This combination of dark-leaved begonias and heuchera, with flowering bleeding heart, makes for an impressive shade-loving display. Pot this up in a shady corner for a dramatic and long-lasting splash of colour.
Add a layer of crocks to the base of the pot, to aid drainage, and then fill two-thirds with multi-purpose compost. Add slow-release fertiliser and moisture-retentive gel, and mix in with your hands.
Add the bleeding heart to the centre of the container, ensuring it’s level and planted at the same depth it was in its original pot.
Add the begonias and carex around the bleeding heart. Firm the plants well and fill in gaps with more compost.
Water the pot well to fully soak the water-retaining gel. Allow the pot to drain fully before moving to its final position.
Phormiums survive well in most conditions and there are some wonderful dwarf varieties that are perfect for growing in pots. Here, we combine dwarf variety ‘Alison Blackman’ with heather, carex and heuchera for dramatic effect. It’s the perfect container for a shady corner and will last well into winter. You Will Need
The orange gerbera (winter-hardy) and purple angelonia make the perfect colour contrast, while the grass creates a backdrop for the scheme and lends movement to the display. The combination is best suited to a sunny spot, so position it in the brightest area you have. Deadhead the blooms regularly to keep the display neat, and to encourage more flowers. Learn how to create this zesty gerbera and begonia container display, in just three easy steps.
The red berries of Skimmia japonica ‘Reevesiana’ and flowers of red cyclamen add colour to the autumn garden, and they’ll continue to steal the show into winter. Ornamental stipa grass acts as a lush green backdrop, while Phormium ‘Rainbow Queen’ adds a splash of winter interest, that will last for months. You Will Need
While many container displays are looking past their best by August, this late-summer display will brighten up a corner of the patio right through autumn. The fiery colours of the crocosmia, rudbeckia and penstemon contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of pheasant’s tail grass. What to plant in August You Will Need