Best evergreens for containers

[PureBlackVoid]

I’m turning an old shed base area in to a gravel patio this year, and I want to add a load of potted plants so it’s not just a sea of gravel (can’t plant into the ground here as there are sections of concrete which I’m avoiding having to break/dig up)

I want to add some evergreens so that I have some year round foliage, but getting conflicting ideas between the gardening sites so would love some recommendations and to hear what has actually worked for others

It’s a north facing spot, against a fence and a brick shed to the side of it. No particular preferences on look/size/maintenance while I gather ideas (though of course lower maintenance is better!)

We use potted cordylines, fatsia, cabbage palms, olive and bay in an east facing area with great success all year round. It does get a bit of morning sun though.

Thanks @whenindoubtgotothelibrary those all sound good, I especially love fatsias!

Do you leave the olive outside/uncovered in winter? I’ve avoided them up to now for that reason. Most sites advise they can’t be left exposed but then I spotted a thread recently suggesting that they were fine outside all year round as long as it’s fairly sheltered spot.

Yes - never had a problem, and they even produce a few olives every year. We're in a reasonably sheltered spot in London though - may be different in colder/ more exposed areas. (I grow lemons too, and they're the only things I over-winter in an (unheated) shed.)

(I think there was more snow in Athens than London this year!)

Viburnum (small varieties or standards), spotted laurel, phormium. These will all need largish pots.

@whenindoubtgotothelibrary

Yes - never had a problem, and they even produce a few olives every year. We're in a reasonably sheltered spot in London though - may be different in colder/ more exposed areas. (I grow lemons too, and they're the only things I over-winter in an (unheated) shed.)

Im about 60 miles north of London in a not especially sheltered area and my olive is fine too. I do nothing to it over winter apart from put it on pot feet - I don't even tuck it away. Last winter (so 20/21) had a particularly cold dip and still it was fine. It usually flowers but does not fruit.

Thanks all

Glad to hear about the olives, they’ll definitely be on the list.

I picked up two viburnums in Aldi last night (£1.79 each! Paid £8 in B&Q last year..) so I’ll pot one up today ready for when the gravels done

@PureBlackVoid

Thanks all

Glad to hear about the olives, they’ll definitely be on the list.

I picked up two viburnums in Aldi last night (£1.79 each! Paid £8 in B&Q last year..) so I’ll pot one up today ready for when the gravels done

I grabbed one of those from Aldi along with a lavetera, can't wait to see how they'll turn out.

I’ve been looking through these… www.rhs.org.uk/plants/articles/graham-rice/shrubs-and-climbers/10-agm-shrubs-for-containers

This link www.rhs.org.uk/plants/articles/graham-rice/shrubs-and-climbers/10-agm-shrubs-for-containers

I’ve got bay, bamboo, 3 low conifers an azalea and a small pier is and rosemary…