Crocosmia, penstemon and rudbeckia pot display

• What to plant in August

You Will Need

• Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily Mckenzie'
• Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood'
• Libertia ixioides 'Goldfinger'
• Rudbeckia fulgida 'City Garden'
• Anemanthele lessoniana
• 37cm terracotta pot
• Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
• Slow-release fertiliser

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Place a layer of broken polystyrene or crocks in the base of the pot, to aid drainage. Add compost until the pot is two-thirds full. Push your fingers into the compost or gently knock the pot to remove air pockets.

Step 2

Sprinkle slow-release fertiliser over the compost, to keep the display looking good for as long as possible.

Step 3

Place the tallest plants at the back of the pot and the shorter plants at the front. Add more compost around the plants and firm gently.

Step 4

Add the smaller plants around the tallest, filling in gaps with more compost.

Step 5

Water the pot thoroughly and leave to drain.

Kevin Smith says...

These plants are great for a hit of potted late-summer colour, although they can be moved to a border when they stop flowering. They’ll all thrive in a sunny spot, rewarding you with blooms for many years to come.