Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display

Follow our step-by-step guide to planting up a pot with pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea.

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

Do not Plant in January

Do not Plant in February

Do not Plant in March

Do not Plant in April

Do not Plant in May

Do not Plant in June

Do not Plant in July

Do not Plant in August

Do Plant in September

Do Plant in October

Do not Plant in November

Do not Plant in December

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 not at its best in June

Plant is not at its best in July

Plant is not at its best in August

Plant is at its best in September

Plant is at its best in October

Plant is not at its best in November

Plant is not at its best in December

As autumn approaches, our gardens can lack colour, especially before the glorious displays of berries and leaf hue begin. The perfect solution to this lack of colour is to introduce a dramatic pot display that screams ‘look at me’. Pop it in a focal point that will draw your eye, and the muted colours of the rest of the garden will fade into insignificance.

This pot display comprises just four plants. Black, white and green, it makes a bold design statement for early autumn.

Central to the display is the beautiful hydrangea, which stands out against the black pot and the striking leaves of the ipomoea. White is the last colour your eyes see before the daylight disappears and dusk settles in, so make sure you can see the pot clearly from a window. The pennisetum and penstemon provide much needed height to the display, while the foxglove-like penstemon flowers will bloom until the first frosts.

This pot is perfect for a semi-shaded spot.

More pot displays:

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You Will Need

  • Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Snowball’
  • Penstemon ‘Snowstorm’
  • Ipomoea ‘Solar Power Black’ (2)
  • Pennisetum ‘Fairy Tails’ (2)
  • Dark pot around 40cm across
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Step 1

Fill the pot halfway with the compost. Break up any lumps with your hands as you go. Place the plants in the pot to see if you have the depth of compost correct, and adjust the amount if necessary.

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display - adding compost
Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display – adding compost

Step 2

Add one plant at a time, carefully removing them from their pots. If the plants are pot-bound, gently loosen the roots with your fingers.

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display - planting up the pot
Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display – planting up the pot

Step 3

Once all the plants are in place and you’re happy with the composition, fill any gaps with more compost. Firm it in place to remove any air gaps.

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display - backfilling compost around the plants
Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display – backfilling compost around the plants

Step 4

Give the pot a thorough watering and continue to do so as the plants establish, then whenever the compost feels dry.

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display - finished pot display
Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display – finished pot display
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