I have a 2' x 2' x 3' (w x d x h) planter. What tree with good shade coverage is suitable to plant in it?

Question

I have a contemporary style backyard with some custom planters in the corner that measure 3 feet tall, with a 2ft x 2ft opening on the top. I am looking for a nice tall tree or plant to put in them that would add shade to my yard and fit the contemporary motif. I'm not sure which tall plants would grow well within such a constrained pot/planter. I was thinking some species of bamboo, but I am clueless when it comes to botany. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I live in Houston, so it has to be something appropriate for a more hot, humid, rainy climate (+/- a few colder days in the winter). I would prefer something low maintenance and hardy.

Thanks in advance!

Some things to add- My backyard is completely covered by a deck, so I only have the indicated planter to work with and secondly, the planter is attached to the deck, so it is pretty well secured.

Answer 1

Use planter's that size for something ornamental. A tree with enough leaves to produce shade is going to act like a sail and the planter will blow over. Plant your shade trees in the ground. Redbuds produce a nice amount of shade for their size.

Answer 2

A planter that size won't support a shade tree. It would only be big enough for a bush, or something like a miniature lemon tree.