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Herb and rose pot display

in : Pots & containers: Edibles

You will need

  • Rue, Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue'
  • Miniature patio roses x2
  • Pale green thyme, Thymus pulegioides 'Foxley'
  • Garlic chives x3
  • Small lavender, such as 'Munstead' x3
  • Window box
  • Crocks
  • Peat-free multi-purpose compost

Pots & container categories

Overview

Surround your roses with strongly scented companion plants, such as lavender, thyme, rue and garlic chives, to help keep aphids at bay. While gardeners are attracted by their beauty, rose pests are deterred by the herbs' strong scents.
Plant it: March - April
At its best: June - August
Takes just: 20 minutes

How to do it:

1Place the crocks in the bottom of the window box, then half fill it with compost.

2Position the rue in the centre of the box with a rose on either side. Arrange the other plants around the edges. Top up with more compost, firming it around the plant roots with your fingers.

3As long as your plants don't get waterlogged, this planting should overwinter quite well. You may need to replace the rue.

Adam's tip

To prolong their flowering period, deadhead the roses as the blooms fade and apply a liquid feed every three weeks during the growing season.
Rue is hardy, but if it should fail it's easily grown from seed sown outdoors in spring. Beware of its sap, though, as it can burn your skin on contact.

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