The magic mathematics of a good-looking pot, starts with a thriller, a filler and a spiller. Potted magic This ratio of plants is the beginning of potted success. Our contrasting colour combination here will brighten up any spot in need of a makeover.
You will need:
- A pot with drainage holes
- Pebbles for drainage (you can even use smaller broken up pieces of an old clay pot).
- Fresh potting soil
- Compost
- Slow- release fertiliser
- Bonemeal
- Decorative bark or wood mulch
Plants to use:
A thriller – we chose Agapanthus ‘Bucanneer’ for this task for its ability to grow tall impressive stems of purple flowers that last up to 8 months of the year
A filler – with its stunning dark foliage, Loropetalum ‘Plum Gorgeous’ covers colour needs even when there are no flowers in the pot.
Two spillers – amazing yellow lime afro-like foliage, makes Carex ‘Everillo’ an ideal spiller to contrast with the other two.
Steps
First prepare the soil with half potting soil and half compost and add in 2 handfuls of fertiliser. Add in some bonemeal to provide extra calcium for the plants. Give this a good mix.
- Add your drainage pebbles to the bottom of the pot.
- Fill the pot halfway with your soil mix.
- Carefully remove the plants from their bags without disturbing the roots. Gently tease any compacted roots with the tips of your fingers to encourage the roots to grow laterally once planted.
- In goes the agapanthus. It’s important to make sure that the top of the plant sits about 2cm below the pot rim so there is no water spillage when watering. Next the loropetalum and finally the carex.
- Add some more soil under a plant, if you want to play with the height.
- To finish off, fill the pot with the remaining soil mix, firming down with your trowel handle so that the plants are snug and secure.
- Add a layer of decorative bark or wood mulch and give your newly potted garden a good drink of water. Continue to water at least twice a week to get the plants well settled.
Follow the Thanks Plants campaign on www.thanksplantssa.co.za and enter the competition in the August, September and October issues of The Gardener and Die Tuinier.
