Cold coastal garden, what plants?

[Cornflakes44]

Hello, I’d really appreciate some advice on what might work in my garden. We’re on the North East coast, 5 mins walk from the sea. The garden is North facing so in shadow a lot of the day, and it’s pretty cold most of the year. I’m looking for something hardy and low maintenance. Ideally I’d put stuff in pots. Any ideas? I’d love a bit of colour but I’d sacrifice that for something that will last. Thank you in advance

Buddleja grows anywhere! Not the big standard purple one you see everywhere but a lovely white one looks fantastic.

Fatsia grows well too and the leaves look tropical.

Thank you! Just had a look and they are both lovely. Especially like the tropical vibes.

I grew up by the seaside (also 'bracing' weather, but west facing) and remember my dad going in hard on heathers and hydrangeas. Both seemed bomb proof and provided some colour, if largely shades of purple and green...

Have a look at neighbours gardens - thats your best bet of what will thrive. Might be best to wait a week or two till things are in full leaf for identifying.
Or, a local independent garden centre would be able to point you in the right direction.
Things in pots take a bit of looking after - they are dependant on you for water/nutrients. This is why stuff often dies or looks sickly after a coupe of years, whereas in the ground they have half a chance if neglected!

Roses, if you get the right variety are pretty bomb proof and can be happy in containers.
hydrangeas are a good suggestion for shade - they like morning sun, but not afternoon heat. I’ve got loads in pots on the shady side of the house, but with a watering system, they are thirsty plants!

Thanks all. I’m gonna pop round the retired neighbour whose garden always looks pretty good see if I can get any tips for what will work.