In an extract from her book 'Modern Container Planting', Isabelle Palmer gives an easy to follow guide to putting together colourful spring planters (and it can all be done in one day).
If you only have a small courtyard or area of decking, or simply some space outside the back door, a collection of planters can be used to create the impression of a small garden. Here, I’ve chosen planters made from three different materials, but they’re in similar tones so they complement each other to create an informal scheme. Although this display is at its peak in late spring and early summer, the mophead hydrangeas will continue flowering late into summer.
Hydrangeas make ideal container plants, thriving in partial shade and giving you a big, showy display of long-lasting flowers. The faded flowerheads can look beautiful in the autumn and winter, rather like faded floral fabric. Bear in mind, however, that hydrangeas need to be kept well-watered; otherwise you will have a rather wilted display. The pretty blue veronica flowers will also flower well into late summer, so extending the display’s season of interest. You can refill with other annuals when the blooms have faded.
What you need
Large wicker planter (such as an old log basket), about 60–90 cm (24–35 in) in diameter
Plastic planter with drainage holes (to fit inside the wicker planter)
Stone urn or similar planter, about 60 cm (24 in) in diameter
Tall grey planter, about 40–60 cm (16–24 in) in diameter
Electric drill or hammer and heavy-duty nail (optional)
Drainage crocks
Potting mix
Perlite or vermiculite (to improve drainage)
Plants
For the Wicker Planter (Red and Pink Flowers)
1 ‘Wine and Roses’ rhododendron (Rhododendron)
1 ‘Pink and Purple’ columbine (Aquilegia Vulgaris var. Stellata)
1 saxifrage (Saxifraga)
For the Stone Urn (White Flowers)
1 hellebore (Helleborus)
1 mophead hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
1 saxifrage (Saxifraga)
For the Tall Grey Planter (Blue and Purple Flowers)
1 columbine (Aquilegia)
1 mophead hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
1 bi-coloured grape hyacinth (Muscari latifolium)
2 drumstick primula (Primula denticulata)
1 ‘Georgia Blue’ speedwell (Veronica umbrosa)
There are three containers to plant up for this display, which is why I have suggested allocating a day to finish everything. You can plant the containers in whichever order you prefer. Ensure there are a few holes in the bottom of the plastic planter insert before planting. If necessary, use an electric drill or hammer and heavy-duty nail to put a hole in the bottom (see page 34). Cover the base of the planter with a few drainage crocks.
Fill the plastic planter about two-thirds full with potting mix, incorporating some perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage, then position the largest plant (here the rhododendron) towards the back. Check that the top of the root ball is sitting just below the rim and add or remove potting mix, as required. Next, plant the columbine and saxifrage next to the rhododendron, ensuring the root balls of all the plants are level.
Fill any gaps between the plants with more potting mix and press the surface down gently.
Plant the stone urn and tall planter in the same way (but without using a plastic planter insert), arranging the plants in the containers first to check you are happy with the display before planting.
Position the three planters, water well and allow to drain.
Aftercare
Established mophead hydrangeas can be pruned in late winter or early spring. Simply cut out one or two of the oldest stems at the base to encourage the plant to produce new growth. Although you can remove the spent flower heads from mophead hydrangeas, it is a good idea to leave them on the plant over winter to provide the new buds emerging below with some protection against frost.
Tips
You can water in a special compound feed available from garden centres to maintain the gorgeous blue colour of the mophead hydrangea.
This extract is taken from Modern Container Gardening: How to Create a Stylish Small-space Garden Anywhere by Isabelle Palmer. Photography by Nassima Rothacker. Adapted from our sister publication House & Garden UK.
