What can I plant here?

I have a deep porch (several feet deep) and in the past I've had a fatsia japonica in 2 pots which seemed happy enough for a good few years but eventually one got a serious case of blackfly and had to go. I then had a sarcococca confusa which again was happy for several years but then went very poorly. I know the lack of sunlight etc is not ideal but can anyone suggest a plant that will happily live there - or should I just buy a plastic plant? Thanks.

 

Those are both totally hardy plants in pretty much all of the UK, so would never be happy long term in a porch, unless they were at least put out spring through to autumn. Both are also better suited to shadier sites.

You'd be better with houseplants of some kind. I don't have any of those, other than a few sempervivums on shelves, but I'm sure others will be able to suggest plenty of suitable plants, or you could look in GCs or even places like B&Q, which have plenty of varieties of palms etc.
I think there's a thread about houseplants on this forum too.

 

I think knowing if the porch is heated and how much light it actually gets is relevant.
For example is it glazed all round with a solid roof.

 

As your previous plants have lasted a good few years, if you liked them we would say go for the same again, but first give the area a deep clean.

For winter colour our porchs window cill if full of these Cyclamen, the indoor type, which last from Octotber though to March /April with no heat; we replace them with Pelagoniums for the summer.

Should still be plenty of Cyclamen in the garden centers and places like B&Q

 

Ah, didn't make that clear! It's an open porch - two walls and a front door and a solid ceiling. I was surprised those plants coped as well as they did but they won't be moved out into sunlight at all - which sort of explains my question. Does anything mind being in the shade all the time?

 

I have an open porch which gets very little direct sunlight. I have a Mahonia in one container and a mix of evergreens in another, including a fern, a Euonymus and a small leaved ivy. They will probably be content for a couple of years but I will then put them in the ground and replant with other evergreens. Seasonal additions like violas, cyclamen and bulbs can add colour and interest.

 

Thanks for that info. I had a feeling I was doomed but maybe I'll try your suggestions!

 

A Camellia is another one you could try @fuchsialady, they are shade loving and need a soil based ericaceous compost. I also have Phormiums growing in shade in the ground but they are happy in pots. You may need to repot and divide occasionally.