For patio containers, one common way to start designing is to use the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” concept. This design technique utilizes three different types of plants to create well-rounded and upscale looking containers.
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Thriller Plants
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Thrillers are plants with height that add drama and a vertical element to the combination
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Thrillers can either be flowering or foliage plants or ornamental grasses
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Thrillers are generally put either in the center or at the back of the container
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Place it in the center of the container if it will be viewed from all sides
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Place it in the back of the container if it will be viewed from only one side
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Some examples are: Angelface® angelonia, Butterfly argyranthemum, Graceful Grasses®
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Filler Plants
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Once you've chosen your Thriller, next start choosing your Filler varieties
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Fillers tend to be more rounded or mounded plants and make the container look full
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Fillers are generally placed in front of, or around, the Thriller variety
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Fillers should be placed midway between the edge of the container and the Thriller variety
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If the Thriller is in the center of the container, the Fillers should surround the Thriller variety
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Some examples are Diamond Frost® euphorbia, Superbells® calibrachoa, Supertunia® petunia
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Spiller Plants
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Lastly, you add the Spillers
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Spillers are trailing plants that hang over the edge of the planter
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Spillers are placed close to the edge of the container
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If the container is going to be viewed from all sides, Spillers should be placed on all sides
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If the container is going to be viewed from only one side, Spillers should be placed in the front of the container
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Some examples are Snowstorm® Giant Snowflake® bacopa, Snow Princess® lobularia, Sweet Caroline sweet potato vine
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