Suitable plant for entrance hall

[georgev]

We run a small hotel and have an entrance porch with windows on one side, a door into the main hall at the rear and the front door is nearly always open during the day. So I'm looking for plants, probably garden rather than house plants, which I can grow in pots to stand in the entrance hall which do not need direct sunlight and don't mind being in a semi-outside, draughty position.

Any ideas gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.

[woofgang]

apsidistra

[woofgang]

and I've only just poured the wine....aspidistra

[Maydup]

Lovely bright red geraniums would be attractive. They are available now in nurseries and garden centres but I'm leaving it a couple more weeks before I buy mine. Just to say goodbye to the cold nights.

They bloom forever if you dead head them and even continue right through the winter if you can leave them inside in the warm. This time next year as you open the doors they will enjoy the open air again. You might need a few more to spruce them up a bit but they are not overly expensive.

http://www.gardenzine.co.uk/geraniums.html

[DaisyNonna]

bay

[Kathyan]

I can't keep plants, they tend to die on me! There are some nice silk plants available now.They look very realistic, last a long time, low maintainance and would stand the knocks that they may get in a hallway. Just a thought!

[hammerman]

I'd probably look at a spotted Laurel...Aucuba japonica. These are a hardy shrub that is used a lot in these situations. You can buy them small but would probably need replacing after 2 years when you can plant it in the garden. Or, f course, you can pot it up and grow it on.

By the way, Aspidistra are expensive ( min £2-3 per leaf) and being a member of the aroid family (Araceae) they need tropical conditions and high humidity to thrive.