We are all ready for some fresh spring color in our lives. One of the simplest and most effective ways of bringing this into our homes is with some beautifully styled, quintessentially spring plants. And nothing beats primulas, in my opinion.
I was inspired to create this design by my love of playing around with vintage vessels, mixing and matching textures and styles to make something truly original and elegant, with a traditional feel.
Primroses or primulas always make me feel nostalgic. Their delicately detailed petals can really lift a space, and with the right containers, can feel really considered. In the most recent episode of Petals & Roots, I show you how you can create a display just like this, by bringing together a collection of containers you'll probably already have at home.
What I Used to Create This Primula Display
- I put together old terracotta plant pots, two types of vintage ceramic vessels (one even had a characterful chip in it), and recycled food tins.
- Potting compost, such as this all purpose Miracle-Gro compost from Amazon.
- A selection of primroses or primulas, such as these from Walmart, and hyacinths
How to Create Your Own Spring Primula Centerpiece
The whole idea with this design is to try to use containers you already have. Look for contrasting textures with complementing colors. Everything I picked out had tones of brown, pink and red in it, which I love against the creamy yellow and pink flowers I picked out.
The first step is to give your plants a water whilst they are still in their plastic pots. You might need to knock some of the compost off, or add a little into your containers, to make sure they fit properly. Then firm them in by pressing down gently.
With the hyacinths, gently tease the roots of the bulbs apart to separate, and then you can re-pot them into your choice of vessel.
To lock in moisture and also as a lovely, decorative finish, I added some moss from the garden on top of the compost in this vessel, which gives it a gorgeous, natural finish.
If your tins or recycled vessels are a bit deeper than some of your other pots, add a layer of compost into the bottom, mixed with some grit or stones if you have any.
I always leave the excess foliage spilling out over the edges to give this design a naturalistic feel.
Once they are all potted up and you have brushed any excess soil away, you can cluster them together and arrange on a dining table or kitchen island for a fresh and vibrant seasonal display.
I've had a lot of comments on this design about drainage holes. You an always drill some drainage holes into your containers, especially the tins or terracotta pots, and sit them on a saucer or tray to aid drainage.
However, you might not want to do this if you have a beautiful vintage ceramic vessel, and I'm here to tell you that you don't have to. You can still take these seasonal plants and put them into the yard once they have flowered and faded indoors, as long as you don't over-water them, which can lead to root rot.
Keep the watering to a minimum, and you could also add a layer of charcoal or river rocks to the bottom of your containers, to create a reservoir for excess water to collect in, thus taking it away from the roots and creating better drainage.
This way, you can absolutely keep these plants indoors in your choice of vessel, and plant them out after they have flowered to keep them going for years to come.
Your Primrose Styling Kit
I really like the look of these terracotta pots. They are giving a modern yet rustic charm and I think would be the perfect size for primulas.
Primulas, or primroses, come in an array of bright colors. I love the lemon ones, but the reds and violets bring instant bold and cheerful vibes.
A small watering can is essential for any plants you are going to keep indoors; just remember not to over-water these ones if your containers don't have drainage holes.
Petals & Roots is a weekly video series fronted by me, Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. Every weekend on social, I share my seasonal gardening and flower arranging expertise and advice.
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