How to create an exotic container display

Home
How to
Grow plants
How to create an exotic container display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Sunday, 24 March 2019 at 3:00 pm

You don't need a large garden to grow tropical plants - use our guide to create the perfect slice of the jungle in a container.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTo Doyesyesyes

Save

Filling a large planter with sub-tropical plants is a perfect way to add instant impact to your garden. It gives you the chance to fulfil your wildest planting ambitions and grow bold, statuesque plants.

Many sub-tropical or tender plants are perfect for planting in a large container, as they provide masses of growth in just one season. Fast-growing, they can have enormous impact in

There are plenty of alternatives to large cattle troughs, such as tin baths, tea chests or plastic water tanks.

You Will Need

Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
Aeonium 'Zwartkop'
Canna 'Pretoria'
Dahlia 'David Howard'
Euphorbia martini
Euphorbia mellifera
Hakonechloa macra
Cattle trough, or similar planter
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Crocks

Total time: 1 hour

Step 1

How to create an exotic container display - standing the plants together

Before planting, put the trough in its final position and stand your plants alongside it. This will help you work out which neighbours work best together and give you an idea of planting distances.

Step 2

How to create an exotic container display - adding crocks

Place a layer of broken pots along the bottom of the trough to provide good drainage. Puncture holes in the trough to allow water to drain away.

Step 3

How to create an exotic container display - adding compost

Empty bags of compost into the trough until it is two-thirds full. Firm it as you go.

Step 4

How to create an exotic container display - planting the larger plants

Plant the largest plants first to give you a good idea of the main structure of your container. Bear in mind how big some of your plants will become before you place them in their final positions.

Step 5

How to create an exotic container display - filling in the gaps

Fill in the gaps with smaller plants, varying textures and colour. Pendulous grass needs to be near the front to allow it to cascade, but bushy plants can be added to the body of the planting.

Step 6

How to create an exotic container display - topping up with compost

Plant everything firmly, ensuring the plants' crowns are level, then top up with compost. Water well and if some compost settles, top it up again so the surface remains level.

Transplant undercover or provide protection over winter.

Gardening gloves. Photo: Getty Images.

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.