Skimmia, phormium and stipa pot display

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Skimmia, phormium and stipa pot display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 28 June 2019 at 2:19 pm

Learn how to create a striking container display using skimmia and cyclamen, in our step-by-step guide.

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The red berries of Skimmia japonica 'Reevesiana' and flowers of red cyclamen add colour to the autumn garden, and they'll continue to steal the show into winter. Ornamental stipa grass acts as a lush green backdrop, while Phormium 'Rainbow Queen' adds a splash of winter interest, that will last for months.

You Will Need

Phormium 'Rainbow Queen'
Stipa grass
Skimmia japonica 'Marlot'
Skimmia japonica 'Reevesiana'
Miniature cyclamen
Large pot or container
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Skimmia pot display - adding crocks

Place crocks in the base of the pot and half fill with compost.

Step 2

Skimmia pot display - adding fertiliser

Sprinkle slow-release fertiliser granules on the surface of the compost, to maintain nutrient levels throughout the year.

Step 3

Skimmia pot display - planting the plants

Place the stipa towards the back of the pot and add the skimmia next to it. Arrange the other plants around them. Fill in gaps with compost around the edge of the pot.

Step 4

Skimmia pot display - watering the display

Move the pot to its final planting position – ideally in shade – water the pot thoroughly and allow to drain.

Kevin Smith says...

Extend the life of wooden containers by lining them with plastic – a piece of old compost sack is ideal. Just make sure you cut a few drainage holes in the plastic before planting – this will avoid the compost becoming waterlogged.

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