Shrubs for shade?

For the last six weeks I have been clearing my garden, painting the fences, in preparation for a new shed. Pictured below are three new pots that I want to plant up with shrubs, preferably that will add some winter interest. I have just got this length of fence to paint now and then the borders to plant up. I was wondering if anyone could suggest some shrubs that would survive in these pots. I have three: they are approx 40 cm across the top and about 40 cm high. I am putting my dwarf skimmia in one. I bought a bag of ericaceous (50litres) for it and the bag easily sits in the pot...just to give an idea of size. This fence was previously an out of control clematis Montana which had not been touched for 15 years. I was sort of wanting a lilac in one pot but am unsure if this would be happy. The pots will be sat in permanent shade at the base of the fence.
Whatever I chose, I do try and buy things that are good for wildlife. I would appreicate any suggestions so that I can go and sort it out whilst on holiday! Thanks
I know my garden looks a bit empty at the minute and is the typical bit of lawn and a border...but I love it :-) for years I have had beautiful borders...but they have just gone out of control so I have stripped it all back to have a rethink and a replant! The last pic is what my border was like three years ago. Last year, however, it was covered in some sort of pest which meant I lost many of my plants. :-((
I appreciate your thoughts on shrubs for pots....sorry to go off on a tangent.

 

Just been googling 'lilacs in pots' . General consensus seems to be that they are not a fan of being restricted. Never mind! I just love lilacs and thought it would give me a bit of height. Hmmmm I'll have to have a rethink....

 

Hi @Markymark , have a look at " Korean Lilac " . They are smaller than normal Lilacs but still as beautiful and scented.

This is mine



It's been in it's pot now for four years and is covered in flowers every year. It get's about two hours sun a day is in a pretty shady spot. It's about 3ft high with a width of about 2 ft.

 

Brilliant... thanks. I def will take a look at one of those...I just love the smell of lilac

 

A word of caution markymark

Go for a John innes/soil based ericaceous compost in preference to the lightweight ericaceous mpc usually seen in the garden centres.

A pieris would sit well in one of those pots in the shade, ericaceous John Innes again. Fantastic evergreens with red spring foliage and white flowers.

I would consider a daphne for a pot too.....daphne perfume princess is a beauty but odora aureomarginata too; evergreen foliage and wonderfully scented flowers in late winter/early spring.

A little different but check out nandina domestica firepower.....the sacred bamboo.

How about a camellia? In shade a white camellia would look sensational

Not evergreen but fantastic in pots are the purple Japanese maples.....what better from spring to autumn if some shelter can be provided from cold easterly winds?

 

Wow...thank you for all your suggestions! I'm going to have a good look today and I'll certainly post a photo once I've decided and am done. As for the ericaceous compost....doh. I think I have bought a general mpc one...but I haven't used it yet so can change it. Is it just to do with quality? To be honest, I have been so mean to my skmmia over the years: in a pot, in the ground, in a pot again. I'm not a huge fan of it and really haven't looked after it. Saying that, it's always done really well so that's why I've finally decided to be really kind to it and finally give it a good sized pot and some tlc in its twilight years ha ha. I'll get it some quality compost then lol.
I did consider a pieris too and was looking a thing some really nice ones in the garden centre yesterday. I'm not a huge fan of them to be honest but I know they would provide all year round interest.....
Am looking forward to a garden day today....weather is beautiful once again! Watch this space!

 

Looking at google...I think I might go for a camellia! Lovely....

 

Camellias are superb evergreens and flowering shrubs Markymark
The John innes or soil based composts are heavier and far better for long term planting. Mpc dry out fast, are difficult to reset, lighter and “flimsy”. John innes holds onto nutrients and water too. Not everywhere available but worth seeking out. I like to add perlite or grit to the composts too for added drainage.
Re your skimmia....a male and a female will provide berries as an added attraction and food for birds, bees, butterflies. Give skimmias reasonable attention to watering etc., and then they are lovely plants
The pieris! When you see the new red spring foliage combined with those white flowers you may well be hooked on it. There are variegated ones too for extra interest

 

What a fabulous day! I’ve really enjoyed buying plants for my pots. I took your advice and went for a pieris carnival, a camellia (couldn’t find white...but happy with this one) and my dear old skimmia. I saw a few of your other suggestions too but decided these were for me. I went to several of my favourite garden centres and have travelled about 400 miles ha ha... once the fence behind them is painted brown (not orange) (I am just waiting for the fungicidal organic wash to do its stuff) the pots will look great. I am going to make sure I treat these pots kindly from now on and feed them whatever they need... when I find that out of course! I did see a lilac tree and it smelled beautiful. I’ll consider that another time. I’ve also recycled all my other pots as crocks for the bottom and upgraded my borders... now I’m sitting back with a rum and enjoying the view. Thanks for your help!!!

 

Hey! Excellent. Enjoy your rum...have one for me