Hello, I live in West Tennessee and would like some suggestions on what to plant in two large containers on my back patio. It receives at least 6 hours of full sun. In the past, I have had gardenia topiaries in them. I'd prefer some sort of an evergreen shrub or tree that maintains its color year round. I would like something that allows me to underplant for the spring and summer months. I am not a huge fan of dwarf spruce or juniper.
Thanks so much,
Mary Beth

Hi Lola and welcome to NGA!

I think a Magnolia grandiflora like Little Gem would be good. It's a slow grower likes full sun or partial shade and at maturity gets about 10 feet.

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem')