Container Planting Challenge!

yorkiethornton

Hi forum!
I’ve built a container and would really welcome any thoughts or ideas on what plants/bulbs would work in the space.
The container size is 1.8m (L), 0.45m (W), 0.3m (H). Situated under a window, the aspect faces E/SE with sun till around 2pm. I’m thinking of adding a bit of trellising to the back to give some height but not sure if it’ll work.
Ideally would like it to provide year round interest so any suggestions would be most welcome. TIA. Steve.

Fairygirl

Hi @yorkiethornton - almost any bulbs will work there, but if you want tulips, go for the species ones. Many of the 'normal' ones are a bit iffy in terms of returning each year. If you put some divisions [front to back] along the planter, you can also have plants which like different conditions, growing together. Snowdrops, for example , like a damper site than those tulips, but will be happy with the snakeshead Fritillaries. Crocus and most daffs/narcissus will be fine, and things like Muscari, in almost any soil. You could have some lilies in there too- at the back.
The dwarf Iris [reticulata] diminish over time too, but they would be nice along the front edges. 
As to more perennial plants, there are lots which will suit, but bear in mind your bulbs below them. Hardy geraniums are always a good bet. SOme of the reliable trailing plants like Aubretia and Arabis would be fine. The alpine Phlox too.  It's better to plant at the same time if you can, to save slicing the bulbs below - especially the ones that are planted at a shallower depth [crocus etc] 
It's also best to have a good soil based medium in your planter, not just compost, as that will dry out and diminish quickly. You'll need to refresh it a bit each year anyway.
There's a house near me which has a couple of planters in a similar site. They have some trellis at the back with nasturtiums in it, and it's very effective. You could certainly add that sort of thing for summer.  

Lizzie27

Welcome to the forum @yorkiethornton. Looks a nice job. I would look at some of the variegated euronymus, perhaps the green/white edged one. Three smallish plants would probably fit in that container and they are easily pruned to size, as well as being hardy.
In between, you could plant spring bulbs like, crocuses, dwarf iris or Tete-n-Tete daffodils with violas on top of those.
You will need to water regularly though, even throughout the winter,  as the overhang from the window will stop any rainwater reaching the planter.
I'm sure other posters will offer more suggestions. 

yorkiethornton

Fairygirl said:

Hi @yorkiethornton - almost any bulbs will work there, but if you want tulips, go for the species ones. Many of the 'normal' ones are a bit iffy in terms of returning each year. If you put some divisions [front to back] along the planter, you can also have plants which like different conditions, growing together. Snowdrops, for example , like a damper site than those tulips, but will be happy with the snakeshead Fritillaries. Crocus and most daffs/narcissus will be fine, and things like Muscari, in almost any soil. You could have some lilies in there too- at the back.
The dwarf Iris [reticulata] diminish over time too, but they would be nice along the front edges. 
As to more perennial plants, there are lots which will suit, but bear in mind your bulbs below them. Hardy geraniums are always a good bet. SOme of the reliable trailing plants like Aubretia and Arabis would be fine. The alpine Phlox too.  It's better to plant at the same time if you can, to save slicing the bulbs below - especially the ones that are planted at a shallower depth [crocus etc] 
It's also best to have a good soil based medium in your planter, not just compost, as that will dry out and diminish quickly. You'll need to refresh it a bit each year anyway.
There's a house near me which has a couple of planters in a similar site. They have some trellis at the back with nasturtiums in it, and it's very effective. You could certainly add that sort of thing for summer.  

Hi - thank you for taking the time to reply and in so much detail!! Will certainly take on board the suggestions and advice 👍. Best wishes.

yorkiethornton

Lizzie27 said:

Welcome to the forum @yorkiethornton. Looks a nice job. I would look at some of the variegated euronymus, perhaps the green/white edged one. Three smallish plants would probably fit in that container and they are easily pruned to size, as well as being hardy.
In between, you could plant spring bulbs like, crocuses, dwarf iris or Tete-n-Tete daffodils with violas on top of those.
You will need to water regularly though, even throughout the winter,  as the overhang from the window will stop any rainwater reaching the planter.
I'm sure other posters will offer more suggestions. 

Hi thank you for the reply and suggestions and the advice re rain shadow- much appreciated 👍. Thanks again.

Goldfinch 60

That’s a great planter. In addition to the fore mentioned bulbs. What about climbers like honeysuckle and clematis?

Fairygirl

Too small for honeysuckle, and for most clems, if there's a lot of other planting. One of the alpinas might be ok, but there's very little height for them.