Hostas reign supreme when it comes to striking foliage, but they also bear pretty purple flowers in summer, which are attractive in their own right. This eye-catching container display combines Hosta 'Wide Brim' with a selection of other shade-loving, foliage plants, resulting in the perfect, perennial display for a shady corner.

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You Will Need

  • Hosta 'Wide Brim'
  • Astilbe simplicifolia 'Sprite'
  • Milium effusum 'Aureum'
  • Glazed pot, 25cm
  • Crocks
  • Gravel or pebbles
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Total time: 30 minutes


Step 1

Adding compost
Adding compost

Add crocks to the base of the container to aid drainage, and fill the pot two-thirds with compost.


Step 2

Adding slow-release fertiliser
Adding slow-release fertiliser

Add slow-release fertiliser granules to the compost and mix it in with your hands.


Step 3

Planting the hosta
Planting the hosta

Gently tease the plants out of their pots and plant them in the container. Make sure the lush leaves of the hosta are displayed towards the front of the pot.


Step 4

Watering the display
Watering the display
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Water the plants well, then leave the container to drain fully before moving it to its final location.

Kevin Smith says...

Hide bare compost with a decorative mulch – slate chippings, gravel and bark are all ideal for finishing a container in a professional way. A mulch also retains moisture and helps to keep weeds at bay.
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