Pots at the top of our steps?

Hello Lovelies!
Could I pick your hive mind about our matching pots at the top of our steps to the front door.
There were two mini conifers there, which have died. What small evergreens would you recommend? Thinking maybe Bay?
North Yorkshire location.
Many thanks in advance...

 

Hi @Sarah Eley - more info would help please. Is it south facing, north facing? Do they have shelter from winds? How big are the pots? Depth matters...

 

Pots are about 1ft wide by 18ins deep. We are South West facing. Not sheltered from the wind except that we are part way down a slope, ie the hedgeline is above the drive where the pots are and the house is below that.
Thank you.

 

Well, Bay is the obvious one, though a friend in rural Nottinghamshire managed an olive tree in similar tub (south west facing, protected from north east winds by house itself). You could also use small variegated euonymus plants or hebes (some are very architectural). I like hollies, but not really good in a doorway!. Topiary Box trees maybe?

 

Thanks so much Caroline L! We bought two euonymus fortunei emerald gaiety and so far so good...apart from the snail caviar we found under one plant!

Hopefully they will make decent spheres before Christmas.