osta, fern and violet pot display

in : Pots & containers: Shade loving

You will need

  • Hosta, e.g. Hosta 'Royal Golden Jubilee'
  • Male fern, Dryopteris filix-mas
  • Japanese painted fern, Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
  • Violet, such as 'Freckles'
  • Large pot
  • Crocks
  • Loam-based compost

Pots & container categories

Overview

Bring life to a shady corner with this mix of shade-loving favourites. There are hundreds of fabulous hostas to choose from. At the back of the planter the green fern adds strong textural contrast. If you can't live without flowers, mix in some violets; they'll bloom all spring in sun or shade and any type of soil.
Plant It March - April
At Its Best April - May
Takes Just 20 minutes

How To Do It

1Cover the bottom of the pot with crocks, then fill it two-thirds with compost.

2Plant the green fern at the back of the pot and tuck the hosta and the Japanese painted fern on either side. The optional violet in the front adds a froth of pretty white flowers.

3Top up the pot with compost, firming it around the plant roots with your fingers.

Adam's tip

Slugs and snails love hostas so be sure to protect the plants or you'll be left with leaves that look like doilies.

Discuss this pot & container

Talkback: osta, fern and violet pot display
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juno123 24/11/2011 at 15:28

I live in central London with just a lightwell patio 12x10 ft I need plants that will live there and add some interest, any suggestions please