Make this one a dependable evergreen such as yew, box, juniper or cedar. Then you have a lot of possibilities with your other choices in the container. For flowers, nothing beats the continuous and easy display of winter pansies, which will bloom from now until late spring - keep them deadheaded for best results. For later flowers, plan to hide some snowdrop, scilla, hyacinth or miniature daffodil bulbs in between the other plants. Primroses and hellebores work well in containers, and their delicate blooms are lifted up so they can be appreciated more than if they were right down at ground level.
Heathers are very good used in containers.
When they have finished blooming for the late autumn, shear them back and you may be rewarded with another set of flowers in late winter or early spring. Don t forget simple but reliable ivy - go with a solid green if you have a lot of other colour in the container already. Remember there is a wide choice of leaf forms for variety. If you want more, there are some lovely variegated types with edgings or centres of white, yellow or even gold to choose from. If you can, try to have something for winter scent such as a witch hazel or winter jasmine.