Thrillers Fillers and Spillers

To create a well-rounded, appealing container garden that stands out, utilize the “thrillers, spillers, and fillers” plant selection technique.

Thrillers are usually a taller plant that is the focal point of the pot. It is the boldest and most exciting part of the group. Interesting flowers and colorful foliage are a couple of things to look for in a thriller. It is the backbone of the pot, so pick something that has strong visual impact. If your pot will be viewed from all sides, place your thriller in the center of the pot. If your pot will be placed in a corner or against a wall, place your thriller towards the back of the arrangement.

Fillers are used for volume to fill out the container. Without them, the container looks bare and unfinished. They should have complimentary flowers to your thriller. You can even experiment with contrasting color foliage from your thriller. A spiky leaf thriller goes nicely with a rounded leaf filler and vice versa. Either way, this should fill out the pot and not grow taller than your thriller. This selection should be planted around your thriller so it will fill up the base of the pot.

Spillers are the anchor to your pot. They spill over the pot giving the container a look of life and abundance. The main point of the spiller is to soften the edges of the pot as it spills over the edge and trails to the ground. Again, a spiller should compliment the thriller and filler in color, but can contrast with foliage textures as well. These should be planted on the edge of the pot to allow them to spill over.