All containers need to be given adequate drainage, but you must take extra care with winter containers to avoid damaging the bulbs. Choose a soil based potting compost or soil mix or use a peat based compost and add extra grit, in the ratio of approximately three parts compost to one part grit, in the ratio of approximately three parts compost to one part grit.
Dahlias might team up with a fringe of lobelia, but cannas and eucomis are usually best kept as a single species planting. If you want color and interest from the time of autumn planting through to mid or late spring, you will have to choose a range of plant material.
Winter flowering pansies and violas will flower on and off from the time of planting right through to early summer, depending on the temperature and how much sun the container receives. The sunnier the spot, the better the display will be.
Colored bark on shrubs adds drama and interest, particularly as the winter progresses and the colors deepen. Cornus alba Sibirica or red stemmed dogwood, with its glistening rich red stems, is an excellent choice.
Consider also when you would like the container to look its best. If you want an explosion of color in mid spring, use daffodils or tulips with pansies. For a later splash of color, use late flowering tulips with pansies, forget-me-nots or wallflowers, which are available in a wide range of colors that complement almost any choice of tulip.
Although they will not start flowering until mid spring, they will provide greenery, and once they start to flower the show will last for many weeks. Drill six drainage holes in the base of the half barrel.
Line the base and sides with a bin liner or trash bag or black plastic. Cut slits in the liner to match the drainage holes. Add a 7.5cm layer of drainage material, such as pieces of polystyrene or Styrofoam. Fill to about two thirds full with potting compost or soil mix.
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