Working with a colour theme can help pull a display together, and when you have a colour combination associated with a certain time of year, that makes the job even easier. Yellow, purple and violet have strong connotations with Easter, and with the days getting that little bit warmer, not just indoor, but also outdoor plants can be included.
Shades of Purple
Campanula
Harebell or Bellflower is a short-lived plant indoors, unless it is placed in a cool, airy spot. Once it has finished flowering it can be moved into the garden, either planted directly into well drained soil or added to patio tubs or containers. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding wetting the leaves and flowers. It prefers a warm, sunny spot, where once established, it will flower every year.
Exacum
Also known as German or Persian Violet, Exacum is a compact, pretty plant with tiny, glossy leaves and delicate scented flowers, a perfect indoor plant for small spaces.
Keep compost moist, but not over wet and keep away from draughts. Stand in a pebble tray on a warm, sunny windowsill but shade from direct sun. Deadhead to encourage repeat flowering.
Primula
This is another plant which will flower briefly indoors as part of an Easter planted design but is happier long-term outside.
Keep compost moist but not soggy, avoiding getting water on the flowers, and display or plant in semi-shade.
To extend the flowering period, deadhead regularly or, alternatively, let them go to seed and they will self-seed themselves around the garden.
Sunshine Yellows
Calceolaria
There is an old-world charm about the Calceolaria or slipper flower. It has soft, bright green leaves and brightly coloured petals, often spotted in a contrasting colour, which fuse together to form a pouch.
Indoors it suits a warm, sunny windowsill, shaded from direct sun, keep compost moist, but not too wet. Outside it can treated like a bedding plant and planted directly into borders.
Osteospermum
The cheerful Cape Daisy is native to parts of Africa and Arabia, so is ideal for a warm, sunny area in the house such as a conservatory or porch.
Water only when the compost is dry to the touch and keep out of cold draughts.
Outside, plant it in well-drained soil in full sun where it will flower most profusely, although it will tolerant a certain amount of shade.
Gerbera
Another sun loving plant, Gerbera is native to South Africa. As a houseplant they can rot easily if overwatered. Compost should be moist, slightly on the dry side and watering should be done from the bottom to avoid wetting leaves and the centre of the plant.
They like lots of bright light and good air circulation. Happy to be outside in the summer, but they won’t overwinter.
Images provided by thejoyofplants.co.uk & funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk
