3ft diameter x 30" deep 'mega tub' - what to put in it?

[Tarquin]

Looking for suggestions as to what to put into a huge tub that will sit central in a bed about 10ft square.

Whilst the area is shaded between dawn and 11am and 6 o'clock onwards it gets strong sun for 2 or 3 hours as it passes between 2 huge conifers 50ft away and 2 Yew Trees and a 20ft Plum tree at the front boundary about 20ft away. Sheltered from the wind on 4 sides by house and boundary fencing.

The preference is for something that has already grown to a good size, looks good from the off, is easy to manage and forms a canopy of sorts. Which I think rules out Bamboo? Too hot for a Japanese Acer? Tree Ferns need nursing through winter?

Suggestions welcomed?

 

[Sean Regan]

A photo of the location would help people with ideas for suggestions.

We have a central feature in our small garden, which is a bit less than 90ft long.
I'd be concerned if something grew too big.

We had that situation twenty years ago. These camellias we planted grew far too big, so had to go.

For years, we had an almond tree.

But that, too, became too dominant

So we settled for something much smaller, a sambucas. It still stands out, but you can, "see around it."

 

[Tarquin]

A belated thank you Sean. I like the Almond tree and Sambuca but will probably go for a mature tree fern or Cordyline if the price isn't too silly.