Shrubs for containers in shade.

A Hydrangea would be perfect, but they are not evergreen. How about a Fatsia Japonica, evergreen, grows well in a tub and is tolerant of shade.

Rhododendron provided the compost is acid.

Mahonia?

Would a Fatsia cope with north of Scotland winters??

What about a conifer. Some are quite tall and compact plus they are evergreen.

What about an escallonia? Evergreen, flowers in summer and autumn. Or viburnum tinus, also evergreen but you get flowers in winter.

Sorry, escallonia don’t like shade, but I know viburnums do because I have one.

Hostas like the shade. (and slugs like the hostas!)

Seriously, the leaves are big and green and the flowers last for ages.

DamaskRose

Would a Fatsia cope with north of Scotland winters??

My Fatsia, at out Scottish home is on a westerly hillside and grows very well, unlike the one languishing in the Midlands garden.

Thank you everyone, I didn’t think I would have as much choice. I’m leaning towards a Fatsia because I’ve had one in the past and didn’t kill it!

Skimmias are very partial to deep shade and have flowers and berries at different times of the year. Evergreen.

Try either the golden or the cream variegated euonymus - they are evergreen, very tolerant and brighten up any shady spot

Thankyou J52.

Go for something evergreen and winter hardy and happy in a pot. How about a Camellia? It will need ericaceous compost as it prefers acid soils. Flowers winter/spring and available in different colours.

Notagranny44, I agree, as they're reliably evergreen right down to the base, hardy and can be clipped into shape. My Fatsia Japonicas are leggy - leafy at the top with bare stalks further down.

Camellias are attractive plants but their flower buds are very susceptible to overnight frost if they are subject to rapid defrosting ,which would be the case with a position in early morning sun.

I have a bay tree in a pot by my shady front door. It has survived for several years. Occasionally clipped and repotted.