This combination of dark-leaved begonias and heuchera, with flowering bleeding heart, makes for an impressive shade-loving display. Pot this up in a shady corner for a dramatic and long-lasting splash of colour.
You will need
- Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘King of Hearts’
- Heuchera ‘Cappuccino’
- Begonia ‘Botanica’
- Begonia ‘Bronze Leaf’
- Carex flagellifera
- Container
- Multi-purpose compost
- Water-retaining gel
- Slow-release fertiliser
Total time:
Step 1
Add a layer of crocks to the base of the pot, to aid drainage, and then fill two-thirds with multi-purpose compost. Add slow-release fertiliser and moisture-retentive gel, and mix in with your hands.

Step 2
Add the bleeding heart to the centre of the container, ensuring it’s level and planted at the same depth it was in its original pot.

Step 3
Add the begonias and carex around the bleeding heart. Firm the plants well and fill in gaps with more compost.

Step 4
Water the pot well to fully soak the water-retaining gel. Allow the pot to drain fully before moving to its final position.

Kevin Smith says…
Choose a container to complement the tone and colour palette of your plants. This beige planter gives the dramatic foliage real standout and brings harmony to the scheme as a whole. Plant several pots in a similar way to give your patio a coordinated feel.
