10 evergreen bushes in pots

Japanese Pittosporum 'Nanum'

The dense and evergreen foliage of the Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ makes it a very good decorative element for small spaces. Indeed, it does not exceed 1 m in height at ripeness. This is the dwarf version of Pittosporum tobira. Another advantage is its abundant white flowering with a sweet orange scent in May! However, it is not very hardy and does not withstand temperatures dropping below -5°C. It is therefore preferable to place it in a warm, sunny spot sheltered from the wind. In cool climates, protect it with a winter cover and store it in a bright, unheated location away from frost. To beautifully enhance your terrace, pairing Japanese Pittosporum ‘Nanum’ with aromatic plants like Lavender, Thyme, or Rosemary, or with Mediterranean shrubs like Oleander will give your balcony or terrace a holiday feel.

(photo by Forest and Kim Starr)

⇒ Everything you need to know about Leucothoe.

Mexican Orange 'Aztec Gold'

The main attraction of the Mexican Orange Blossom ‘Aztec Gold’ is the bright colour of its foliage. Indeed, the finely cut leaves are golden yellow with a greenish base, giving it a lovely elegance. Moreover, in spring, Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Gold’ is adorned with pleasantly fragrant white flowers. The flowering may restart from August to September. This medium-sized evergreen bush reaches 1.20 m in all directions at maturity, so it should be planted alone in a large pot. Once established, it can withstand short frosts down to -15°C.

Create a colour contrast by pairing this Mexican Orange Blossom with the flowers of Caryopteris, an Abelia, and a dwarf Buddleia.

⇒ Learn all about the Mexican Orange Blossom, as well as its cultivation in pots.

Japanese Spindle 'Benkomasaki'

As its name suggests, it is native to Japan. The Euonymus japonicus ‘Benkomasaki’ is perfect in a pot, its columnar habit gives it a very graphic and original style. Indeed, its bright green evergreen leaves are inserted regularly on branches that grow vertically. Plant it in soil rich in humus and retaining moisture, as it is sensitive to drought. In hot, dry climates, water it regularly to maintain its beautiful green foliage. Protect it from severe frosts in winter.

To create a vegetative privacy screen, it can be combined with other bushes in pots such as the Portuguese Laurel, Osmanthus, and Aucuba.

⇒ Everything you need to know about Japanese spindles.

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Makijaz'

Also known as Pearl Flower, this small evergreen bush is hardy down to -15°C. The variety of Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Makijaz’ features foliage that changes colour over time and growth: initially pink at bud break, then green speckled with white, rosy in summer, and finally purple in autumn. A true spectacle! Thanks to its small size, it is perfectly suited for a balcony or small terrace in the shade. Note that it has excellent resistance to diseases!

Pair it with Sacred Bamboos, Winter Heathers, Skimmias, Heucheras, and Carex, which are also suitable for pot cultivation.

Japanese Azalea 'Koromo Shikibu'

Also known as Spider Azalea, this rare little bush is of unique beauty! In spring, it is covered in beautiful, delicate, fragrant lavender flowers. Its foliage also holds surprises: these dark green leaves change colour in winter, displaying red and purple tones! Broader than it is tall, this Japanese Azalea, Rhododendron macrosepalum ‘Koromo Shikibu’ in Latin, must be planted in heather soil; it prefers cool, humus-rich, and rather acidic soils. When planting, ensure that its substrate is airy and light, which will help its root system develop. Place its pot in partial shade or shade. During dry periods, water it generously and mulch with pine bark, as it does not tolerate high heat.

Create a Japanese atmosphere by surrounding this magnificent Azalea with other potted bushes such as Japanese Maples, Andromedas, Kalmias, and Japanese Camellias.

⇒ Everything you need to know about Azaleas and their cultivation in pots, as well as the best varieties of Japanese Azaleas.

Mahonia 'Soft Caress'

When we think of Mahonia, the image of dark green, glossy, spiky leaves immediately comes to mind! However, this variety is completely different, and its name ‘Soft Caress’ describes it well. Indeed, its long, slender leaves are soft to the touch and have no thorns. To enhance the end of summer and autumn, lemon-yellow flowers appear from September to November. Planted alone in a lovely pot, its spreading habit and finely cut leaves create a beautiful light effect. Thanks to its sleek style, it is perfectly suited for modern terrace settings. Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’ is low-maintenance; plant it in a pot with fresh, light, well-drained soil and place its pot in the shade or partial shade.

The fine foliage of Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ pairs well with purple Heucheras such as ‘Forever Purple’, the Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’ with its zesty colour, and the fern Polystichum polyblepharum.

⇒ Everything you need to know about Mahonias. Also, discover this variety in video: The Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’.

Japanese Andromeda 'Little Heath'

The Japanese Andromeda ‘Little Heath’ is a very compact dwarf heather soil bush. Reaching no more than 60 cm in height at ripeness, this variety is valued for container use. This Pieris japonica ‘Little Heath’ has pink foliage in spring that turns light green marginate with cream white. From February to April, its bell-shaped flowers grow in trailing clusters. Plant it in a container with light, well-drained acidic soil and place it in a sunny but not too hot location or in partial shade, sheltered from draughts. Mulch its base to retain moisture and help it withstand summer drought. With slow growth, it does not require pruning.

Pair the ‘Little Heath’ Andromeda with other potted plants: Winter Heather, Skimmia japonica, small Camellias such as the variety ‘Sweet Emily Kate’, and small Rhododendrons.

(photo by Megan Hansen)

⇒ To learn all about Pieris.

Sacred Bamboo 'Obsessed Seika'

Heavenly Bamboos are known for their evergreen foliage that changes throughout the seasons. For Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed Seika’, the foliage is purple-pink in spring, green in summer, and then purple in autumn. It produces panicles of white flowers from June to August, followed by red berries in winter. Reaching up to one metre in height, it should be planted in a large, deep pot, preferably in partial shade. However, it can tolerate sunny situations, as long as they are not scorching. Ensure a rich, loose, and well-drained soil.

The light foliage of Sacred Bamboo ‘Obsessed Seika’ will be enhanced by mixing it with pot grasses such as Carex comans ‘Bronze Form’, Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’, Hosta ‘Fragrant’, and a small conifer like Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gold Drop’.

⇒ To learn all about Nandina. Also, discover this plant in video: Nandina, versatile and very graphic.

Photinia fraseri 'Louise'

Screening bushes par excellence, Photinias are currently very popular. The Photinia fraseri ‘Louise’, bushy and upright, has a very colourful variegated foliage that transitions from pink-margined red to cream-edged green. As for the young shoots, they are vividly cherry red! Its spring flowering attracts many pollinating insects. This fast-growing variety adapts to all types of soil as long as they are well-drained. Easy to cultivate and with good hardiness, this evergreen bush with red foliage requires little maintenance and should simply be pruned in summer to maintain a balanced habit and encourage the appearance of young shoots.

Preferring sunny but not scorching exposures, it will thrive alongside Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’, a Laurier tin, an Osmanthus, and a Thunberg Spiraea.

(photo Leonora Enking)

⇒ Everything you need to know about photinia.

Escallonia 'Red Dream'

The Escallonia ‘Red Dream’, a fast-growing plant, forms a rounded ball with bright green leaves that are present all year round. This evergreen bush thrives in mild climates and will not exceed 90 cm in height, making it suitable for pot cultivation. Highly decorative, it is covered from June to August with numerous bright pink-red flowers, bringing cheer and vitality to your outdoor space. Once well established, it is not afraid of high temperatures but does fear cold winter winds, which is why it should be sheltered in winter.

Create a pot display on your sunny terrace by pairing the Escallonia ‘Red Dream’ with evergreen varieties of Ceanothus, Clematis, and Honeysuckles such as Lonicera sempervirens ‘Cedar Lane’, as well as roses.

(photo Leonora Enking)

⇒ Learn all about Escallonias.