Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display

Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display

Learn how to create an attractive container display of cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
At its best
At its best

Plant is at its best in January

Plant is at its best in February

Plant is at its best in March

Plant is not at its best in April

Plant is not at its best in May

Plant is not at its best in June

Plant is not at its best in July

Plant is not at its best in August

Plant is not at its best in September

Plant is not at its best in October

Plant is at its best in November

Plant is at its best in December

To do
To do

Do not To do in January

Do not To do in February

Do not To do in March

Do not To do in April

Do not To do in May

Do not To do in June

Do not To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do To do in September

Do not To do in October

Do not To do in November

Do not To do in December

In this handsome container we combine the leafy foliage of carex and English ivy, with bright red cyclamen flowers and the cream-green flowerbuds of the skimmia. Its perfect for adding a splash of colour in autumn, and will last right through to spring.

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You Will Need

  • Skimmia japonica 'Thereza'
  • Miniature cyclamen (6)
  • Carex 'Evergold'
  • Ivy plant (4)
  • Large pot or container
  • Slow-release fertiliser
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • Crocks

Total time:

Step 1

Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display - adding compost
Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display – adding compost

Position the container in a sheltered spot and where you want some winter interest, and place a layer of crocks at the bottom, then three-quarters fill with compost.

Step 2

Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display - adding fertiliser
Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display – adding fertiliser

Add slow-release fertiliser granules to the compost and mix it in with your hands.

Step 3

Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display - adding plants
Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display – adding plants

Plant the skimmia towards the back of the container, to the same depth in the new compost as it was in its previous pot. Plant the carex and cyclamen plants in bold clumps in front of it. Position the ivies at the front and sides of the pot so they can tumble over the edge.

Step 4

Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display - adding compost
Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display – adding compost

Fill the container with compost, to within 5cm of the rim, firming around the plants with your fingers to squeeze out any air pockets.

Step 5

Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display - watering the display
Cyclamen, carex, ivy and skimmia pot display – watering the display

Water the container thoroughly and allow to drain.

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Kevin Smith says…

Position the plants in groups when adding them to the container – particularly the colourful flowers. This creates a big impact and will give your pot standout from afar. Deadhead the cyclamen to encourage more blooms.

Kevin Smith