September 2026
How to create eye catching AW baskets and containers.
There’s a debate that autumn/winter baskets and planters are even more invaluable than their summer counterparts. With many gardens and outdoor spaces lacking the lush growth and colour of summer, a few well positioned winter containers can really make a difference.
Here’s a few mix and match ideas…even if you only choose one item from each section, you’ll have a varied and interesting display.
Flowers
There’s numerous colours and sizes of modern pansy/viola varieties - small, medium & large headed hybrids, plus trailing varieties too.
Fragrant, compact Wallflower Sugar Rush - a double flowering period in autumn & again in spring.
Winter flowering heathers (Erica) in shades of white, pink & purple.
Late winter/spring flowering bulbs look fantastic when included in containers, and a nice surprise too! Crocus, Iris, Snowdrops and mini Narcissus are early flowerers.
Hellebore flowers look great when planted in raised baskets or containers as many varieties have slightly downturned heads. Christmas Carol also has bright, pure white blooms which stand out. Hellebore leaves are often patterned and have a great shape which leads us nicely onto….
Foliage
There are numerous young shrubs such as Choisya, Pieris, Hebe & Heuchera which can be added to winter containers. These can then be potted on or planted out when the containers are changed.
Miniature grasses are also good for adding height, texture and movement.
Ornamental cabbages are bright and a bit of fun.
Silvery Senecio & Leucophyta (aka Calocephalus) will brighten up a gloomy corner plus add interesting texture.
Tiny bay trees add height and the odd leaf for that winter casserole!
Small conifers such as Cupressus Wilma are a favourite, with it’s soft, citrus scented lime green foliage.
Ivies are a great filler and spiller, available in deep greens or lighter variegated varieties to add brightness.
Berries, Buds & Added Extras
Gaultheria bears dainty bell-like flowers and large berries which look rather festive.
Skimmias display their attractive flowerbuds throughout winter and range from deep red, through rusty orange to pale green. In spring their fragrant flowers are a magnet for pollinators.
As with the shrubs, these can be transferred to beds and borders easily once they have outgrown the container or you just fancy a change.
Drainage, drainage, drainage
Essential for autumn/winter containers……..NO moisture retaining granules needed here! If your basket or container has a plastic liner be sure to cut a few holes in it before starting…just like Clare has in the video below.