suitable plant for my patio

[crisgal]

i have just had some lovely decking fitted outside my conservatory and it is crying out for some colour.
I would like a plant that lives in a pot, is tough and can stand a bit of weather, and ideally rustles a bit.
I have looked on websites, and although they are descrbed well, it's all in gardner speak, and i'm no gardner!!
Does anyone know of a plant that would be suitable?

[maclarencat]

I dont but will be interested in replies as I need some for my balcony. I can tell you the hosta I planted has survived though.

[boxtops]

Bamboo. Fiendish stuff if you plant it in the garden, but nicely containable in a pot. We have the ngra variety which has black stems when mature, and nice green leaves. It's hardy and doesn't seem to attract pests. There are many different varieties in a number of heights!

[boxtops]

^ oops, negra

[AlBags]

Phormium Tenax "Pink Panther" or similar.
Agave
Salix "Hukuro Nishiki"

All can be large, and have architectural beauty, but Phormiums are not fully frost-hardy.

[rowanwitch]

Cordyline torbay sparkler... Or plant up a mixed pot with some of the really loud heucheras small leafed ivies and a purple leaved hazel if the pot is big enough if not a nice slow growing conifer...but not goldcrest as it browns badly in windy positions