Perennial container plants.

Phlox and lavender go well in pots and are scented.
I have a couple of hydrangeas on pots, one with very dark leaves and deep purple flowers, it's gorgeous.
One of the supermarkets sells small olive shrubs for £5, ours has new stock in currently. I bought two a couple of years ago, they stand to attention outside the back doors -

Thank you.I already have some beautiful lavender in a nearby bed but phlox is a good idea.I will check out types suitable for pots.

My DH has planted Holly bushes in pots. He has the most interesting varieties he can find. They do well, have variegated leaves, and berries in the winter. He's also got one opposite our house with a miniature conifer and hardy alpines planted beside it which gives interest all year round.

Erysium Bowles Mauve is lovely, vigorous and tolerant of most conditions and does well in a pot.
Lillies, agapanthus, and pelargoniums all do well ( you can store the cut down pelargoniums in the greenhouse during Winter.)
All hydrangeas do well in pots, consider the vanillefrais hydrangea, which really looks stunning and is easy to look after.

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My back is all patio with baskets and pots. I have a bay tree in a large pot and keep it to size by regular snipping with secateurs. And lovely bay leaves always available for stews and casseroles.

There is also a variegated birch tree in a pot that cost me £10 from Asda. I've only had it since Spring but it is well settled and very pretty. It will be restricted in growth by the pot and selective trimming when required.

For many years I've had my father's concrete bird bath but often fear that it could be knocked over and injure one of the grandchildren. My dh has used old wood to make a box frame and put the bird bath into it. We then underplanted it with scented stock and impatiens, with a nice fuschia on top.

I have a rose tree growing in one of my containers. It's a beautiful rose, easy to care for and scented.

www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/lady-of-shallot

Thank you.ErysiumBowles is one I keep noticing in gardening magazines so will definitely get that.I already have a bay tree and quite a few roses so whilst lovely want something different.I think hydrangea and agapanthus are coming to the fore on my wish list .Now I just need prioritise with first and buy gradually.DH is quietly indulgent of my gardening bug -he benefits after all !.It's me who feels guilty if I spend too much.I sneak plants in like some buy shoes and clothes ,as if they have always been there !

Herbs do well in pots as do hostas and heucheras (sp it doesn't look right either way!) Winter box has a lovely scent in winter. A friend has a variety of maples dotted around her garden.

Erysium must be tough as I now recognise the attractive “shrubette” growing through the fence from next door!
Mind you once it is in my garden I don’t hold out much hope for its continued survival ?

Winter box in a pot near your door, the smell in the winter will catch you unawares. A real gem.

Alchemilla mollis blends beautifully with other perennials in a large pot as do any of the smaller ornamental grasses like Festuca glauca and the feathery Stipa tenuissima.

I find Euphorbia does well over most of the year - evergreen and some have flower heads. I also have some ferns and other mini conifers. My other current favorites are alpines, I buy small plants as they soon spread and over grow their space.
When I plant up I often add small bulbs like crocus to add a bit of spring interest too.

I also have a pair of varigated hollies in pots. Bought from a grower in Wales, they arrived quite small but have done really well. They have battery lights for Xmas and a red ribbons. Oh, I also have too many pots.

Thank you all.Lots to consider.Actually sat in the garden now trying to visualise how to plant them out,but your suggestions has made me decide perenials is definitely the way to go from now on.

I have hostas in pots, various shades of green and cream. They look beautiful although you do have empty pots when they hibernate over the winter. Fortunately we have a 'corner' where the hibernating plants can be kept out of sight.

My front door step has a rather glorious red geranium that was over wintered and really looked a bit sad a few months ago.

I second (or third) erysimum Bowles Mauve. Spectacular and bees love it. Probably best in a pot. I have one in the ground and it has gone off like Red Rum this year and is enormous. We are going to have to have a conversation! Another suggestion is Sambucus Nigra, Black Lace. My niece has one growing in a large pot, full sun, and it looks lovely every year, but benefits from having its root ball pruned every few years.

Yes, as Coolgran says, hostas.

Sorry kitty missed your post!

I have a Japanese red acer in a pot which contrast well with the different hydrangeas, also salvia is a good one as it gives colour for a long period, also a small variegated Salix is pretty in a tub. You could underplant the small trees with spring bulbs and nasturtium or fuchsia in the summer.