Hey fellow gardeners! I'm a beginner and have been having a tough time finding the right shrubs for the pots outside my front door. My attempts with a standard buxus and two Ceanothus didn't go well—they both died on me. Now I'm searching for options that are more resilient and won't require a lot of care. The spot is mainly shaded but does get some evening sun. Any suggestions for shrubs, small trees, or flowers that I can put in the two pots by my door that will thrive without much hassle? Thanks a lot!
5 Answers
You could also think about installing an automatic watering system. Just a heads up, buxus can be problematic these days—caterpillars really wreak havoc on them!
It sounds like you're having a bit of tough luck with your plants! One thing to remember is that pots require regular watering, especially in hot, dry summers like this one. If you haven't been keeping up with watering, that might be part of the issue.
If you want truly low-maintenance options, you might need to rethink the pot situation. Plants in pots often need larger containers than you'd expect, since small pots dry out fast. Going bigger can really help with longevity!
Consider trying Acuba japonica variegata. It’s a great choice for dry shade and can handle neglect to some extent, but just remember, it still needs some water now and then!
To help with keeping the moisture in, go for larger pots—think more like dustbin size rather than buckets! Also, using water-retention gels can be a game changer. If you can, try adding some plastic tubing to help the water reach the roots better, like a straw in a drink. It makes a big difference!
I never thought about the pot size! That's really helpful, thanks!