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Shrubs for container recommendations

#1 · 6th February 2023, 1:52 pm

I have severe osteoarthritis in both hips, which unfortunately means, I cannot garden like I used to, due to not being able to bend or walk very well. I have a small courtyard garden with two small borders, but mainly paved. I've managed to fill the borders with what I think are tough plants that don't need too much attention, ie fuchsias, spireas, carex ( to fill any gaps).

What I'd like is advice on some easy to care for shrubs that won't get too big and that can survive happily in large pots? I usually have pots full of bedding plants in the summer, but these are too difficult for me now...daily watering, deadheading etc, so I think shrubs, flowering or non flowering, are the way forward and would welcome any suggestions for my West facing plot. Thank you.

#2 · 7th February 2023, 2:10 pm

Hello My Tiny Garden,

I know exactly where your coming from, digging seems to get a bit harder every year. I’m considering more shrubs in my beds and easing off on the flowers, I may go 50/50 still thinking what will go where with what, and then change my mind ?

A few suggestions for you…Pittosporum you can just leave it be, take of the bottom stems and create a standard, prune it into a ball shape, I have a few of these and they have never let me down. Nandina colourful shrub looks after itself, Daphne, I have had some good results with Hydrangeas, but strangely ants seemed to like making their home in these pots?? Euonymus just needs a prune to keep it in shape if you wish, what about a bamboo, put it in your pot and forget about it, but to make it a bit different trim off all the small stems to about half way up the main shoots, so when you look at it you will see lovely bamboo foliage perched on bamboo canes.

Hopefully a few more suggestions will be forthcoming, let us know what you go for, take care.

Bob

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#3 · 7th February 2023, 8:16 pm

Thanks so much for your suggestions Bob. I'm glad I'm not alone in trying to create a more manageable garden! I love bedding plants in my pots, but it's just not practical any more. I shall look into the plants you've suggested and let you know what I go for. Thanks again