Plant a Rainbow

During lockdown, the rainbow became a symbol of hope and gratitude for the hard-working NHS. The nation displayed rainbows in windows and gardens, filling dreary days with a splash of colour.

Now, we're looking towards a brighter futures. Schools and communities are open once again. And there's no better time to get growing with much-missed friends and families.

So, if you have a spare raised bed in your or an empty pot, follow our plant suggestions and grow yourself a rainbow!

All the mentioned plants are available to buy as plug plants from your local garden centre. And these are sure to give your school and community gardens a instant burst of colour.

The plants have similar needs in terms of soil type and watering. So, they should grow well together in containers.

Simply water them well and feed them regularly, and you should have a gorgeous display for late-spring and summer!

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Red garden geranium flowers , close up shot / geranium flowers

Red

Geraniums, one of the most popular bedding plants. They give any garden a vibrant burst of colour, plus a gorgeous fragrance. Geraniums, in their bright scarlet, are the perfect flower to start your rainbow.

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Yellow

Osteospermum 'African daisy' Voltage Yellow originates from South Africa.  And they can be found in many colours. But this particular yellow is great for adding a cheery essence of sunshine to any colourful border.

Lush bush of bicolor light and dark pink Dianthus caryophyllus of Caryophyllaceae,also called carnation Doris,growing in garden,on sunny day.Horizontal banner, selective focus on one flower,close-up.

Pink

Dianthus, popularly referred to as ‘garden pinks’ come in all different shades of pink. From soft muted pastels like 'Doris', perfect for spring, to hot fuchsias like that of the Dianthus 'Twinkle'. So, whatever you're after, you'll be sure to find the perfect pink for your rainbow.

Nephrolepis or fern in a pot. Selective focus. Horizontal. Close-up.

Green

Ferns are super low maintenance, yet beautiful, foliage. And this makes them perfect for your containers!

Consider adding the 'Shuttlecock' fern, for example. Their soft, feather-like green leaves will add a zing of green to your rainbow. As well as a delicate texture to break up your bold perennials.

Blue Trailing Lobelia Sapphire flowers or Edging Lobelia, Garden Lobelia in St. Gallen, Switzerland photo. Its Latin name is Lobelia Erinus 'Sapphire', native to South Africa, Malawi and Namibia.

Purple

Lobelia erinus 'Sapphire' boasts beautiful, jewel-like petals of purple. Although their petals are small, they'll make a mighty impact when contrasted with the greens and oranges of your rainbow. And, like ferns, they'll add a softer, fluffy texture to your display.

 

 

Close up of orange petunia or calibrachoa flowers.

Orange

Calibrachoa 'Can Can Orange' are small mound-forming, evergreen perennials. They proudly display small, trumpet-like flowers, in a deep clementine orange. The flowers are perfect for sunny-sited containers. And bring the perfect, eye-popping touch of orange to your garden.

Pansie macro

Blue

Pansies are garden favourites and they're perfect for planting in pots and containers. They have large, hardy blooms sure to stand out. And for a beautiful, inky blue, try 'Martix Blue Blotch' pansies. These will add a deeper, sophisticated tone to your rainbow border.

 

Plant up a rainbow

We hope this blog helps bring a bit more colour to your garden!

And remember entries are now open for Cultivation Street 2023 so click the link below to enter your garden!

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