Container plants for a north facing garden

[hugglesfor4]

We've just completed a path at the front of my house and I want to put some pots on it to brighten it up. I'm useless at knowing what plants to have and normally end up with plants my mum suggests which ends up with my garden looking like hers. This isn't a bad thing but I'd like something different.

My garden is north facing and not sheltered. I've just ordered 4 pots that are 50cm diameter each. I'd like plants that are green all year round and flower.

Can anyone help with any ideas before I end up with all hebe's (mums suggestion)

Thanks

There is bud on it now.

Thank you all for your help. I've been to my local nursery this morning and bought 4 patio roses (plus a daphne eternal fragrance and a saracocca) Just waiting impatiently for my pots to arrive

Things that do well in my front garden which is shady:

Hydrangea
Erysimum
Rose Souvenir du Dr Jamain
Ranunculus
Dicentra