Winter Baskets and other planted containers

 

Even though we won’t get the glorious show of our summer hanging-baskets, planters and window-boxes, we can still enjoy some colour throughout these cold winter months by planting up our containers with colourful shrubs, viola, pansies and polyanthus.

 

The choice of shrubs can be a major factor in making the container “work”. The use of bright coloured Conifers, Phormiums,Cordyline and Hebe as centre pieces set the tone & structure for whatever type of container you are filling, be it hanging-basket , window-box or planter/pot .  The size of the centre plant will be determined by the size of your container and whether or not you intend to more than one shrub or just fill the remaining space with bedding plants.

As your planters/baskets will potentially have to last longer than summer versions don’t forget to put in a slow release fertiliser (at least 5-6 month but versions up to 12-14 month are available). Use the longer version if using shrubs that you don’t intend repotting nest summer after your winter bedding has finished. Don’t overlook the use of bulbs in your containers, small varieties in baskets if used and larger daffodils/tulips in your bigger pots.

List of suitable centre plants

·       Conifers - lime coloured “Gold crest” works particularly well

·       Cordyline - red/pink most striking , but not as hardy

·       Phormium - red/variegated versions show best

·       Hebe -  red , green and variegated with most forms flowering

·       Skimmia – dark foliage with small maroon or light green berry that turn into flower in spring

List of additional filler plants

·       Ivy’s

·       Skimmia – dark foliage with small maroon berry that turn into flower in spring works best

·       Hebe – various types from red green and variegated with most forms flowering.

·       Aucuba – a spotted version of the laurel

·       Euonymus - 'Emerald 'n' Gold' with bright-golden variegated foliage

·       Carex  - grasses that add colour & dimention to any basket / planter

·       Photinia – Red Robin , all new foliage appears red before turning green

 

 

 

List of flowering plants for winter use

·       Viola

·       Pansy

·       Cyclamen

·       Polyanthus/Primrose

·       Bulbs – chose small varieties for baskets like snowdrop/ anemones/ Muscari

 

 

 

Best of luck with all your choices and until next time – Happy Gardening!