Lantana, coleus and impatiens pot display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Follow our step-by-step guide to planting up a container with lantana, coleus and impatiens.

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Lantana's bright yellow flowers add a summery glow to this tropical planting combination, while the impatiens adds a fiery burst, contrasting with the dark-leaved foliage of the coleus. The effect is one of guaranteed sunshine, whatever the weather.

You Will Need

Coleus 'Deep Purple'
Coleus 'Deep Purple'
Lantana 'Pure Gold'
Large pot
Crocks
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Gloves

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Adding compost

Find a sun-soaked spot for this tropical container and get out your gardening gloves, as lantana can irritate sensitive skin. Add crocks to the bottom of the pot fill two-thirds full with compost.

Step 2

Adding fertiliser

Add slow-release fertiliser granules to the surface of the compost, and mix them in with your hands.

Step 3

Adding plants

Gently tease the plants out of their pots and pop them in the pot.

Step 4

Adding plants

Full any gaps with compost and press down with your hands, to fill in any air pockets.

Step 5

Watering the display

Water the container well and allow to drain, before moving it to its final position.

Kevin Smith says...

Remove any coleus flowers as they appear – they’re likely to be pale purple and will ruin the overall look of the display. Flowering will also mean the performance of the coleus foliage will decline.

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