White flowering shrub to commemorate cat

[CornishFairing]

Hello all,

My beloved little white cat was pts this morning, my decision, after being hit by a car and not recovering bladder function amongst other problems.

It was a horrible decision to make as there was a small chance he could have improved but would have had poor QoL for a long time.

I'd had him for a very long time and he used to sleep in the large council planter outside my house. There is a space in there - full of weeds - and I thought I might plant a white flowering shrub to commemorate him and cheer me up when I see the planter (instead of crying!!)

I don't know what to choose or where to start. The space is about 1 metre in each direction. The planter is very large and made of brick. It's quite large and deep and elsewhere in the area the planters contain cherry trees etc, so a very small tree wouldn't be out the question!

So far I can think of a magnolia (but that might take years and years to grow) or a white rhododendron.

I'd like something that isn't going to die (!!). And that will be beautiful with the white flowers as a string feature.

Does anyone have any ideas ?

Thank you

Strong feature , not string feature

Oh, I am sorry for your loss, you must be quite heart broken right now.
A lovely white flowered shrub is Philadelphus, with the bonus of a delicious scent. It flowers in June usually, mine finished about a month ago. There are a few different varieties, including a golden leafed form, which is lovely. Pruning is done after flowering has finished, as they flower on the previous year's wood, and can be kept to manageable proportions (they don't grow too large).
There are probably many more shrubs, and I'm sure you'll get some more responses with other ideas, but this is my suggestion.

Thank you.

Yes, heartbroken. I'm looking after DD 7 months so can't really stop to think about it too much which is good, but then randomly start bawling !

The other thing I've just seen is hydrangea Annabelle , which appeals as it has white flowers from May to October (apparently). It's going to be tough deciding.

Oh the philadelphus is very pretty x

Very sorry, horrible for you. Philadelphus is a lovely fragrant shrub. Magnolia stellata is a small shrub with star shaped flowers and there are several hydrangeas that would suit. Or camellia. Rhododendron. Lilac. Google away it will help you feel better.

Daphne . Forever fragrant . It’s very pretty , we just planted one in a pot for mil .

Sorry about your cat.

Choisya or Mexican orange blossom is wonderful, I have 2. They have wonderful orange scented leaves and flower twice, in May and later in summer. Evergreen too.

These are all great suggestions and a good distraction , I'll look them all up . Thank you all x

I have the ashes if my beautiful fluffster under a Daphne, in a nice Laura Ashley pot

White hydrangea?

Good luck cornish, you'll feel better in a while. Our19 year old puss had enough this week as well.

Sorry for you loss

Mock orange but particularly Mexican mock orange if you can get on as it’s evergreen

Everyone - 😌same thoughts 💭

what a good way to remember your cat. I'd go for one of the evergreens suggested, eg the choisya, just in case the council think it's dead in winter and replant it.

Sorry about your cat
What about a white azalea, or, white rose?

I think white lilac is lovely

That's a really good point Errol

George I didn't know white lilac existed. My fave song is Lilac Wine so that might be a good option too x

I”m so sorry We have a white rose called Tranquility to remember one of our cats, it’s flowering at the moment and is lovely.

Exochorda 'the bride', could also plant white cat mint around it?

I have a nice small rose called Little White Pet which reminds me of one of my girls. Sorry for your loss, they leave a big hole.

Sorry for your loss. Star jasmine is very fragrant and evergreen.

How much/little sun does the planter get?

Another vote for choisya. It needs very kittle upkeep as well.

It's actually very shady. 2 hours of sun per day as the sun sets behind the houses opposite . There is a large tree not far from it.

I'm leaning towards a magnolia stellata (apparently shade tolerant) with some white crocuses / Christmas rose on the ground too....

That sounds good. Are you confident the council won't come and trash it?