[missy]

I need two plants for either side of my front door. Twice I have bought small bay trees and conifers for either side and all have died. The front of the house does get a nasty wind and last years frost and cold weather didnt help. Does anyone know of any frost and wind resiliant shrub that is quite hardy not too keen on a climber as dont want to put a treslis up either side of the door. Is the artifical plants the last resort??

[Sive]

I have two small-leaved hebes that seem to be surviving our windy site here, so that may be an option for you. Sorry not to be able to give you a name, but you'll know them when you see them......small leaved and rounded/hummocky in shape....I have them in pots and they look as smart as box....and don't seem to need much trimming either.

[missy]

Yes I know hebes I have white and pink ones in the garden I thought they might grow unruly in the pots might try them out they seem to do well in the garden any other shrub ideas appreciated

[vincentdunne]

Sarcococca confusa: really nice scent in Winter/E. Spring,
'Blue' hollies (I. x meserveae) needs clipping.
Taxus (Yew) clip
If conifers fail, Hebes won't do.

[kindredspirit]

Two suggestions that are wind and cold resistant but that I don't see being used normally.

Vibernum Tinus.

Cortaderia Richardii. (You'll have to spread the two pots wider apart for the latter.)

[vincentdunne]

I would not use C. richardii each side of a door. Wow, too big and the leaves would cause serious interference.