Category: Plants in containers

In this article, we will discuss how to grow Aucuba, or spotted laurels as it is alternatively known, in containers. This wonderful, elegant shrub is a delight in your patio area. You do often see Aucubas in gardens or Japanese laurels to give its other common name, and you wonder if this plant can be grown in containers. This article is here to show you how to grow these plants in containers.

This hardy shrub tends to make short term plants in containers, as over time they will get too big and will need to be placed in the ground. …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow abutilon as a beautiful shrub in the container garden.

Abutilons look stunning if they are grown in a container as a free-standing garden shrub against a wall or near a pergola.  At one time they were considered too tender to be grown outdoors but now it is seen as a great outdoor patio display plant.

They can be evergreen or deciduous depending on what part of the UK you live in. The colder the area the more likely it will lose leaves. Choose carefully as some are hardy to -5 degree …

In this article, we will be discussing what plants can be grown inside container ponds that will flourish in the shade. In a previous article, we talked about water plants that can be grown in a container in full sun, but for completeness, we need to see what plants that can be grown in the shade.

As you can imagine, the selection of plants that can be used in the shade is very slim pickings, as most need some light to put on their best show.

Do not place the container in deep shade as it will not do well. …

In this article, we will be talking about plants that ideally can be used and placed inside a container pond. In previous articles, I talked about how to make various container pond features from bubble fountains, marginals in containers, creating a big water feature, bog plants in containers etc., but now it is time to expand to what plants can be used inside these containers.

Reflection of colourful aquatic plants in containers in full sum make a magical scene in gardens, but more so in small or large containers.

Use a tiny, formal water feature in your container …

In this article, we will discover how to use shiny metal buckets to plant your water plants in. Of all the water features that I have discussed from bubble fountains, water containers, planting marginals, bog plants in containers, this is the simplest.

All you need is a bucket and a plant. Shiny metal buckets that can hold water is a wonder in the garden, as they have reflective surfaces that suggest it contains water and it shows it at its best. So what is not to like about having a water plant in a metal container.

 MATCH

…

In this article, we will discuss how to create a specific bog garden in a half-barrel. In a previous article, I talked about how to have a bog garden in full sun and shade, discussing how to create one and what plants to use.  I will take this further in this article and talk about how to create a specific bog garden that uses plants and other important features.

Bog plants make an ideal feature in containers and tend to look their best when full of beautiful plants in a half-oak barrel.

This is one of the best ways …

In this article, we will be discussing how to create a stunning, simple display of pansies in a pot for spring. If you grow your own spring bedding plants from seed, such as wallflowers, stocks, violas and Bell’s daisies, you can plant up containers in autumn, after the summer annuals are past their best.

If you do this and you leave them outside then protect the plants within from strong winds and the container from freezing frosts or becoming waterlogged. This is to prevent the roots from rotting.

In this article, we will be describing how to create a spring …

In this article, we will be discussing how to create festive winter containers. As the months are passing very quickly and the festive season is soon upon us, then it is time to think about what containers can be made up to provide Christmas cheer.

In this brief article, we will discover how to make a colourful container display that can make a proud statement in your container garden. They are not difficult to do, so let us get cracking.

In most festive winter container displays, holly and ivy foliage are the mainstay. These are traditionally backed with plants with …

In this article, we will be discussing what groups of plants can be used to give a stunning display in the shade. In previous articles, I have discussed to what plants can be grown in various situations in the shade, but in this article, I am going to talk about what wonderful display in groups that you can have in a single container in the shade.

Since traditionally most plants grown in containers love the sun, but in shady areas, it can be difficult to get a container display that will brighten up any dark areas. The good news is …

In this article, we will be discussing what shrubs can be grown in containers. Sometimes in the container garden, you want bold plants that make statements and this is where shrubs play an important role.

They not only add blooms at various times of the year but also can have colourful leaves and bring more importantly height into the garden.

If you look for focal specimens to grow in large containers in your container garden, then these are the shrubs to grow.

 ABUTILON

At one time these shrubs were seen as conservatory plants but no more. These tender plants with …