Barrel Planters

Here’s a guide for barrel planters in Edinburgh — what to plant, when, and how to keep them looking good. Barrel planters are larger and deeper than hanging baskets, so they are easier to keep watered and can take a fuller mix of flowers, foliage and trailing plants.

Seasonal Timelines:

Example DIY cost (70cm barrel planter – about £35–£55)

This may be less if the council supplies the barrel, compost or some plants.

  • Peat-free compost (2 bags) £12–£18
  • Slow-release feed / granules £5–£8
  • Plants (8–11 plants at about £2–£3 each) £18–£30

Total ≈ £35–£55

If the barrel is already in place and can be reused each year, later costs are mainly compost top-up and replacement plants.

Flowers

1) Barrel, compost & timing

  • Size: about 70cm diameter, 45cm high
  • Compost (peat-free): 70% multi-purpose + 20% loam-based compost + 10% grit
  • Mix in slow-release fertiliser at label rate.
  • Make sure there are drainage holes.
  • Best planting time for summer displays is late April to June, once frost risk is low.
  • Autumn and winter planting can be done from September onwards.

2) How many plants?

For a 70cm barrel planter, a good guide is:

  • 1 focal plant in the middle
  • 3–4 filler plants
  • 4–6 trailing or edge-softening plants

That usually means 8–11 plants in total, depending on pot size and how full you want the display to look.

3) Pick by sun or shade

Full sun / bright sites

Good for open spots outside shops, on streets, or in sunny parks.

Spillers / edge-softeners:

Fillers:

Focal plants:

Part shade / shade

Good for north- or east-facing sites, or places shaded by buildings or trees for part of the day.

Spillers / edge-softeners:

Fillers:

Focal plants:

Winter barrel planters (Oct–Mar)

You can also tuck in spring bulbs such as crocus, dwarf daffodils or tulips for colour later.

4) Easy “recipes”

Hot and sunny:

Soft pastels:

Shady show:

Winter colour:

5) Care (numbers that work)

  • Water: in summer, usually 2–3 times a week, but in hot spells it may need daily watering.
  • A barrel this size may take 5–8 litres at a time in dry weather.
  • Feed: start 3–4 weeks after planting with a high-potash liquid feed once a week.
  • Deadhead and tidy: remove faded flowers and trim back straggly growth.
  • Winter: remove tired summer plants and replace with hardy ones.

6) Quick shopping list (one 70cm sunny barrel)

Price Guide

Compost & extras

  • Peat-free compost (2 × 40L): £12–£18
  • Slow-release fertiliser: £5–£8
  • Water-retaining granules if wanted: £3–£5

Plants

  • Bedding plants / trailers (9cm pots): £1.50–£3 each
  • A 70cm barrel usually uses 8–11 plants
  • Typical plant cost: £18–£30

Annual replanting cost

  • Summer replant: about £30–£50
  • Winter replant: about £20–£40

Help Make Corstorphine in Bloom Happen

The council has said it will support Corstorphine in Bloom with funding if enough individuals, businesses and organisations sign up. Every registration helps make the project possible.

  • Sign Up as an Individual
  • Sign Up as a Business
  • Sign Up as an Organisation

You can help in a small way

You do not need to take on a big commitment.

  • water a planter now and then
  • support a planter
  • help a local group
  • simply register your support

Small actions, shared locally, make a big difference.