Bomb proof plant for this spot?

[MerylSqueak]

Can you suggest a plant that will be happy in a container in this spot? It's shady but I didn't think it would be terribly difficult but it is. I'm buying a single planter to give more root space.

I've tried several perennials that are supposed to like dry shade ( for example heuchera and hellebore) but they don't like it. They limp along but they're not happy. I've also tried typical container annuals like pansies and alyssum but they're the same.

It's a pretty ugly spot without anything there so I'd like to try again.

Variegated euonymus? Either 'silver queen' or 'emerald gaiety'. They seem to do okay wherever they are.

That's a good idea. DH likes variegated plants.

I’d try hostas there, they will like the shade, do well in pots and should be happy with the lack of slugs. You could also try some hardy geraniums or both!

I'd go for evergreen ferns.

What sort of compost have you put in the pots? Might that be an issues?

I was wondering about ferns as I love them.

I've got hardy geranium everywhere and I love them but over winter they're dull. I also adore hostas and I can see a blue green one looking grand there but again, I'd like something year round.

It's bog standard peat free compost.

I know it's not what you mean but I emptied it all out today to see if there was a problem not obvious but it all looked fine.

I've got hard shield ferns and asplenium scolopendrium in dry shade. Anemones also do well for me, and lungwort.

Hosta.

I planted 2 in a pot 5 years ago - I never even water it. Still going strong

Fuchsia, sweet box - Sarcococca - for year round colour, scent in winter,

With all that concrete, it's likely to be really, really cold, dark and damp and then like an oven and scorching in reflected sunlight once the sun comes out, which doesn't work well for plants that dislike cold, wet feet or being blasted with heat at the same time as all the plant/root eating creatures scuttle around in the only safe place for them in the garden.

How about using some sandy topsoil to massively increase the drainage in your new, deep trough and looking at something like Rosemary and Lavender? Or something that would normally be an absolute menace if allowed to run unchecked like Ivy, Mint or thornless blackberries?

Thanks for those ideas. I did wonder about sweet box. We've got one on the other side of the step.

I tried rosemary and lavender last year. They survived but weren't very happy. Maybe in a bigger planter with your sand idea they would be happier.

Hydrangea - I've grown in pots, ground, full sun, shade. Years of neglect and not had one die on me yet.

I’d mix some John Innes No3 to the compost. It has soil in it and is better for long term planting.

Box balls? (assuming you don't have problems in your area)
And I'd arrange the pots so that they line up with the steps / treads.

Ok. Will add John lines No 3.

Good arrangement idea. Thank you.

A single deep planter will help. Ideally raised up to the upper level too, so that it’s not in such deep shade / so dry.

I personally wouldn't because it contains peat. A bag of topsoil would improve drainage without taking a non renewable resource.

Thanks for explaining that.

I have a lonicera nitida in a pot that seems determined to be happy and healthy whatever I do to it - even if I let it get too dry. And it loves being pruned - if you got a long thin rectangular container to fit that space you could get three or four and shape them into a mini hedge.

I think the variety of lonicera nitida I have is baggesen's gold, which is a bit richer coloured than other varieties. There are also some nice variegated ones.

Fatsia Japonica. Lovely big leaves, totally hardy, evergreen, do OK in pots if large enough and fine in shade. I have two - a dark green one and a paler variagated one with silvery web like tracing. They are attractive and architectural. As you like ferns, they would look good together.

They won't like shade. Both need plenty of sun.

Heucheras would work too. They keep their colour all year and there are plenty of varieties

Ferns and fusha, do well in shade for bulbs bluebells

Skimmia is pretty bomb proof. I have a few in a small container in a damp dark area, and they are ok so far (2 years). When they start to fail I will try planting them in a nicer spot!

I was going to say exactly this. If you do this, the plant will get more sun and rain and you’ll have more options for what you can grow

I have London pride -it grows in shady spots and sunny spots - been growing in one place for 20 years with no attention. It’s more ground cover than a tall plant.