Check out a Tardiva Hydrangea Standard (topiary) or White Chiffon Rose of Sharon. Also Flying Dragon Poncirus.

That's not an exceptionally large planter.

Mugo Pine makes a very attractive 3' x 3' form

What can be grown permanently (year round) in a container in MA is limited. Unless you can provide some winter protection. Roots are the most cold vulnerable portion of a plant and in a container, they are exposed to ambient air temperatures in winter, which may be far colder than anything they would experience in the ground.

btw, only some cultivars of mugo pine will stay at 3'x3'. Many will get far larger (although a container will keep growth restricted to some degree).

Is that container 25 gal?

Hi

i just measured the container , it is 24.5/ 24.5”

I actually have two of those planters.

i would love to utilize both but I would have to design the deck differently. the deck is 740sq ft so they fit. I was thinking of tall grasses and have the two lined up next to one another.

i am SO bad at this!

Blend annuals and perennials for a stunning display all season long. Think about incorporating plants of varying color, size, and shape for a sophisticated display. Combine mounds of foliage, tall plants, and plants that spill over the edge. Prior to winter, transfer perennials from your container for overwintering.

Planters encourage experimentation as they change with the seasons.

See more container ideas in our Design Gallery.

That is large enough to grow the suggestions I mentioned.

@gardengal48 I did notice that there are a large number of varieties of Mugo Pine. What are some of the smaller varieties?

@lbooras54 I would point out that you have a lot of large trees in the view of your deck. So to plant another tall tree in your planter creates a somewhat boring repetition of the same vertical shape. One of the things I like about the Mugo Pine suggestion is that the bush form of pine will offer a contrasting shape and texture to the trees in the backyard. At the same time, the plant can easily survive your winters and will stay evergreen. The shape of the Mugo Pine is quite attractive and will be a focal point for the deck, particularly if you plant two of them in different locations.

From the list @gardengal48 provided, I think the Sherwood Compact variety. looks interesting.

I totally agree. Thank you.