Thriller, Filler, Spiller: Mastering the Art of Container Garden Design
Creating visually stunning container gardens doesn’t require a degree in design—it just takes a simple formula: Thriller, Filler, Spiller. Whether you’re working with flowers, foliage, or edible plants, this technique ensures your containers are balanced, lush, and beautiful.
1. What Is the Thriller, Filler, Spiller Formula?
Thriller: The tall, eye-catching centerpiece of your arrangement.
Filler: Medium-height plants that add volume and complement the thriller.
Spiller: Trailing plants that spill over the edges of the container, softening the look and adding movement.
This formula works for all container types, from large patio planters to small balcony pots.
2. Choosing the Right Thriller Plants
Thriller plants should stand tall and serve as the focal point. Choose bold, structural plants like:
Ornamental Grasses: Adds height and texture, like Purple Fountain Grass.
Alliums: Dramatic tall blooms.
Dracaena Spikes: Hardy and great for year-round structure.
Agave: for draught resistance and year-round structure.
Banana: for humid climates.
Shop This: Link to ornamental grasses and thrillers
3. Selecting the Perfect Filler Plants
Filler plants can be flowering or colorful foliage, and you can cram in as many varieties as you want to add volume, color, and texture to support the thriller. Top choices include:
Flowering annuals: Geraniums, Petunias, Angelonia, Heliotropes, and Pentas
Colorful foliage: Coleus, Begonias, Dusty Miller, Hostas, and Persian Shield
Shop This: Link to filler plants
4. Adding Spiller Plants for Movement and Balance
Spillers trail over the edges of your container, adding softness and drama. Great options are:
Sweet Potato Vine: Lush and vibrant foliage.
Creeping Jenny: Golden-green leaves that spill beautifully.
Trailing Lobelia: Delicate flowers that add color.
Silver Pony Falls: My personal favorite - silver gray foliage that is draught resistant and a fast grower.
Bacopas: tiny flowering foliage.
Nasturtium: an edible option and a favorite for pollinators!
Shop This: Link to spiller plants
5. Combining Colors and Textures
Color Harmony: Use complementary or monochromatic colors for a cohesive look.
Example: Purple fountain grass, “Bellingrath Pink” coleus, and “Margarita” sweet potato vine
Texture Variety: Mix bold foliage with delicate flowers to create visual interest.
Container Choice: Neutral pots make colors pop, while decorative planters add personality.
6. Maintaining Your Container Garden
Regular watering and feeding will keep your plants thriving.
Trim spent blooms and prune spillers to maintain balance.
Rotate containers for even sun exposure.
Shop This: Link to watering cans, tools, and plant food
Inspiration & Ideas
The “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” formula makes container garden design simple and fun. By combining height, volume, and trailing plants, you can create stunning arrangements that transform any space. Ready to start designing your perfect container garden? Browse the tools and planters you need here: Shop My Amazon Storefront.
