10-MINUTE TIP: Primulas, primroses and polyanthus give a burst of colour
It seems like spring will never arrive in February, so planting late winter pots will lift your spirits and give your garden a boost. Even if you’ve thought ahead and planted bulbs last autumn, sometimes, your pots need a bit of instant impact. Go for plants that are just starting to flower with lots of buds to come.
Go for plants that are low-growing to beat the terrible gales we’ve been suffering. I used a terracotta bowl, which not only looks lovely, but its extra weight will keep it secure. Use a decent multi-purpose compost to plant up the pot.
Primulas (primroses) and polyanthus are the go-to choices at this time of year. Polyanthus are hybrid primulas, very similar to auriculas, with the flowers held above the foliage on longer stalks. I chose the old Victorian favourite Gold Laced, with golden-eyed flowers, almost black petals and gold edges. They remind me very much of a Tudor velvet costume!
Planting late winter pots – fiery colours
Alongside Gold Laced in a terracotta bowl are two Marietta primroses. The large, bright yellow flowers have a flaming red centre, slightly different in each plant. The morning sun’s finally able to creep over the hedge, so the bowl sits next to a seating area where you can really appreciate the intricate flowers.
Keep on deadheading the plants to encourage new flowers to form. If you keep on doing this, they should flower until May. Once finished, they can be planted out into a partially shady border to bloom again next year. If the plants are bulky enough, you can divide them to increase your stock.
I picked these plants up on the way back from Edinburgh from Milestone Garden Centre near Jedburgh.
