Hosta and fern pot display

Hosta and fern pot display

Create a shade-loving container display, using hosta and fern.

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 not at its best in January

Plant is not at its best in February

Plant is not at its best in March

Plant is not at its best in April

Plant is not at its best in May

Plant is at its best in June

Plant is at its best in July

Plant is at its best in August

Plant is at its best in September

Plant is not at its best in October

Plant is not at its best in November

Plant is not 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 To do in May

Do To do in June

Do To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do not To do in September

Do not To do in October

Do not To do in November

Do not To do in December

This simple container feature uses only three shade-loving plants to dramatic effect. The feathery leaves of the fern arch gracefully over the edges of the pot, making a perfect foil to the blue-green leaves of the hosta. And the dainty white  blooms of the deutzia add a subtle splash of colour. Perfect for a shady corner.

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You Will Need

  • Fern, Polypodium vulgare
  • Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko'
  • Hosta 'Canadian Blue'
  • 30cm terracotta pot
  • Crocks
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Total time:

Step 1

Hosta and fern pot display - adding crocks
Hosta and fern pot display – adding crocks

Make sure your pot has holes in it and add crocks to stop the compost falling out from the bottom.

Step 2

Hosta and fern pot display - adding compost
Hosta and fern pot display – adding compost

Fill the pot two-thirds full with compost.

Step 3

Hosta and fern pot display - adding the plants
Hosta and fern pot display – adding the plants

Add the three plants, spaced evenly around the pot. Fill around them with more compost and firm in gently.

Step 4

Hosta and fern pot display - watering the display
Hosta and fern pot display – watering the display

Water the plants thoroughly and allow to drain, before moving your container to its final position.

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Kevin Smith says…

Protect the hosta from slugs by putting a ring of copper tape around the rim of the pot. In theory slugs won’t cross copper, meaning your precious hosta leaves will go undamaged all summer.

Kevin Smith