The star performers at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and other flower shows are herbaceous perennials.
If your space or budget is tight, you can still enjoy some of your favourite combinations by planting up pots and containers.
Want to grow herbs, veg or fruit? Check out the 10 best fruits for containers, plus this advice on how to get the best from veg grown in pots.
For more ideas and inspiration, we picked some of our favourite flower-show planting ideas.
Give your garden or balcony the Chelsea treatment with these three Chelsea-inspired pot ideas.
Plus, find out why award-winning designer Manoj Malde loves Chelsea and how to get ideas for your garden.
Scabious, iris and salvia
This classic container uses purple flowered irises, salvias and scabious, all of which are frequently seen in flower show gardens. A lovely container for a cottage or wildlife garden.
We used: Scabiosa ‘Pink Mist’, Iris setosa ‘Baby Blue’, Salvia nemorosa, pebble mulch, 25cm terracotta pot.
Euphorbia, salvia and Japanese blood grass
Using striking foliage with hot tones is a classic Chelsea approach. Here, the dark-leafed euphorbia provides the perfect foil for vibrant salvia blooms and zingy imperata foliage.
We used: Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Craigieburn’, Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’, Salvia roemeriana ‘Hot Trumpets’, 30cm green-glazed pot.
Hosta, polystichum and primula
This well-matched trio aims to create a natural look suited to a shady spot. While the primula will die down until next year, the fern and hosta will perform until autumn.
We used: Hosta ‘Halcyon’, Polystichum setiferum, Primula vialii, 30cm orange-glazed pot.
Lengthen the display
To help your display last as long as possible, it’s essential that you regularly water and feed the plants in the container. Watch this quick video on feeding and watering plants in pots for more in-depth advice.
Manoj Malde’s favourite things about the Chelsea Flower Show
There are so many things to love about Chelsea. In this short video, award-winning designer Manoj Malde reveals the things he loves most about this iconic show. Plus he shares tips on how to get the most out of your visit and finding new ideas for your garden.
