what should i get for my garden, to go in a pot, that withstands our south east climate?

[WillowTit]

i went to a garden centre yesterday and am going again next week,
i have scabius
and geranium
i looked at Anenome but they didnt blow my mind

i admired an Alstroemeria in someone's front garden today

Bulbs for over winter and spring.

You could do a layered one with cyclamen or viola on top.

Top layer- flower in Feb, iris reticulata.
Middle- daffofils
Bottom- mid / late tulips.

The only plant I have real success with in pots in SE is agapanthus. Ok for me, I love them. Pretty boring most of the year round for most people though...

I strongly recommend a penstemon. They look fab, flower for ages, can cope in heat and rain, need little care and SLUGS DON'T LIKE THEM! But bees do.

How big is your pot, and what is it made of? I have many pots filled with cannas. For sunny spots they are the gift that keeps on giving, lush foliage, some grow 3m or more, striking flowers that continue until the frost. Go with Durban/Tropicanna or Cleopatra for mid height, Annabelle for shorter, or the traditional tall varieties like Wyoming if you fancy. But they need at least a 40cm diameter pot, they grow a huge root in the summer and they will break pots that are too small - honestly plastic is best. They also need lots of water. I divide mine regularly and give them to neighbours (have run out of suitable pots). Come autumn I lift them out and store them in the shed over winter, unlike dahlias they don’t need any additional protection. The ones I have in the ground come back every year with no protection.

Alstroemeria I haven’t found reliably hardy, sadly.

For shade I would get an acer, there are many lovely varieties but they will get scorched in full sun.

thank you.
i ended up with Sea holly
and Astor Little Carlow and another small Salvia

also some cyclamen

there were a lot of Anemone which was very tempting but many of the flowers looked too big meaning a big pot