Ophiopogon and astelia pot display

in : Pots & containers: Autumn & winter

You will need

  • Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' x2
  • Astelia chathamica
  • Pansies x3
  • Blue glazed pot about 40cm across
  • Multi-purpose compost
  • John Innes No.3
  • Horticultural grit
  • Crocks

Pots & container categories

Overview

In this pot design, the graceful astelia and black ophiopogon add structure, while a small-flowered blue pansy or viola unites the blue pot and the plants.
Plant It September - November
At Its Best October - March
Takes Just 30 minutes

How To Do It

1Mix together two-parts multi-purpose compost with one part John Innes No.3 and one part horticultural grit. This mix will provide lots of nutrients and good drainage, so shouldn't get too waterlogged in winter.

2Place some crocks in the bottom of the pot and cover with a layer of compost.

Equipment

3Remove the astelia from its pot and position it in the middle of the display. Add compost and firm it around the rootball to hold it in place.

Winter blues pot

4Position the ophiopogon plants around the astelia, firming them in with compost, then add the pansies.

5Top up the pot with compost, leaving a generous gap at the top for watering, then firm the compost down.

6Water well, then mulch the compost surface with small pebbles for a decorative finish.

Adam's tip

Deadhead the pansies regularly to keep the flowers going through the winter.

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