Box and cyclamen Christmas pot display
Create the perfect welcome for guests visiting at Christmas, with this box and cyclamen display.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At its best | yes | yes | yes | |||||||||
| To do | yes |
The perfect symmetry of these two formal Christmas planters makes a rather grand frame for your front door. The box cones and lead planters might be a little costly, but you'll have them for life once you've made the initial investment. The display is perfect for a smart, city front door and you can easily replace the seasonal bedding plants to ring the changes for summer.
Put safety first: be sure to buy lights that are safe for outdoor use, which usually means they'll have a transformer between the plug the first light of the string. The transformer converts the electricity to a lower voltage suitable for use outside, and must be positioned indoors. The wire on the 'outdoor' side of the transformer will be thin enough to pass through a window or door for a limited period, while still allowing it to close. Don't plug into outdoor sockets if the transformer will be exposed.
You Will Need
- Box cones (2)
- Miniature cyclamen (6)
- Senecio cineraria (8)
- Large pot or container
- Crocks
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Slow-release fertiliser
- Battery-operated fairy lights
Total time: 1 hour
Step 1
Put a few crocks in the base of the pots, half fill them with compost and add a fertiliser tablet to each one.
Step 2
Plant the box cones in the centre of the pots and carefully fill around the edges with more compost.
Step 3
Plant a senecio on each side of the pots, along with a cyclamen on each corner. Fill any gaps with more compost.
Step 4
Move the containers to their final position and water them well. Try not to let the compost dry out.
Step 5
Wrap the lights around the box cones. Make sure the bulbs are evenly spaced then connect to your power supply.
Kevin Smith says
No outdoor power supply? Don’t worry; it’s possible to create the same effect with battery operated lights. They’re available in all shapes and colours meaning you’re guaranteed to find some to match your Christmas scheme.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
Discover our NEW Travel & Events Brochure
Whether it's the vibrant beauty of Madeira's Flower Festival or the quiet luxury of a Cornish shepherd's hut, our NEW Travel & Events Brochure is your guide to unforgettable experiences.
New podcast series
Give your mental and physical health a boost, with our new Wellness podcast series from Monty and the team.
