Ideas for 2 pots by patio doors

GardenSpurs

Hi 

I have a couple of pots either side of the back door, and  I would like some advice on what to plant in them.  I am thinking something tall and structural, perhaps an ornamental grass or a bamboo.  

The space is fairly sheltered but facing north, north east.

Many Thanks

Theveggardener

GardenSpurs, I have grasses growing either side of my patio doors it called leopard grass it's green with white markings on it and then I have a red fountain grass call fireworks also in pots. Both are very pretty in my opinion but they both get quite tall.

Lizzie27

Miscanthus zebrinus - it's a stripy green and white grass, quite tall but does look a bit straggly over winter. Otherwise one of the fargesia bamboos might be better for all year interest.

GardenSpurs

Dee73 said:

GardenSpurs, I have grasses growing either side of my patio doors it called leopard grass it's green with white markings on it and then I have a red fountain grass call fireworks also in pots. Both are very pretty in my opinion but they both get quite tall.

Thank you Dee73, I will definitely take a look at these 

Fairygirl

If you want something for winter interest, you'd be better with an evergreen shrub. Depending on your aspect, and time and skills, you could try a topiarised column of yew or juniper, or something rounded like a Hebe.   

If the pots are big and very ornamental, you can also use a plastic pot to put inside them, which you can then plant up according to the seasons. You just remove the one that's finished performing and replace with something else.  It's an easy fix 

purplerallim

Another thought is the grasses for hight with mint below, mint near the door seems to work to keep bugs away. I never seem to be bothered by mosquitoes or flying insects in the house and you can use the mint too.🙂

GardenSpurs

Fairygirl said:

If you want something for winter interest, you'd be better with an evergreen shrub. Depending on your aspect, and time and skills, you could try a topiarised column of yew or juniper, or something rounded like a Hebe.   

If the pots are big and very ornamental, you can also use a plastic pot to put inside them, which you can then plant up according to the seasons. You just remove the one that's finished performing and replace with something else.  It's an easy fix 

Great idea about varying th plants by using plastic pots inside.  I had not thought of that. Thanks v much

GardenSpurs

purplerallim said:

Another thought is the grasses for hight with mint below, mint near the door seems to work to keep bugs away. I never seem to be bothered by mosquitoes or flying insects in the house and you can use the mint too.🙂

Like the mint idea. Thank you