Sun or shade, windy or sheltered, and what part of the country are you in?

I was going to suggest a Phormium, but as Bamboo says, we need more information. It wouldn't survive the winter in some areas/situations.

I live in the north west and it is sunny for about 3 hrs in the morning and thats it. Quite an open aspect.

Awkward one, this. East facing, exposed position, up north, very little sun, hmm - don't suppose by any lucky chance you're near the sea? How far away from the house is the planting spot?

And how big can the chosen plant get? I was going to suggest Viburnum tinus - flowers for a long time in winter and is evergreen, but they get quite big. It would need to be kept small, I assume.

How about one of the taller grasses? Can't suggest one as am grass-ignorant but some of them are very attractive for a long time.

How about a small acer? you'd have to dig plenty of peat into the soil before you plant it, but one of the red ones would give you some colour. Annie

How about a small acer? you'd have to dig plenty of peat into the soil before you plant it, but one of the red ones would give you some colour. Annie

How about a large and attractive pot, so you could change the contents with the seasons?

A Hydrangea maybe?

My feeling is that if its a specimen plant, unless its spectacular when its naked in winter (Corylus contorta, for instance) it ought to be an evergreen really. But without knowing the distance from the house its hard to suggest anything for such a difficult spot.

It is difficult because the square is about 24 inches wide and is about 4 ft from the house. We thought about an evergreen but dont know what to get. We thought about a half standard rose but live within walking distance of two pubs and as we are on a main road dont know whether it will stay there. no we dont live near the sea -pity

Be careful buying a so-called 'dwarf' evergreen then. They have a nasty habit of growing too large, and if it's only 4ft from your house, you could regret it.

thanks x

How about a spiral or lollipop box topiary.

I reckon a half standard rose might be the way to go, actually. I like Dgw's idea of a box topiary, that would work - but if you're not sure whether it'll be stolen, they are jolly expensive.

i think the half standard rose is going to be the way to go although I would have liked an evergreen.

Make sure you choose a repeat flowering rose then!