Traditionally, white, red, green and silver are the colours we associate with Christmas. Luckily, nature provides some wonderful options in this palette. Some have the bonus of fragrance for added festive impact. 

Beautifully scented dianthus are a good size for planting in a decorative container and utilising as a table centrepiece, instead of cut flowers. Plant them in the garden once Christmas is over. Dianthus ‘Memories’ has fragrant pure white double flowers over silver-blue foliage. If you’d prefer a splash of red, try Dianthus ‘Rebekah’, ‘Passion’ or vibrant Dianthus ‘Scarlet Delight’. 

As time is short, consider fast-growing options in red and white for larger feature planters or pots. Federation daisy ‘Purity’ is quick to establish and produces a masses of double, pure white blooms. 

The Inca Alstroemerias make excellent pot subjects. In Christmas colours, try beautiful ’Inca Amsterdam’ in pure red, and ‘Inca Concordia’ for a lovely white option. 

Lavender ‘Snow Princess’ produces abundant soft white flowers. Lavenders are happy pot specimens and are fairly fast to establish. 

Festive pots and container tips

• Use the best possible quality potting mix with Saturaid and slow release nutrition included.
• Water thoroughly and often: summer pots dry out fast, especially smaller pots in full sun positions.
• Plant 3-5 plants close together for faster impact then plant extras out in the garden once Christmas is done.