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Iris, ivy and fern pot display

Iris, ivy and fern pot display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Thursday, 18 July 2019 at 10:52 am

Find out how to create a stylish, long-lasting display of ivy, ferns and purple irises.

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The sweet-smelling irises should be in flower by late-winter if the weather is mild. Before then, you can enjoy the foliage combination of the needle-like iris, the filigree English ivy and the crimped fern. If you plant up this container feature in autumn you can use iris bulbs; if you wait until spring, simply buy pots of iris.

You Will Need

Purple iris plants (3)
Hart's tongue fern (3)
Bird's foot ivy (3)
Window box
Driil, optional
Crocks
Gravel or pebbles

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Drilling drainage holes

If no drainage holes are present, drill a drainage hole in each corner of the box. Cover the base with crocks followed by a thick layer of gravel or grit, then fill it two-thirds with compost.

Step 2

Planting the ferns

Remove the ferns from their pots and tease out the roots. Position them in the trough, making sure they're evenly spaced.

Step 3

Planting the irises

Knock the iris plants out of their pots and tease out the roots before planting them.

Step 4

Planting the ivy

Plant the ivy along the front edge of the trough. Top up with compost, firming it around the plants with your fingers. Stand the trough on the patio or on a windowsill in full sun or light shade.

Kevin Smith says...

Use a contemporary metal container to create an urban look with a bit of edge. Line the pot with bubble wrap if you’re positioning it in a hot spot – this will prevent the plants’ roots becoming damaged by hot metal.

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