Euphorbia and lime heather pot display

The euphorbia and lime heather provide the main colour hit in a container that's guaranteed to brighten any autumn day. Blue festuca and the red-leaved Nandina offer a contrast, while keeping the overall look simple.

These plants enjoy a bright spot, so place the container where it will get winter sunshine. Don't be too quick to dismantle this container as the euphorbia will produce lovely flowers in the spring.

If you're looking for more to do in autumn, take a look at our top 4 jobs for wildlife in autumn, or create dead wood habitats.

Follow our easy steps to create this euphorbia and lime heather container.

You Will Need

• Euphorbia x martini
• Nandina domestica 'Fire Power'
• Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'
• Lime heathers Erica arborea 'Albert's Gold' (2)
• 30cm pot
• Broken crocks or polystyrene
• Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Step 1

Place a layer of crocks or broken polystyrene on the bottom of your pot to ensure good drainage.

Step 2

Add peat-free, multi-purpose compost to the container until two-thirds full. Mix in some slow-release fertiliser.

Step 3

Position the tallest plants first – in this case the euphorbia and nandina – teasing out the roots as you go. As a general rule, the taller the plant, the further towards the back of your container it should go.

Step 4

Add the remaining shorter plants to the front and sides, then fill in the gaps with more compost, firming down well with your hands. Water the container well and move it to its final position. It's important not to let the compost dry out.

Kevin Smith says...

Don’t be afraid to cram plants into containers – especially for a winter display. They won’t put on much growth during the cold months, meaning your pot has to look good instantly for any chance of making a statement.