BOX OF TRICKS

Putting containers together is far more enjoyable when you can connect with the plants. This rich combination of foliage textures and contrast evokes thought-provoking visits to my favourite gardens. The spear-shaped leaves of Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’ is a near-perfect colour match to the small but striking flowers of Viola ‘Raven’ that I collected from nurseryman Jack Willgoss of the excellent Wildgoose Nursery in Shropshire.

How to achieve the look

Container and composition

Container gardening is all about being playful and using your creative flair. Here, elegant arching fronds of the soft shield fern ( Polystichum setiferum ‘Pulcherrimum Bevis’) and the soft, golden tufts and floaty seedheads of Melica uniflora f. albida create a backdrop for the eye-catching deep purples of the Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’ and Viola ‘Raven’. Choosing plants that will evolve through their growth habit can add months of interest. T. pallida ‘Purpurea’ will creep and trail, creating a waterfall of rich-purple spears. The simple wooden box gives a rustic feel that can be easily placed on a window ledge, bench or garden table, I picked this one up from the Harrogate Spring Flower Show.

Cultivation and care

Perennial violas are often underrated, but are perfect for small containers and are daintier and more attractive than pansies, their bedding-scheme cousins. Viola ‘Raven’ is one of my favourites, with striking, purple blooms from late spring that continue for months. With regular deadheading they will flower more prolifically. I also give them a good cut back in late June to encourage a strong flush of flowers in midsummer. Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’, although perennial, isn’t hardy here in Yorkshire, so needs winter protection. If you haven’t got a heated greenhouse, bring it inside. It is often grown as a houseplant and will be happy on a warm windowsill until the frost have passed the following spring.

Plants

1 Polystichum setiferum ‘Pulcherrimum Bevis’

Fine, soft shield fern with attractive, evergreen tactile fronds that arch gracefully. 80cm. AGM. RHS H6.

2 Viola ‘Raven’

A compact perennial, very useful in a container. Intense purple flower and good foliage. 30cm. RHS H5.

3 Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’ Rich, evergreen, purple, lanceshaped leaves. 50cm. AGM.

RHS H3, USDA 10a-11.

4 Melica uniflora f. albida

Soft, golden-green, clump-forming grass, with sprays of light, riceshaped buds that move softly in the wind. 60cm. AGM. RHS H7.