Ophiopogon and astelia pot display

Ophiopogon and astelia pot display

Ophiopogon and astelia make an attractive winter combination, providing a splash of colour to see you through to spring. Find out how to make your own.

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 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 To do in October

Do To do in November

Do not To do in December

In this pot design, the graceful astelia and black ophiopogon add structure, while a small-flowered blue pansy or viola unites the blue pot and the plants.

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You Will Need

  • Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (2)
  • Astelia chathamica
  • Pansies (3)
  • Blue glazed pot about 40cm across
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • Crocks

Total time:

Step 1

Adding crocks to the pot
Adding crocks to the pot

Place some crocks in the bottom of the pot and cover with a layer of compost. Remove the astelia from its pot and position it in the middle of the display. Add compost and firm it around the rootball to hold it in place.

Step 2

90265-2

Position the ophiopogon plants around the astelia, firming them in with compost, then add the pansies. Top up the pot with compost and firm it down. Water well.

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Kevin Smith says…

Astelia can be a little tender so position this display in the most sheltered spot you have. Protect the plants with fleece if you live in a chilly area or if an extremely cold snap is forecast – this simple step should keep any damage at bay.

Kevin Smith