Big tub needs a tough plant

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.

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!

... 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!

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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 ...

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! 😂

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

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.

Hamamelis (Witch Hazel)?

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 ....

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

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

Thank you, thank you!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 🤞.

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.

I agree a fatsia japonica or we have an olive tree in a tub that size. Olive trees do stand freezing temperatures & need very little care. I would invest in a large tree as it will be there for many many years.

I would agree with shysai a Fatsia Japonica is evergreen and has interesting golf ball type flowers in the Autumn. They are very hardy, mine’s been growing in a large pot for about 10; years.

That’s rather lovely shysal, thank you.

And thank you for all the suggestions, all gratefully received 😁

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I would recommend a Fatsia Japonica, which has glossy tropical-looking leaves but is hardy through our winters. There is also a variegated version, called Spider's Web which stands out against a dark fence.

Georgesgran

You could always screw a set of casters (£3. 99 from Amazon) to the underside of the box, then it would be easy to move into sun or shade depending on what plant you decide to put in it.

Good idea, Georgesgran

I have a Portuguese Laurel tree in a large tub. Evergreen with flowers in spring and berries in summer. Leaves right from the base upwards. It's about 7' tall. I'll keep it pruned to this size. I have it underplanted with nasturtiums each summer. Just the occasional Fred and water.

Sidelined

Thanks all. It/I have already killed off an acer and a eucalyptus I’m sad to say. I’m told both are easy so …🤷‍♀️ A blueberry sounds a good idea if I removed the soil and began again.

Thank you.

A good choice. I have three very healthy ones and will send photos to you. 🙂

Gets sun…