Creating a winter container display

I said earlier that I would do my research and then start a new thread. I"m sure you've realised by now I don't work that way. I have a ton of questions and I need to air them before I can move on with anything else.

Several sources cite Sarcococca as the feature plant. There are several varieties available to buy now. I have a pot and a space available if I decided to go that way.

Does anybody have experience of Sarcococca or can recommended any variety over another?

Sarcococca Hookeriana Winter Gem, 2ltr - - Dobbies Garden Centres

I'm sure there are many other plants I could try but for now I am happy with Sarcococca. If it turns out to be a no-no then I will move on to something else.



G.

Ps I still haven't watched this weeks Gardeners World.

 

It is an evergreen plant and one which would be best nearest a door (front or back, depending on aspect).
I bought some specimens (not from Dobbies) about 2 and a half years ago (could be three and a half, tempus fugit, from shineyland) which have, as yet, to flower. Not that I'm disappointed! If you read their specs, they are a slower growing evergreen, so can't be expected to "perform" when still youngsters. I was heartened by a post by @Trunky - who also garnered his from a shineyland expedition - that his flowered last year, for the first time, and how wonderful the scent was!

Not too sure how viewing this past week's GW has to do with anything (he did plant a "winter" pot the week before which contained a dogwood, tulips and black mondo grass )

A mahonia is often cited as a winter shrub which goes well in a pot. Something to consider, perhaps?

 

Just bought a very nice Mahonia last week. Lovely plant

 

Sarcoccoca is best in the ground I think. Unusually, its scent is best at a distance rather than close up. I have them in various corners...enough for wonderful scent in mid to late winter esp in mild spells. As a container feature it is nothing special to look at, rather like a privet. They can make a sizeable plant.....I have one near a pathway that I trim every year kept to about 180 cm x 180 cm

A heucherella Gold Zebra and ophiopogon is a combination I plant up every autumn.
Also heuchera Marmalade or similar with uncinias
Carex testacea in a terracotta pot is attractive in winter but with snowdrops looks sensational in late winter
A simple diosma, here it is Sunset Gold, is lovely on its own in a pot. Looking like a heather but with graceful foliage movement, a nice aromatic smell and the bonus of pinky white spring flowers. Easy low maintenance plant for full sun.
How about libertia Goldfinger...there are some different varieties...evergreen yellow/orange/olive grasslike leaves with white flowers in early spring? Blue violas with it to provide lovely contrast.
Phormiums? From red foliage through to yellow to all shades in between.....on their own but can look classy. The smaller Bronze Baby is esp good in a container.
In a medium size pot Acorus Ogon with Juniper Blue Star will serve as a yellow
/blue foliage combination. It did well here for several years until the juniper needed planting in the ground. Blue Star is a very slow growing dwarf form.
Picea Globosa Nana with yellow, red or yellow violas too?
Arrenatherum bulbosum, a white grass, is superb during winter and spring. Goes dormant in mid summer but grows again in autumn. In the shade it will esp light up the garden.....black ophiopogon, red or black heucheras, violas will complement it but check out blue anemone blanda. The blue flowers will extend the colour into spring.

 

Have you made any decisions yet?

 

I've not committed myself to this project yet. If a big pot becomes available I might look into some more. If I wait until summer then I will have a pot available.


At the moment I have enough work already to keep me amused for the foreseeable future. There is also the cost element. I'm sure I've already blown my gardening budget for this year. Next year I might be in a position to barter.



G.

 

@HarryS I've just looked that plant up there's some nice varieties in them