The big copper in bloom

Late Summer

The Big Copper in Bloom

Arthur revisits the big copper pot to talk through the riot of colour and which flowers have thrived in the heat of the summer.

Which flowers do well depends on a number of factors including the weather during the growing season. This year the Cosmos 'Rubenza' has done really well while the Tagetes 'Burning Embers' has struggled a little through the drought. The grasses are a lovely addition to the pot and the birds love to come and feed on the seed heads as they ripen. As the plants have grown and the pot has filled out, it has needed more silver birch staking around the edge to prevent it from flopping.

Caring for the Pot

With the right care, the half-hardy annuals will flower right up until the first hard frost. If you feed your pots with seaweed feed, they will continue to produce more flowers for longer, as well as watering them regularly, particularly in hot weather. Deadheading will also encourage more flower production, so remember to keep cutting for the vase, and get rid of spent flowers from the the plant.

Plant Directory

• Cosmos 'Rubenza'
• Tagetes 'Burning Embers'
• Dahlia 'Bishop's Children'
• Panicum 'Frost Explosion'
• Setaria italica 'Red Jewel'
• Scabiosa 'Black Cat'