[fekq]

we'd like to put 3 (largish) pots at the front of the house (we're gradually disguising our ugly 60s semi behind greenery).

would like something that stays green/has leaves all year, (but not conifers. we've enough with the miles of leylandii that surround the house), flowers at some point, and will be happy in a pot. and doesn't grow more than 2 ft high....

any suggestions welcomed!

thanks!

[JayG]

I suggest Hebes or Euonymus,  although euonymus is better known for its foliage as the flowers are rather underwhelming!

If you decide on either then choose carefully, some are deciduous, grow too big for your requrements, etc etc.

[Goosegirl]

A dwarf Euonymus would be good, also 2-3 Heucheras of different foliage colours are good and reliable, though not all grow to any height. Box, winter box (different species I think), grasses?

[Jamie Butterworth]

Heathers are good, i like there foliage and there flowers

Or, have a look through the 184 results that gardeners wolrd has provided, should be able to find a few good uns in there

Link - http://www.gardenersworld.com/plant/collections/1/5/evergreen-shrub

[sunshineband]

I can recommend skimmias.

There are male flower forms that are very well scented in early spring, and female forms that berry very well 

[Jamie Butterworth]

Skimmia Japonica would be anouther could choice

The list goes on, and on, and on 

[sunshineband]

Skimmia Japonica would be anouther could choice

The list goes on, and on, and on 

Glad you agree Jamie -- got to be a winner 

[Jamie Butterworth]

Im really not with it today 

I meant to put Pieris Japonica, but Skimmia Japonica is a good choice too like you say 

[sunshineband]

Im really not with it today 

I meant to put Pieris Japonica, but Skimmia Japonica is a good choice too like you say 

What hope for me, if you cannot remember what you were doing,  Jamie? 

No don't answer that... I won't remember the question 

[Jamie Butterworth]

Haha, ive got a memory like a sieve at the best of times

[sunshineband]

Haha, ive got a memory like a sieve at the best of times

So that's two of us then 

Hope yours mends soon 

[viettaclark]

Sarcococca confusa may suit the bill. It grows to 80cm, prefers a bit of shade, attractive dark green, shiny, evergreen leaves, frost-hardy, compact so doesn't need pruning.
In Winter it has rows of small white flowers along the stems that produce the most amazing scent then small dark berries.
It's not for someone who wants showy flowers though. I have it on either side of the front AND back doors for the leaf and scent.