Stipa, muscari and pansy window box

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Stipa, muscari and pansy window box

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 3 July 2019 at 2:58 pm

Follow our step-by-step guide to planting up a spring window box with stipa, muscari and pansy.

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In this pretty window box display we've combined stipa and euonymous with the pretty spring colours of grape hyacinths and pansies. The stipa and euonymous will provide a long season of interest, while the grape hyacinths and the pansies offer a splash of colour for several weeks.

For a spot of winter try growing muscari bulbs in a hanging ball.
We recommend some of the best plants to grow in window pots.

You Will Need

Muscari 'Blue Magic' pot (4)
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'
Viola 'Panola Blue' (4)
Euonymous 'Emerald Gaiety'
Crocks
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Step 1

Adding drainage holes to the container

Drill or nail drainage holes into the base of the container, to allow water to pass through.

Step 2

Adding crocks to the container

Add crocks to the base of the container to aid drainage.

Step 3

Adding compost to the container

Fill the container two-thirds with multi-purpose compost.

Step 4

Adding the stipa

Plant the stipa first, in the centre of the window box, towards the back. Firm it well and ensure the rootball is level in the compost.

Step 5

Adding the pansies

Add the muscari, euonymous and pansy plants around the stipa.

Step 6

Filling in around the plants with compost

Fill any gaps around the plants with more compost and firm in well.

Step 7

Watering the display

Water the window box thoroughly and allow to drain before moving to its final position.

Kevin Smith says...

This reclaimed planter adds to the rustic look of the display. Consider using metal buckets for a similar effect or upscale things with a tin bath – it’ll make for an authentic feature guaranteed to create a talking point.

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