Spruce up your spring yard with panache using this lively flower pot formula
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Over the years, the garden in Benton End has lost some of its lushness since Cedric Morris tended to it. Still, one plant that's held on and continues to shine is the bold and stunning fritillary. These plants, with their chunky stems, push through during late winter, flowering as soon as the season warms up. Morris himself painted both yellow- and orange-flowered cultivars alongside tulips and wood spurge in his 1934 masterpiece, Easter Bouquet.
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Recreating the Magic
I stumbled upon a rusty, abandoned galvanized water tank hiding behind a hedge some years ago on a country project. The landowners graciously allowed me to take it, and I’ve since used it to create various plantings. It's a perfect size for short-term displays or even planting a small tree, should you come across something similar. Simply drill a few drainage holes in the base to ensure proper drainage.
The straight, twiggy branches of the Prunus tenella stand out best against a dark background. Its cold, grey branches contrast beautifully with the warmth offered by the fritillary plants, which signal the arrival of a new season.
Cultivation and Maintenance
Filling a container of this size requires plenty of soil, which can be costly. I’ve used fresh cut turf sods at the bottom, but a homemade compost, sans stubborn weeds, would work wonders. As the soil settles, top it up with sterilized loam-based growing medium every winter, especially for short-term plantings.
The pure, goblet-shaped tulip Tulipa 'Purissima' is a reliable early bloomer and an excellent addition to your container. I've also transplanted this robust Prunus tenella shrub from my garden after years of growth. Besides the tulip, crown imperial fritillaries, and the tenella, you could try Kerria japonica or Chaenomeles instead.
Plants
Prunus tenella - This dwarf Russian almond is a creeping, early-flowering, small shrub that thrives in full sun. Its height and spread are roughly 1.2 meters by 1.5 meters.
Symphytum orientale - This white-flowered comfrey boasts slightly shorter proportions than its counterpart, Symphytum officinale. It reaches 50cm by 45cm. RHS hardiness rating: H6.
Vinca major var. oxyloba - A vigorous periwinkle with starry, purple flowers that bloom for a long period. It grows to about 30cm wide and 90cm long. RHS hardiness rating: H6.
Tulipa 'Purissima’* - A fosteriana tulip with petals that initially open with a soft, yellow hue. The petals are comparatively resistant to harsh weather conditions. Its height is approximately 40cm, while its spread is about 10cm. AGM (Award of Garden Merit) and RHS hardiness rating: H6, USDA plant hardiness zones: 3a-8b.
Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima'* - A remarkably exotic member of the fritillary genus that has persisted at Benton End for over 50 years, even in shade. I've also used the slightly smaller, yellow cultivar, F. imperialis 'Lutea.' This plant reaches heights of 1.1 meters and has a spread of 20cm. RHS hardiness rating: H7, USDA plant hardiness zones: 5a-8b.
Cultivation and Care Tips- Plant the Fritillaria imperialis bulbs in the fall, around 5 to 6 inches deep and spaced about 5 to 6 inches apart to allow for growth.[2]- Use a potting medium or soil that is well-drained and sandy to prevent waterlogging.[1]- Maintain a humus-rich, fertile soil that stays consistently moist yet not wet, with good drainage to protect the bulbs from rotting.[1][4]- Water the soil consistently but be cautious of overwatering as Fritillaria bulbs are susceptible to rot.[1]- In winter, tilt containers on their side to drain excess water and reduce the risk of bulb rot.[1]- Place containers in a location that receives full sun to part shade for optimal growth and flowering.[3][5]- Handle bulbs with care during planting as they are large, irregular in shape, and prone to drying out.[2]- Monitor soil moisture and drainage more frequently in container-grown plants compared to those in garden borders.- Fritillaria imperialis typically blooms in mid-spring; ensure the container is placed in stable conditions to encourage healthy flowering.
By following these guidelines - planting bulbs deeply in well-drained soil, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging, and providing ample sunlight - you can successfully cultivate Fritillaria imperialis in containers for a stunning array of exotic blooms.[1][2][3][4]
- The bold and stunning fritillary, a plant that's persisted in the landscape of Benton End, is not only found in gardens but also featured prominently in the fashion-and-beauty industry, serving as an inspiration for designers.
- In the quest to recreate the magic of Benton End's gardens, one might also consider filling their home-and-garden with other plants such as the Prunus tenella, a dwarf Russian almond shrub that thrives in full sun.
- In addition to the fritillary, the Prunus tenella stands out with its straight, twiggy branches that contrast beautifully against dark backgrounds, adding a touch of beauty to any lifestyle.
- To enhance the aesthetic appeal of a garden, one could pair the Prunus tenella with other flowers such as the purissima tulip, a reliable early bloomer with a soft, yellow hue, or the kerria japonica or chaenomeles for a vibrant, blooming display.
