SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Light: Full sun to partial shade. Topiary (Portuguese Laurel) thrives full sun but tolerates partial shade. Hydrangea and Astrantia actually prefer some afternoon shade (prevents flower scorch in hot summers). Geranium, Stachys, and Foxglove tolerate sun to partial shade. This bundle is particularly suitable for positions receiving morning sun and afternoon shade.
Soil: Well-drained, moderate to rich fertility. Hydrangea prefers consistent moisture and rich soil. Astrantia tolerates wide range including clay if not waterlogged. Geranium, Stachys, and Foxglove adapt to typical garden soil. Amend with compost before planting to improve moisture retention and fertility.
Space: Minimum 2m width for Starter, 2.5m for Standard, 3.5m for Impactful. Allow 70-80cm clearance from topiary container edge to door frame (see Placement Guide).
POSITIONING LAYOUT:
Step 1: Position Topiary Lollipops
Place containers 120-150cm apart (center to center) depending on entrance width. Elevated glossy canopies should be clearly visible and catch light. Ensure containers sit level on stable surface.
Step 2: Plant Hydrangea
Position to sides or behind topiary, 80-120cm from containers. Space 100-120cm apart if planting multiple (Standard/Impactful have 2-3 plants). These become 1-1.5m width shrubs—give them space to develop. Don't crowd against topiary; Hydrangea needs room for its rounded habit and massive flower heads.
Step 3: Plant Astrantia
Position throughout mid-ground between topiary and front edge, or around Hydrangea bases. Space 40-50cm apart. Clump-forming habit doesn't spread aggressively—plant where you want permanent white flower presence mid-border.
Step 4: Plant Geranium (White Cranesbill)
Use as ground cover in front of and around topiary containers. Space 35-40cm apart. Spreads to create weed-suppressing carpet with continuous white flowers—excellent for filling larger ground areas in Impactful variant.
Step 5: Plant Stachys (Lamb's Ear)
Position as edging along front of planting or scattered throughout for silver accent. Space 30-40cm apart. Silver foliage provides textural contrast and reflective quality that enhances white flowers, particularly effective at dusk when silver catches remaining light.
Step 6: Plant Digitalis (White Foxglove)
Scatter throughout mid-ground or back areas—vertical spires add height without bulk. Space 40-50cm apart. Biennial habit means they flower Year 2, but self-seed for continuity. Plant young plants (P9 or 1L) in spring for flowering following summer.
DETAILED LAYOUT PLANS:
For comprehensive positioning diagrams showing exact plant placement for your entrance dimensions and variant-specific layouts, see our Bundle Planting Guide.
[View Bundle Planting Guide →]
ESTABLISHMENT CARE (First 6 Months):
Topiary: Water 2-3× weekly during first summer. Portuguese Laurel is vigorous and benefits from consistent moisture. Feed once in spring. See Complete Care Guide for full maintenance.
Border Plants: Water 2-3× weekly first growing season. Hydrangea particularly needs consistent moisture—never allow to wilt. Mulch 5cm around all plants (keep clear of stems). Mulch especially important for Hydrangea (retains moisture). No feeding required Year 1.
By 6 months: Starter plants rooted and establishing (30-40% mature size, limited flowering first season except Geranium). Standard plants established with noticeable presence (50-70% mature, good flowering from Hydrangea/Astrantia/Geranium). Impactful plants quickly established with near-mature flower display (70-90% mature, substantial white presence from first season).
