Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2025

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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Container gardening is an enjoyable hobby. Even so, the large variety of plants and containers on the market may make it feel intimidating. Truthfully, container gardening is quite doable. When making the perfect planter, garden experts suggest creating a layered effect using the thriller-filler-spiller technique. Garden experts also recommend selecting dependable plants known to thrive in container gardens.

This practice involves growing plants in containers instead of planting them in the ground. It is a delightful way to grow herbs, vegetables and flowers. Container gardens are known to enhance outdoor spaces. Interested in creating the perfect planter display featuring florals? Read on!

A winning trio

Creating attractive outdoor floral displays using planters is easy. People simply need to follow the popular thrill-fill-spill formula for container gardening. This involves choosing a select variety of plants that provide height (thrill), fill the container (fill), and cascade over the side (spill). This catchy-named method of planting, thrill-fill-spill, holds the secret to creating visually pleasing yet dramatic garden effects.

Examples:

Thriller plants are tall, bold, and eye-popping. Depending upon the view of the planter, they are typically placed in the center or toward the back of the planter.

Common examples: Canna lily, Salvia, Dahlia

Filler plants are those which fill the gaps between short and tall plants. They are usually midrange in height and surround the thriller.

Common examples: Begonias, Geraniums, Petunias

Spiller plants are those which cascade over the edges of the container to soften the look.

Common examples: English Ivy, Sweet potato vines, Sedum

For success:

• The thrill, fill, spill technique encourages the mixing and matching of colors and textures to create the perfect planter.
• Gardeners can achieve instant success in one planter using a trio of plants in various sizes, shapes, and complementary colors to increase visual appeal.
• To maximize beauty, consider bloom times and plant vibrancy to ensure continuity of color. Search your local garden center for the optimal plants. Overwhelmed? Tap the brain of a local garden expert for advice.
• Choose plants that thrive under the same conditions. When going in the same container, each type of plant should possess similar nutritional and watering needs, soil conditions, and sunlight requirements.
• For success, outdoor plants must be a good fit for growing zones and climate conditions.
• Give plants space to grow and thrive. Overcrowding may cause competition for nutrients and water and light – which can result in stunted growth.  
• Understand specialized plant care requirements, such as deadheading plants (the act of removing dead or faded flower buds and seed heads to promote growth). Talk to your garden expert about specific plant care.
• Be selective in your choice of planting vessel for your thrill, fill, spill display. Learn about Choosing the perfect planter.

The magical thrill, fill, and spill formula

Container gardening is a wonderful way in which to display a variety of eye-catching plants. To take an ordinary plant display to the extraordinary, consider the thrill, fill, spill method of planting recommended by gardening experts. Placing an attractive upright plant in the middle of the container adds height and drama. Surrounding it with a full filler plant adds more color and interest. Selecting special plants to spill over the side adds softness and movement. To achieve the perfect planter in your container garden, the thrill, fill, spill planting method is guaranteed to be a win!