How to plant a purple pot display

The velvety pansies steal the show, while the other plants create an interesting mix of colour and texture – a plain terracotta pot provides a simple counterpoint. The container is perfect for a semi-shaded spot, and the ajuga and fern can be planted out in the garden when the display is past its best.

For more container inspiration, take your pick from our pots and containers to plant up.

Follow our simple steps to plant up this purple pot display.

You Will Need

• Heather plants
• Hart's tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
• Purple-flowered pansies
• Ajuga reptans 'Braunherz'
• Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
• Slow-release fertiliser

Step 1

Adding slow-release fertilise to the compost

Half fill your container with peat-free, multi-purpose compost and mix in a measure of slow-release fertiliser.

Step 2

Add the plants one at a time, packing them in quite tightly. Fill any gaps with more compost.

Step 3

Water the container well and place in a semi-shaded spot. Water often but avoid saturating the compost.

Kevin Smith says

Keep a pair of garden snips or secateurs handy when you're out in the garden, so you can deadhead the pansies and heather flower spikes as they fade.