Polyanthus 'Showstopper Fire Dragon'

Garden Ready Plants:
Garden Ready Plants can be planted straight into their final position. If you can't plant them immediately, keep them in a bright, sheltered spot and make sure they don't dry out.

Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water the plants before planting if the rootballs feel dry, position them at the same depth they were growing in their tray, gently firm the soil or compost around the roots and water thoroughly.

Pots and containers:
Choose a container with good drainage holes and fill with good-quality multipurpose compost. Gently firm the compost rather than packing it down tightly, and leave around 2–3cm below the rim to make watering easier.

For a 25–30cm (10–12in) pot, use around 3–5 plants, spacing them evenly so they have room to fill out and create a full display.

Water thoroughly after planting and check containers regularly, particularly during mild, dry or windy weather. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.

Top tip:
Fire Dragon's strong red and golden colouring looks particularly effective planted in groups. Repeating the same variety across several pots can create an even bigger splash of colour around a patio or entrance.

Fire Dragon's rich, warm colours work beautifully alongside other late-winter and spring favourites. Pair it with yellow, white or deep purple pansies and violas, or add bellis for a contrast in flower shape.

Spring-flowering bulbs make excellent partners too. Dwarf daffodils pick up the golden centres of the flowers, while crocuses and compact tulips can introduce contrasting colours and extra height.

For containers, plant bulbs beneath your polyanthus in autumn. They'll grow up through the display as spring approaches, creating another layer of flowers without taking up extra space.

Top tip:
Use Fire Dragon as the main colour in your display and choose one or two companion colours rather than mixing lots together. Golden yellow or deep purple will make those fiery flowers stand out particularly well.

Keep plants watered during dry spells, particularly those growing in pots and containers, but avoid leaving the soil or compost waterlogged.

Remove faded flowers by following the flower stem down towards the base of the plant and pinching or snipping it off. This keeps plants looking tidy and encourages them to put their energy into fresh flowers rather than developing seed.

Remove yellowing or damaged leaves as you find them to keep the compact rosette of foliage tidy and maintain good airflow around the plant.

Plants growing in containers can be given a liquid feed while actively growing and flowering, following the instructions on your chosen feed.

Top tip:
Check plants regularly during wet weather and remove spent flowers before they become soggy. This helps keep the display fresh and tidy as new buds open.

Professional Grower Plugs:
Supplied in trays of 20 or 60, Professional Grower Plugs offer excellent value and are ideal for gardeners who enjoy growing plants on themselves. These young plants arrive ready to be potted into 9cm pots and grown on in a bright, sheltered position before being hardened off and planted into their final position.

Garden Ready Plants:
Supplied in trays of 6, Garden Ready Plants are our largest plug plants and a great choice if you want quicker results. Carefully grown on before dispatch, they're ready to plant straight into beds, borders, pots and containers.