Cosmos, canna and summer bedding container display

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Cosmos, canna and summer bedding container display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Monday, 19 August 2019 at 1:07 pm

Enliven your garden in late summer with this bold container display.

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Gardens tend to be at their lushest in early summer, but near the end of the season they can look rather dry and frazzled.

This cosmos, canna and summer bedding container display is the perfect remedy, providing an instant injection of colour. The plants picked for this container display will stand out well in the late-season light and against fading perennials.

Planted in July or August using plants in or about to flower, you can expect this container to perform up until the first frosts.

Follow the steps below to plant up this vibrant cosmos, canna and summer bedding container.

You Will Need

Canna 'Phaison' (1)
Cosmos ‘Casanova Red’ (1)
Nicotiana 'Lime Green' (1)
Coleus Wizard Series (2)
Ipomoea 'Black Tone' (1)
Orange begonia (1)
Purple petunia (1 tray)
Celosia caracas (2)
37cm container
Peat-free multi-purpose compost
Slow-release fertiliser

Step 1

Drilling holes in the base of the container

Drill your holes in the base of your container, if there aren't holes already, to ensure it drains freely. Next, thoroughly water all your plants so they're saturated.

Step 2

Mixing in slow-release fertiliser

Mix a slow-release feed into your peat-free compost to keep plants well fed till the end of autumn. Firm the mix into the pot with your fingertips.

Step 3

Planting up the tallest plants

Start planting at the back of the container with the tallest plants and work your way forward. You can prune your plants into more balanced shapes as you go.

Step 4

Watering in the finished container

Move your pot into its final sunny position and soak it with a whole watering can. This will settle compost around the roots and stabilise the plants.

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