Make your potted trees preen with polyanthus

Got a lemon, lime, tamarillo, or any tree in a pot for that matter? Why not add some pizazz to it by planting polyanthus? Polyanthus are great for adding some colour and texture to pots. They don’t grow very high, and are tight, low and compact plants - which also makes them perfect for hanging baskets or garden borders.

If you’re planting outside, pick a spot in full sun, make sure the soil is really well-drained then dig over and add some compost. Planting them in the border of your garden means they can be easily seen and makes it easy to maintain them.

Wherever you plant them, simply dig a little hole, plant and fill in the soil. Like stocks, if they’re having trouble flowering, just add a little bit of dried blood from the garden centre to provide more potassium. Pick off dead flowers to encourage more flowering and watch out for slugs.

In just four to six weeks your garden will be shining bright with colour and your pots will look like they’ve had a makeover!

Tod Palenski
Awapuni Nurseries