"Potted colour" are some of the most cheerful plants in the garden at any time of year. Geoff Prettejohn of Living Colour Nursery picks out a few of his personal favourites.

Geoff’s favourite potted colour …

Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) Large showy flowers in a wide range of colours and shades. Ideal for cottage garden or massed display. Great
performer and very popular for cooler months. 

Poppy Iceland (Papaver nudicaule) Delicate colours, flat open silky flowers on strong stems. Excellent cut flower. Long winter blooming in garden.

Recommended annuals …

Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) or viola (Viola x wittrockiana, Viola cornuta) Pansies and violas are the perfect plants for the cooler months. Both are popular varieties that have stood the test of time due to their easy growing nature and accessibility. New and exciting colours are on offer each year, making the range very extensive.

Favourite bedding plants …

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) Annual. Compact non trailing plant, flowering well above the foliage with semi double, upward facing blooms. Sweetly scented flowers in crimson, orange, yellow, salmon and rose. Edible leaves and flowers. Can be planted with vegetables to deter aphids from vegetable garden.

Recommended perennials …

Polyanthus (Primula x polyantha) Single large flowers with several on one stem. Tall, thick stems. Many colours available, with contrasting centres. Provide bright colour for winter and early spring. 

Cineraria (Senecio x hybridus) Single flower head in flattened clusters. Varying forms mostly low growing and branched with large heart-shaped leaves. Prefer cool positions in filtered sunlight where they will produce quite stunning head of flower.

This story first appeared in the Winter 2018 issue of SALIFE Gardens and Outdoor Living magazine.