Osteospermum and hebe pot display

Home
How to
Grow plants
Osteospermum and hebe pot display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Thursday, 18 July 2019 at 10:44 am

Follow our guide to creating a stylish display of purple-leaved hebe, osteospermum and fern.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAt Its BestyesyesyesTo Doyesyesyes

Save

In this stylish pot, a purple osteospermum and hebe combine with a green fern for a classy, long-lasting display. The striking, colourful foliage of the hebe complements the flowers.

Choose plants that vary in height to make a display with interest at all levels - ferns are ideal for the 'backbone' of a pot. The fern that we've used, Dryopteris affinis, is semi-evergreen, and the hebe is evergreen, which means you could switch the osteospermum for a winter bedding plant when summer ends.

You Will Need

30cm terracotta pot
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Slow-release fertiliser
Purple osteospermum
Hebe 'Heartbreaker'
Dyropteris affinis

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Adding slow-release fertiliser to the compost

Half fill your pot with multi-purpose compost and mix in some slow-release fertiliser.

Step 2

Planting the ferns

Position your plants one at a time with the tallest at the back. Tease the roots as you go.

Step 3

Watering the display

Water the container thoroughly, directing the flow to the roots, not the foliage.

Kevin Smith says...

Water the container regularly making sure the compost never completely dries out. Stand the pot on a saucer if conditions are very hot – this will catch excess water meaning none goes to waste.

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.