Flowers for an oddish container?

[smallblueplanet]

Picked this coal scuttle up for free, thought I might 'hammerite' it a green colour. But as its an awkward shape what would be best to plant in it? I actually wondered about putting a clematis in, but then worried about not being able to get the plant out if it got too big!

[shirlthegirl43]

What an unusual idea. I think I would fill it with trailing plants sort of like a hanging basket. Either that or be tempted to grow some extra long carrots!

[Alice]

You could put your clematis in, in a long deep pot, and let some bits trail down. It should be OK for several years if you water and feed it. It looks like a good idea. Please do let's see it again once you have something in there.

[smallblueplanet]

I want to be persuaded Alice! Clematis variety suggestion please?

[GeordieVik]

SBP,

caught you in the act, soliciting excuses to buy more clematis! You are allowed to join me in Climbers Anonymous....

Vik

[Alice]

You can see them all here SBP. You might want to get more than 1 variety then you can extend the season by just swapping the pots over. I find them very easy to propagate. Just peg a knuckle from a trailing stem into a pot of compost and leave until it's rooted then cut it off from the parent.
My clematis montana is just about in flower so I'll post a pic as soon as it does it. It's very tough and reliable but maybe a bit vigorous for a container - the kind of thug that wants to take over the world.
http://http://plants.thompson-morgan.com/uk/clematis

[smallblueplanet]

Alice, Montana is FAR too thuggish for my delicate sensibilities!

I think maybe a Dr Ruppel, which T&M recommend for a patio/container (and you can buy them from Morrisons - allegedly!)

Okay Vik sign me up!

Oh! Oh! just seen pink champagne it is very nice too!

[Nicos]

I'd be tempted to grow dwarf and trailing nasturtiums.
They don't need much water and you'd get a big yellow/orange/green display to set off the hammerite container.
That way the soil won't get stale as you can change it from time to time. Nor will they get potbound!

[Snadger]

I thought clematis liked a cool root run?
Don't think roots will be too cool in a galvanised hot box!!!

Like Nicos's idea though. Nice container btw!

[smallblueplanet]

I did wonder about that Snadger. Not sure I fancy trailing nasturtiums we had some in the border last year and they went absolutely crazy....

Maybe some petunias?

[nick the grief]

I suggest something like a

1)Nonstop begonia & a Trailing Begonia out the front or

2)Fuchsias - how about Thalia bronzy leaves & orange flowers or Checkerboard and then either Jack Shahan or Cascade down the front.

3) Trailing Geranium (pelargonium) Tomke' deep purple & a variagated upright something like Mrs Cox, Contrast, Vancouver Centennial ( flowers aren't much) or Frank Hedley

For Clematis Ville de Lyon, Perle d'azure or Niobe are nice but I agree with snadger, they'd cook. Don't for get to put some holes in the bottom & some drainage material (up to half way to save on compost)

[smallblueplanet]

Not keen on Begonias, still think of them as an 'old lady's' plant. We don't seem to have the knack with Fuschia's, all last years plugs died and the white one the old chap next door has given us is already looking a bit pale!

Trailing geraniums sound interesting Nick. How about 'LOTUS ORANGE - THE FIRE VINE'? I'd forgotten I'd ordered one as a plug plant.

[leona]

iv got a beautiful one outside, quite small flowers, really gorgeous. i saw it at the shop at rhs wisley and had to go back and get it. its a bit of a mouthful but definately worth looking into. clematis florida sieboldii alba plena. that or maybe an alpina variety?

[nick the grief]

if it looks a bit like a passion flower it's Sieboldii the ALba means White and PLENA are usually a double form if I rember right Leona.

Right SBP as to your troubles.

Begonias especially Nonstop aren't Old Ladies they are big blousy Tarts like er ummm someone from Cheshire we know the fibreous rooted ons are a bit like an old lady,

Fuchsia's - the knack with them is don't kill them No they like a moist but not wet soil. If you are growing them in soilless compost add either sharp sand, perlite or vermiculite about 2parts compost to one part of whatever. this keeps it open & free draining whilst holing some moisture.

They aren't really fussy where they grow ..... well mine aren't but I tend to put mine round the back of the house so they aren't baked all day ( it's north facing) and put geraniums round the front.

Your Lotus would look good tumbling out the front nice grey green foiliage & scarlet flowers but I still think you want something upright ( if you'll pardon the phrase) at the back ( oo errr it gets worse) what clashes nicley with scarlet/orange something bright Yellow perhaps ......

[smallblueplanet]

My plugs have just arrived, apparently I ordered geranium Tomcat too. Perhaps that and some trailing lobellia? I'm trying to stay away from 'big and blousey' thanks Nick!

I never realised there were 'old lady' and 'Cheshire tarty' begonias, I should have known you'd know the difference!