plant like a pro: thrillers, fillers, and spillers.
Here are a few tips to make your containers look spectacular. We follow the rules of “Spillers”, “Fillers” and “Thrillers”! We treat an outdoor container like we would a fresh floral arrangement. An eye pleasing arrangement has a color theme, lots of texture, fragrance and is properly balanced.
The “Thriller” can be your taller plant in the back or the middle of your pot. Often times this item is great for winter movement and interest in the depths of a very cold January. Be sure the plant is an appropriate size for your container as it grows and consider will your planter be seen from all sides or will you place it up against your house or garage. If your “Thriller” happens to be an upright growing plant consider an armature of birch branches or curly willow. Below are a few items you can use as your “Thriller”;
1. Purple fountain grass
2. Karl Foerster grass
3. Millett
4. Red leaf Hibiscus
5. Dipladenia or Mandevilla
6. Alocasia
7. Canna
8. Angelonia
The “Filler” is the plant that can take up the space between your “Thriller” and the soil of the pot. Here is where you can add some great color and build on your color theme. This can be a single plant or a mixture of several species. Brighter colors tend to make the pot look larger, where darker plants can disappear into the shade. Try to choose plants that have a long bloom life. These plants can offer texture in their foliage while still being very showy. Will your planter be in full sun, shade or partial shade? You will need to modify your selections according to where you will be placing your container. When shopping for plants be sure to read the tag to decide if it will work in your selected area. Below are a few of my favorite “Fillers”;
1. Coleus
2. Herbs
3. Petunias
4. Guara
5. Lantana
6. Begonias
7. Coral Bells
8. Zinnias
The “Spiller” is the plant that meets the bottom of the “Filler” and drapes over the edge of your container. We love to use “Spillers” that have interesting leaf shape and color. These plants create that beautiful water fall effect that draws your eye all the way down the front of the pot, creating an eye pleasing arrangement. Below are a few of the best selling “Spillers”;
1. Sweet Potato Vine
2. Trailing herbs
3. Calibrachoa
4. Sedums
5. Moss Rose
6. Swedish Ivy & Algerian Ivy
7. Bacopa
8. Silver Falls Dichondra
This method creates a 3-dimensional design that will be lush and full during your growing season. It could also be applied to your in-ground flower beds.
Spring is almost here and we can’t wait to see you in the Greenhouse! Join us for container planting classes starting in the middle of April. Class dates are listed below, please call 507-359-9900 to sign up or to schedule a private class of 8 people or more.
Container Planting Class - $50 You plant it and we take it to the greenhouse to grow until the middle of May. This is great for people that are having graduation parties or special events in early summer.
Tuesday, April 19th
Thursday, April 21st
Monday, April 25th
Thursday, Arpil 28th
Saturday, April 30th
Tuesday, May 3rd
