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Pansy and box Christmas pot display

in : Pots & containers: Autumn & winter

You will need

  • Topiary box pyramid, buxus sempervirens
  • Red pansies x10
  • Mattress vine, Muehlenbeckia complexa, or dark green ivy x1
  • Tall decorative pot or Long Tom
  • Compost, made from equal parts of multi-purpose and loam-based composts
  • Crocks
  • Two sets of LED battery-operated fairy lights

Pots & container categories

Overview

This box pyramid container display with red lights and a skirt of red pansies has all the colours of Christmas. Tendrils of the mattress vine weave in and out to create a wreath-like effect around the base.
Plant it: November - December
At its best: Winter
Takes just: 30 minutes

How to do it:

1Put a layer of crocks in the bottom of the pot, then fill it two-thirds with compost.

2Plant the box in the centre of the pot, surrounded by the pansies and the mattress vine. Top up with compost, firming it around the plant roots with your fingers. Wind the fairy lights around the box pyramid, switch on and enjoy.

Adam's tip

Shrubs and perennials in pots need loam-based compost if they are to survive for more than a couple of years. Give them a boost every six months with slow-release fertiliser.
The pansies should last until spring if you deadhead them regularly. Replace them with pots of 'Tête-à-tête' daffodils, or, if they fade earlier, with snowdrops or crocus.

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Talkback: Pansy and box Christmas pot display
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trudi 24/11/2011 at 15:29

I have had problems with adding your given code to my confirmation of your email. Red sentence comes up with code not correct.
Any ideas? I need to receive my newsetter/
Many thanks. This lot very very interesting.
Thank you.

PamB 24/11/2011 at 15:29

Excellent - Thank you. My front porch will look much better.