Winter cherry pot display

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Winter cherry pot display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 28 June 2019 at 2:23 pm

Find out how to create a cheerful winter container display using winter cherry, in our step-by-step guide.

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For instant cheer, nothing beats a winter cherry – they're easy to source, and great value, producing their jolly orange fruits for weeks on end. They have a reputation for being unfashionable, but when combined with the right plants can look very modern.

We've used a cornus, which will drop its leaves during winter to reveal eye-catching red stems, along with a carex and winter-flowering pansies.

These plants aren't fussy and will do well in almost any location. If you have room, boost the display with single winter cherries planted in small pots.

You Will Need

Cornus alba 'Sibirica'
Carex flagellifera
Winter cherry, Solanum capsicastrum
Orange winter-flowering pansies
Large pot or container
Crocks
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Winter pot display - adding crocks

Place a layer of crocks or broken polystyrene on the bottom of your pot to ensure good drainage.

Step 2

Winter pot display - adding compost

Fill the pot two-thirds full, using multi-purpose compost.

Step 3

Winter pot display - planting the plants

Position the tallest plants first, teasing out the roots as you go. As a general rule, the taller the plant, the further towards the back of your container it should go.

Step 4

Winter pot display - finished display

Add the remaining shorter plants to the front and sides, then fill in the gaps with more compost, firming down well with your hands.

Step 5

Winter pot display - watering the display

Water the container well and move it to its final position. It's important not to let the compost dry out.

Kevin Smith says...

Create several containers with the same plants, and group them together to produce impact. It’s a simple way of giving your patio a unified, designer look and is bound to cause admiring glances from visitors.

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

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