Big tub needs a tough plant

My suggestion is holly - they grow anywhere in any kind of soil and look nice all year round.

Or you could plant a laurel, but they are more work as they need regular pruning not to overflow the tub.

Sidelined, here is a photo of one of my blueberries. I also agree that Fatsia is a lovely plant. I have the variegated ‘Spiders’ Web’ in the ground, and nearly lost it over the Winter. However, it has recovered, and although only a few inches high, seems to be doing well 🤞.

Have you thought of a fig tree? Varieties such as Brown Turkey are very suitable for growing in pots as they like their roots to be constrained to give fruit.

Some have suggested Blueberries but they don’t have leaves in winter and unless you cover them birds will nick the fruit. I don’t think they look that attractive as an ornamental bush either.

First of all I would either paint it or stain it. Wood will succumb to the elements, especially water, over time, depending on the type of wood. You didn’t say how deep it is but I'm thinking you are asking about planting something.

I would consult a landscaper or go to a nursery for trees, shrubs where they may be able to suggest some pretty ornamental planting for you, especially if it’s out in the open. If it’s in a concealed area and no one will see it… well it might turn out to be a junkyard dog.

Whatever you do, do not make it into a sandbox for kids to play with. The neighborhood cats will find it! Unless it’s covered.

Sidelined
Ignore my post - I wrote a response before reading any of the great suggestions - and seeing you pictures. Looks like you’ll have success in no time.

Heuchera would be my choice ….I literally threw 5 ( different plant colours into a shady spot in my garden …and I haven’t touched them ….lovely coloured foliage and flowers in late . summer.

Lots of lovely ideas! Now all(?) I need to do is track a few down and make a decision.

Thank you, thank you!

Totally agree. Mine turning a beautiful reddy gold at the moment

IF it doesn't get morning sun, a Pieris Japonica Flaming Silver - good all year round interest, variegated foliage, new leaves are red, fading to pink, then white and green. Flowers like little white Lily of the Valley ... I had one in a big pot for about 20 years, and it has only failed recently sadly ... it will need ericaceous soil, but it does hate sun first thing ....

Hamamelis (Witch Hazel)?

MadeInYorkshire

IF it doesn't get morning sun, a Pieris Japonica Flaming Silver - good all year round interest, variegated foliage, new leaves are red, fading to pink, then white and green. Flowers like little white Lily of the Valley ... I had one in a big pot for about 20 years, and it has only failed recently sadly ... it will need ericaceous soil, but it does hate sun first thing ....

Why didn't I think of that!
We have two in large pots, they were in the garden beds but didn't like the soil here and are happier in pots, although they may need repotting fairly soon.

Want it drought tolerant think of a silvery grey grass surrounded by Mexican fleabane which flowers all summer with pretty daisy like flowers tinged with pink and if you do neglect it chop it back and it comes back fresh Possibly pop some wild daffodils in for spring interest when you have chopped the fleabane back

I keep looking at your ideas and it’s going to be hard to pick one! Perhaps I’ll treat myself to a couple more pots and the plants to go in them! 😂

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202309/medium-786552-img-1787-4.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202309/medium-928931-img-1760-1.jpg

Sidelined

I keep looking at your ideas and it’s going to be hard to pick one! Perhaps I’ll treat myself to a couple more pots and the plants to go in them! 😂

Oh no, you've got the bug!! It's an expensive bug too, but my garden has looked lovely this year, one of the few pleasures I have left ...

... or for something completely different ... line it with pond liner and have a mini pond with water lilies and a few plants to keep the water clean and maybe even a few goldfish!

Jannipans that’s an interesting and creative idea! And tempting…

MadeInYorkshire all my planting is in pots or tubs in this garden. I’m learning more each year and despite the earlier delays and disappointments it’s been a real pleasure this summer. Every year I can create a different display … it’s so much fun!

Brilliant idea Jannipans. You can also get floating fountains operated by a solar panel so there would be the sound of tinkling water and it would help keep the water aerated and clean.