How to match Plants with Pots

Plants and pots are not always a match made in heaven

THIS IS OUR GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED AND MAKING THE BEST CHOICES

1: Hunt down the right plant first…

Think about light levels and where the water source is or could be. Ask yourself what you want to achieve from the plant; loose or shapely, evergreen or deciduous, etc. If you need our advice, come armed with some photos when you visit us showing the space. The benefit of visiting our nursery is that once you have chosen the plant you can see it mocked up in the pot. Here are my top 5 plants for pots. Please note the theme – ‘clip-able’ or in a form that means they won’t outgrow the pot.

*Prunus lusitanica ‘Myrtifolia’ – Ball in* *a Beaten Copper Bell Jar*

My top 5 plants for pots

Phillyrea latifolia – Cloud Form
Elaeagnus ebbingei – Half standard or Balls
Olea Europaea (Olive)
Acers (maples)
laurus NOBILIS (Narrow Leafed Bay)

No.1 Phillyrea latifolia

No.2 Elaeagnus x ebbingei

No.3 Olea europaea

No.4 Acers

No.5 Laurus nobilis

2: Watering & Feeding…

Very, very important. There are few plants that enjoy being in a pot, that said, we are a container grown nursery and we manage to look after 30,000 plants in pots. We do this with regular watering and the application of feed where and when it’s appropriate. So, you guessed it, watering is key. Fitting one of our irrigation systems really helps, and if that’s not possible you must commit to being a good green fingered plant carer. Plants often tell you when they are unhappy – wilting or browning leaves and leaf drop are classic signs. If in doubt ask us, you won’t be the first person to ask, I promise.

*Flowering Azalea in an Eleni Pot, Terraneo*

3: Drainage…

Very important. The first lesson my Mum taught me was how to add good drainage in a pot. You guessed it… broken pots at the base, then a nice horticultural grit compost mix after that. If you are on a roof terrace or have weight restrictions, it’s best to use perlite (light rock form) as the component to add to the compost – it’s also excellent at holding moisture and slowly releasing it. Pot feet are also a great way to help with drainage, just put three pot feet in a triangle and pop your pot on top. It gives the plant better access to airflow, preventing waterlogging.

*Ulmus x hollandica ‘Jacqueline Hillier’ (Dwarf Elm Niwaki)* *in Vaso Doppio Bordo Liscio Vaso pots*

4: Size Matters…

Once the plant or plants have been found we measure the rootball height and width. This informs the correct pot size – always allowing for the plant to grow. We always suggest going for the largest pot / trough that you can fit in the space you have – don’t underestimate size.

Size does matter in this instance – it gives you a longer happy plant life. Colour, texture, shape – this is always a personal preference so come and look at the range. We have the largest pot selection in the UK to browse at the nursery including a huge range of our Terraneo Terracotta – robust, beautiful, handmade.