How to plant up a colourful container display

All the plants will perform throughout the summer, with the display becoming more exuberant as the months pass. Don’t be afraid to be bold – this mix of intense colour is unashamedly chaotic, which is what makes it such a success. A bright glazed container adds to the drama.

For more shots of colour, why not try planting up a crocosmia, penstemon and rudbeckia pot display.

Discover how to plant up a pot of colourful flowers, below.

You Will Need

• Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
• Slow-release fertiliser
• Impatiens 'New Guinea'
• Lantana 'Pure Gold'
• Coleus 'Deep Purple'

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Add multi-purpose compost to your container and mix in a measure of slow-release fertiliser granules.

Step 2

Position the impatiens at the back of the display with the other plants mixed together at the front.

Step 3

Fill any gaps with more compost and water the container well. Water regularly through the summer.

Provide protection

Lantana is a tender plant that needs to be brought indoors for winter, or you can take cuttings in summer.