Conifer, Pansy, Cyclamen & Ivy (Seasonal Barrel, Hot Colours) – Autumn Winter Patio Display (Pre-Planted Wooden Barrel)

This pre-planted wooden barrel is a ready-made autumn and winter container display, planted in rich hot colours of yellow, orange, red and gold. It suits a patio, doorway, driveway or garden entrance, and it arrives already planted in its rustic barrel, so it is ready to put on show straight away.

The planting combines a conifer, yellow and orange pansies, red cyclamen and gold ivy (Hedera helix), finished with a decorative moss topping. The warm colours and mix of textures give a cohesive, seasonal look, and the natural wooden barrel suits cottage, farmhouse and contemporary settings alike. The plants are chosen and arranged by experienced horticulturalists. As this is a living product, the exact plants and varieties may vary slightly with seasonal availability, while the hot colour theme stays the same.

Stand the barrel in a bright, sheltered spot in light shade, out of cold wind and hot sun. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, checking often in dry or windy weather, and deadhead spent pansy and cyclamen flowers to encourage more blooms. A balanced liquid feed every two weeks will help keep the colour going.

The display is only as hardy as its least hardy plant. The cyclamen will take a light frost in a sheltered spot, but a hard or prolonged frost can kill it, so move the barrel to shelter or cover it overnight when a heavy frost is forecast. Cyclamen tubers and ivy are harmful if eaten, and ivy sap can irritate the skin. When the display is over in spring, the ivy can be planted out in the garden and the pansies kept going in the ground or a pot until early summer.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Seasonal wooden barrel, hot colours
• Botanical Name: Mixed display including Cyclamen persicum, Viola x wittrockiana and Hedera helix
• Typical Plants Included: Conifer, pansy, cyclamen, ivy, decorative moss
• Perfect For: Patios, doorways, driveways and garden entrances
• Flower Colour: Yellow, orange and red
• Planting Position: Bright, sheltered spot in partial shade
• Hardiness: Not hardy as a whole. Protect from hard frost
• Maintenance: Water regularly, deadhead and feed every two weeks
• Seasonal Interest: Autumn into spring
• Type: Pre-planted mixed container display