Top 5... late-winter bedders

Use one of these instant-effect potted plants to boost your displays of blossom

1 Bellis

Dense rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves produce a succession of longlasting and durable red, pink and white daisies. Ideal for path edges or for planting among low bulbs. Any well-drained soil in sun or part shade. H/S: 15cm (6in).

Tip Grow plants on for future use or divide them to create more stock.

2 Erysimum

Stout biennial to short-lived, shrubby perennial. Spires of cabbage flowers in rich maroon, red, bronze, yellow, pink or mauve tones, often sweetly-scented. Ideal for combining with florists’ tulips. Any welldrained, poor soil in sun. H/S: 30cm (12in). Tip Use perennial kinds such as ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ to prolong displays from year to year.

3 Myosotis

Biennial producing small, tufted plants with small, oval, bristly leaves and airy sprays of small blue, pink or white flowers. Any well-worked soil in sun or partial shade. H: 30cm (12in), S: 15cm (6in). Tip Remove plants soon after flowering to prevent self-sown seedlings.

4 Primula

Known as primrose or polyanthus, these are herbaceous to semievergreen, rosette-producing perennials. Flat-faced flowers are produced on a cluster of thin stems or from a tall central stalk. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 30cm (12in), S: 15cm (6in).

Tip Useful for planting in woodland conditions or in a shady position.

5 Viola

Planted as winter pansies or violets, these spreading perennials are rarely out of flower and are effective when planted with early bulbs. Astonishing range of patterned petals in many colours. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. H: 15cm (6in), S: 20cm (8in).

Tip Cut back shoots after main flowering is over to encourage fresh shoots and flowers.