Cowslip and anemone pot display
Make the most of spring-flowering cowslip and anemone, by planting them together in a container – we show you how.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Its Best | yes | yes | ||||||||||
| To Do | yes | yes |
Purple and yellow always work well together, and the combination is particularly striking in this pairing of cowslip and anemone.
We've used a grey Moroccan trough, but a wooden or terracotta planter would look just a good. Once the display is over, the plants can all be planted out in the garden – both will do well in a cool, shady spot.
Learn how to plant up this cheery cowslip and anemone pot display, below.
You Will Need
- Primula veris (5)
- Anemone blanda (6)
- 50cm trough
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Broken crocks or polystyrene
- Water-retaining granules
Total time: 30 minutes
Step 1
Add crocks to the trough to improve drainage, then fill it two-thirds full of compost mixed with water-retaining gel.
Step 2
Plant the cowslips first, spacing them evenly along the length of the trough and positioning towards the back.
Step 3
Add the anemones, placing them in the the gaps between the cowslips. Anemones are delicate so take care not to break them when planting.
Step 4
Water your arrangement and ensure it never dries out. Deadhead faded cowslips to encourage new blooms.
Kevin Smith says...
This is a faux-lead container – it looks as good as the real thing, but is lightweight and can be moved around easily. Consider a planter like this if you’re after a traditional look full of traditional charm.
Exclusive Gardeners’ World Reader Event at Ridgeview Wine Estate
Thursday 28 August 2025, £185pp.
