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Gardening in the UK

What can I put in this poolside pot?

13 years ago

I know it is a nice dilemma to have, but I am going crazy trying to work out the best thing to put in this large poolside container .... as the palm in it died last winter. I am based on the southeast UK, and am very keen on hardy tropical gardening ... but this doesn't have to follow that line. The area is full sun, and quite wind exposed. Ideally it would also make decent viewing in the winter aswell as rest of the year.

I have thought through hardy palms, most hardy tropicals, bamboos ... but just can't decide!! All ideas, however weird and wonderful, much appreciated!!!

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Comments (5)

vetivert8
13 years ago
One of the smaller Phormium cookianum crosses with colourful leaves. Cordyline australis which will simply Sneer at your wind. Astelia chathamica.

Something 'grassy', perhaps. One of the tussocks, or Muhlenbergia.

If you don't mind using the main pot as a cache pot - you could use a succulent such as Aeonium - the tall black one; or a bromeliad. Portable, for over-wintering indoors, perhaps.

Another possible is star jasmine - Trachelospermum. Smells nice, too.
daituom
13 years ago
Depending how big the container is, I would use a decent size tree fern underplanted with some Calla Lilies. May I ask what type of Palm was in there previously? Just had another thought. perhaps a hardy banana, Musa Basjoo.
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ourarka
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Daitoum,

The palm that died was a Phoenix Canariensis, though I know now that I left snow in its growing point for too long. I thought about a tree fern, but think it just gets too much sun there to thrive. I also have plenty of Musa basjoos in the garden but this spot is to sheltered enough and it would be ripped to shreds very quickly I think.

My current thinking is I have a lovely big bird of paradise which doesn't thrive in a softly shady conservatory. I think, for the frost free months, I might sink its current pot in to this one an plant around it with ordinary bedding.
daituom
13 years ago
The tree fern would be fine in a sunny spot. The BOP needs lots of warmth as well as light, so would it survive in the situation you have? May I ask where you are located?
ourarka
Original Author
13 years ago
I am on the south coast of the UK (not sure if you are UK based or not?) About the warmest place in the UK, and whilst I agree it is not ideal for the BoP, my anecdotal evidence from several other UK growers is that the sunlight is what it needs for flowering ... so long as frost free and dry in the winter.

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