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How to create an autumn pot display

in : Pots & containers: Autumn & winter

You will need

  • Aster 'Monte Cassino'
  • Ornamental cabbage
  • Sedum
  • Carex 'Frosted Curls'
  • Large pot
  • Multi-purpose compost
  • Crocks

Pots & container categories

Overview

The autumnal colours of ornamental cabbages work well with the pink flowers of sedums in this striking pot display. They are softened by the wispy grass and frothy white blooms of the aster.
Plant it: August - September
At its best: September - October
Takes just: 20 minutes

How to do it:

1Position the container where it will provide maximum impact. Place a layer of crocks at the bottom, then three-quarters fill with compost.

2Plant the aster at the back of the pot, with the grass just in front of it and to the side so it will cascade over the edge. Plant the sedum to the other side of the aster from the grass and nestle the ornamental cabbage amongst them, towards the front of the pot.

3Fill the container with compost, to within 5cm of the rim, firming around the plants with your fingers to squeeze out any air pockets.

Adam's tip

Cut the aster and the sedum back to their bases in late winter to ensure they produce fresh growth in the autumn. Leave the carex uncut, as it looks lovely when frosted.

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Newcastle 24/11/2011 at 15:29

Has anyone had any experience of growing Saffron Crocus. I have just bought some and wondered if anyone had any ideas about good companion plants. I have panted these in a large container for the present as a precaution against snails and slugs and the dreaded vine weevil - will treat the container with insecticide in due course as well as having given it a dressing of gravel.
David.

Madferret 04/01/2012 at 09:29

I planted some last (as in a year before you) and have yet to see any flowers but I also have mine in a large planter. I grew a few brassica in with them with no apparent side effects. The soil I use was a basic cheap mix with a bit of perlite and a handful of slow release fert. Sorry I can't be much more help. Regards Nick

QueenTi 09/08/2012 at 16:22

I grew some last year in pots outside. Had brilliant leaf display last autumn but no flowers and I have yet to see anything this year? I hope they are still there.

Newcastle 07/12/2012 at 21:02

I did finally get a few flowers earlier this year but whether the plants have survived this years deluge remains to me seen. They may have managed tomake some bulbs despite all the odds - who knows?