.com/planting.html
and here
gardeningbythesea.com/articles/climbers/

According to my book on drought planting by the sea, try
Thrift
Pampas Grass
Eryngium
Sea Lavender
Cistus
Hebe
Olearia
Rosemary

[harpomarx]

thanks Pannacotta, will check those links. I already have thrift and it is doing well. Pampas grass would be a bit big for pots I think! Don't really like Hebe, but have seen a lot round here so it obviously works. Like Sea Hollies - but would there be anything to see during the winter? will look at some of the others too.

[Pannacotta]

You could get a big pot (if you like pampas grass that is).
Sea hollies dont flower in the winter but the seed heads still look good, though perhaps they are a bit big for pots.
Cistus is good if you want all year interest as it flowers all summer till autumn and has evergreen (or often grey) foliage and some are not too big so ideal for pots.
There are loads of Hebes, some are nicer than others and have colourful foliage and again usually small-ish and always evergreen so fulfil your brief.
Ordinary holly and cypress are ok for windy sites but may not be ideal for pots esp holly.
Rosemary is evergreen and good in pots.

[harpomarx]

what about phormiums and cordylines? would any of those be tough enough? and cope with the winter?