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