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Gorgeous Summer Arrangement Featuring Pelargonium 'White Boar' in Containers

Displaying an enchanting container garden with a gently wild aesthetic for early summer, as demonstrated by head gardener Thomas Unterdorfer.

Displaying a fashionable summer container arrangement with Pelargonium 'White Boar' plants
Displaying a fashionable summer container arrangement with Pelargonium 'White Boar' plants

Gorgeous Summer Arrangement Featuring Pelargonium 'White Boar' in Containers

In the heart of summer, a captivating container planting scheme is taking centre stage on a Cotswolds terrace. This enchanting display, masterminded by gardening enthusiast Ken Cox, features a harmonious blend of various plants, each contributing to a symphony of colour and texture.

At the heart of this scheme is Pelargonium 'Blandifordianum', a trailing pelargonium that links the planting with the pot. Known for its divine flower markings and grey, deep-cut leaves, this hardy plant (USDA hardiness rating 9a-11) adds a touch of interest to any scheme. Blooming from April to September, it can grow up to 90cm, weaving effortlessly through other plants.

Pelargonium 'White Boar', a plant that was spotted outside a Cotswolds vicarage, also plays a significant role in this scheme. Its unique characteristics complement the other plants beautifully, adding a touch of whimsy to the display.

Glandularia Aztec Silver Magic (= 'Balazsilma') is another star performer in this scheme. Its dark-green, divided leaves provide more depth, offering additional interest in shape and colour. This plant, combined with Pelargonium 'White Boar', adds a layer of complexity to the overall design.

To ensure balanced development, shoots are carefully woven through the display, a practice known as deadheading. This essential step in the planting scheme encourages the plants to grow and fill out the container evenly.

To create the perfect growing medium, an equal mixture of John Innes No. 2 and a high-quality, multi-purpose compost is used. This blend provides the plants with the nutrients they need to thrive throughout the summer.

Some staking may be necessary, especially for plants in an exposed position. The old terracotta pot was whitewashed with greenhouse shading paint to protect the plants from excessive heat and ensure they receive the right amount of sunlight.

A layer of crocks at the bottom of the container provides good drainage, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy root growth.

To maintain the vibrancy of the plants, feeding all containers weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser is recommended. This practice ensures the plants receive the essential nutrients they need to continue blooming throughout the summer.

By the end of summer, this container planting scheme is expected to result in an interesting and colourful display, a true testament to Ken Cox's gardening prowess. The summer sun, the vibrant plants, and the old terracotta pot all come together to create a spectacle that will undoubtedly captivate anyone who lays eyes on it.

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