Many thanks chookchook2. This is the front of the house thus far I was thinking of lilly pilly which are trimmed round shape in big black gloss pots on either side of the entrance where the white hand rail is . I have bad allergies , hay fever etc hence j need to stick to Australian natives, hence either lilly pilly or magnolia ( teddy bear ) plants ...

Climate and orientation is always useful information for plant recommendation requests. Is there a reason you want pots? Plants in pots can dry out faster, how fast can depend on the pot material, and if the plant grows fast and becomes rootbound that affects its vigour and it will need repotting, so it's a higher maintenance choice. I love pots but I've found it harder to find suitable plants and to keep them happy so where practicality and aesthetics allow for a garden bed that would be my first choice. If you are renting I think asking the landlord for permission to put up sheer curtains would be a quicker and more successful solution.

I am looking for suggestions for a pot plant next to my front door. A few considerations: Tall Pot vs Short Tall Plant vs Short As pictured, I have to side potted hedges (buxus), and a Japanese maple as a feature tree - new tree would need to compete or be in harmony with this. House is also modern architecture so plants trees that would suite old world architecture would not work. The small garden we have is directly opposite. Also, when coming through front gate you walk down 6 steps so you are looking down. Included is a pic of a pot I liked but may not be the right one Open to ideas and suggestions.

Yes check your local nursery for plants suitable for your region, the Lilly pilly will blend in with your rainforest as these are tropical rainforest plants