Fern and fritillary pot display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 3 July 2019 at 2:51 pm

Plant up a pretty spring pot display of ferns and fritillaries.

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Bring life to a shady corner with these shade-loving favourites. The lime-green leaves of the fern contrast beautifully with the chequered purple snake's head fritillaries. Perfect for spring, once you're finished with the display, simply transplant the plants into your garden and repot the container with a fresh set of plants for summer.

You Will Need

Japanese tassel fern, Polystichum polyblepharum
Snake's head fritillary, Fritillaria meleagris
30cm terracotta pot
Crocks
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Cover the bottom of the pot with crocks, then fill it two-thirds with compost.

Step 2

Plant the ferns first and then the fritillaries. Cover the plants with compost and firm well. Water the pot thoroughly and allow to drain before moving to its final position.

Kevin Smith says...
Keep the display simple by only using once colour fritillary – you’ll find several shades available at the garden centre, but being strict with colour is the key to creating a coordinated display with a professional finish.