Thrillers, Fillers & Spillers

A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Beautiful Combination Containers

If youo’re new to gardening, putting together a great-looking container garden can seem a daunting task. Well, here’s a secret: even the most seasoned garden desigmers typically follow this age-old mantra when creating their beautiful mixed containers: Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers.

Thrillers

Select plants with height that add drama and a vertical element to the combination. Generally placed to the center or back of the container.

Popular Thrillers: Palms, Miscanthus grass, Pennisetum grass, Caladium, Canna

Fillers

Fillers tend to be more rounded or mounded plants that make the container look full. Fillers are usually placed in front of, or around the Thriller. These plants should surround the Thriller.

Popular Fillers: Lantana, Petunia, Impatiens, Begonia, Coleus, Dusty miller.

Spillers

Finally, add the Spillers. These are trailing plants that hang over the edge of the container. If the container is going to be viewed from all sides, the Spillers should be placed on all sides. If the container is going to be viewed from only one side, Spillers should be placed in the front of the container.

Popular Spillers: Creeping jenny, Sweet potato vine, Nasturtiums

Note: When selecting plants, read the plant labels carefully, and pick plants that share the same requirements for sun and water. Your independent garden center pros can also help you select plants that will thrive under similar conditions.

Planting Tips

Assess the container condition. Existing soil may need to be replaced or refreshed. Using only potting mix made for container gardens—don’t use garden soil. A few broken clay pot shards or gravel placed in the bottom of the pot will prevent soil from leaking out the drainage hole (and make sure the pot does have a drainage hole!). Fill pot with potting mix to about 1-2” below the container brim.

Stage plants in the container and arrange them as desired. Then plant the Thriller(s) first, followed by the Fillers, and finally Spillers. Add a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote or an organic fertilizer. Water thoroughly.

How Many Plants Do I Need?

18” Container: 1-6” plant with 9-4”, or 12-4” plants

24” Container: 1-10” with 10-4” plants, or 14-4” plants

34-36” Container: 1-10’ plant with 18-4” plants

Tools and Supplies Needed

Fresh potting mix, fertilizer, trash can, gloves, hand trowel, watering can or hose, gravel or pot shards, blower or broom.

Images are courtesy of Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com. Content adapted from informtion provided by Quiet Village Landscaping.