Get the Look
What You Need
Large galvanised metal planter, about 90 cm (35 in) tall and 80 cm (31 in) in diameter
Electric drill or hammer and heavy-duty nail (optional)
Drainage crocks
Potting mix
Perlite or vermiculite (to improve drainage
Plants
1 ‘Atropurpurea Group’ purple beech (Fagus sylvatica)
3 Archangel® ‘Raspberry’ angelonia (Angelonia)
2 Sonata Series ‘Carmine’ cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
3 ‘Robin’ purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
2 ‘Fresco Candy’ brachyscome (Brachyscome multifida)
- As this is a large planter, I advise putting it in position first before filling with potting mix and planting up. If necessary, use an electric drill or a hammer and heavy-duty nail to add a few drainage holes (see Planting Techniques).
- Fill the planter two-thirds full with potting mix. The purple beech, cosmos and brachysomes prefer moist, but well-drained soil, so it is worth incorporating some perlite or vermiculite into the potting mix to improve drainage, especially as the beech tree will be a permanent planting.
- First, plant the beech tree in the middle of the planter – this is your thriller or focal plant, which will provide interest well into autumn after the summer flowers have faded. Ensure the root ball is an inch or so below the top of the planter, adjusting the level of the potting mix, as required.
- Next, add the taller plants – the angelonias, cosmos and purple loosestrife – around the central beech tree, again checking you are happy with the planting level and adding or removing potting mix if necessary.
- Plant the brachyscomes at the front of the planter, where their lovely flowers can trail down over the side. Check you are happy with the planting level and adjust, as required.
- Fill any gaps between the plants with more potting mix and firm down gently. Water well and allow to drain.
Aftercare — Deadhead the angelonia, brachyscome and cosmos regularly to promote further flowering. If you wish, deadhead the purple loosestrife to prevent it self-seeding.
Tip — Although purple beech can be grown in a large container, it is a large tree that will need replanting in the garden at some stage. If you don’t have a garden, then perhaps offer the tree to a friend.
