10 Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers For Stunning Container Displays
Containers give us the freedom and creativity to arrange plants around color schemes and themes. They attract pollinators while enchanting the garden with dynamic color and interest across multiple seasons. Join gardener Katherine Rowe in reviewing winning plant selections that thrill, fill, and spill for gorgeous pots and containers.
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It’s easy to achieve captivating container displays by incorporating “thriller,” “filler,” and “spiller” plants. There are no rules for building gorgeous potted arrangements, but winning plant combinations help get the creativity flowing.
“Thriller” plants are central features that bring intrigue, drama, and interest. They become focal points, draw the eye, and anchor the arrangement.
The “filler” plants support the main attraction with big visual interest through color and form. They round out the display and add cohesion.
“Spiller” plants soften edges and add vertical interest. They often sport varying textures, fine-leaved and delicate or lush and broad, to highlight the display.
Container recipes vary as widely as garden style, but following the thriller-filler-spiller combination streamlines successful designs. Consider the combination’s color scheme and factor in texture and growth habits. Pair contrasting colors for impact or similar hues for an easy blend. Vary bloom and foliage color and shapes. Most of all, have fun with the freedom to play and arrange delicious selections.
Thrillers
Built to thrill, container focal points become the heart of the arrangement. Whether standing alone or among unified fillers and spillers, the thrillers become the primary plant for designing the planter. Depending on the balance and layout of your scheme, place them anywhere in the arrangement: in the middle, off-center, or in the back. Use their color and leaf textures to guide other plant choices.
Mandevilla
botanical name Mandevilla spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 6-20’ | |
hardiness zones 9-11 |
You can’t help but notice showy mandevilla, with attractive glossy foliage, standing tall in a container design. Trumpet blooms in red, pink, yellow, and white stand out among rich green leaves on vining stems.
Plants benefit from support like a trellis, obelisk, or arbor. For selections with bushier growth that don’t need support, look for mandevilla’s close relative, Diplodenia. Diplodenia has a fountain of arching foliage and the same tubular flowers in a more compact form.
Mandevilla resists heat, drought, and disease and adapts to various light conditions. It overwinters indoors where not hardy in bright, indirect light.
Pentas
botanical name Pentas lanceolata | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 1-2’ | |
hardiness zones 10-11 |
Pentas thrill not only gardeners but pollinators, too. Their bright, large, nectar-rich bloom clusters are a win for the display. As summer temperatures rise, star-shaped red, pink, lavender, or white flower clusters bloom continuously until frost.
The ‘Butterfly’ series of pentas brings top performers with tall growth and low maintenance needs. ‘Butterfly’ pentas boast extended blooming and varietal colors, including pure white, lavender, rose, and violet. Plants reach 18 to 24 inches tall with loads of flower clusters per plant.
Pentas flower best in full sun, though they tolerate light shade. They’re tough annuals that withstand hot and humid summers and periods of drought. Pentas aren’t a favorite of deer.
Fountain Grass
botanical name Cenchrus setaceus | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 2-4’ | |
hardiness zones 9-11 |
Ornamental grasses bring high textural interest and contrast through their graceful blades and plumes. They move and sway in the arrangement. Different species boast height, color, and hardiness variations, with perennial and annual selections in cultivation.
Perennial grasses and less-hardy varieties can reseed aggressively, so containers are good options. Annual selections include ‘Fireworks,’ which is fast-growing and has deep red, purple, and green blades.
Even though they are a different species, dwarf varieties of fountain grass, like P. alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ (with white plumes) and P. orientale ‘Karley Rose’ (with rose and tawny plumes) make a showy backdrop to other annuals and perennials. Pair these with perennials like echinacea, heliopsis, yarrow, and sedum.
Cleome
botanical name Cleome houtteana | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 2-6’ | |
hardiness zones 10-11 |
Cleome shines as a thriller plant with tall, upright stems lined with delicate, spidery flowers. Long, narrow seed pods emerge after each bloom, adding to the flare.
Cleome lends a loose, informal look with an exotic show of color. Mounding plants like petunia, lantana, and melampodium round out the display and conceal the base of cleome’s spiny stems. Cleome is an easy-care annual with all-season color that’s attractive to pollinators.
‘Sparkler Mix’ is a hybrid blend that is more compact than its old-fashioned parents. This award-winning selection grows three feet tall and free-flowers until fall. The ‘Seniorita series is another suitable container option with a compact form, thornless stems, and no reseeding.
Snapdragons
botanical name Antirrhinum majus | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 6”-3’ | |
hardiness zones 7-10 |
Snapdragons are a classic beauty in the garden. They come in rich colors, from soft pastels to bold shades, and are highly versatile in cool-season arrangements.
Variations in height make snapdragons well-suited to many compositions. Tall and intermediate varieties rise above shorter annuals, while dwarf varieties make good filler options. Showcase snaps with pansies, violas, and greens like Swiss chard and parsley for a full-color display.
This nostalgic garden flower spans the generations. Newer varieties like ‘Twinny Peach’ and ‘Butterfly Bronze’ bring exciting tones and double blooms. Snapdragons grow best in rich, moist, well-drained soils.
Nicotiana
botanical name Nicotiana spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 1-5’ | |
hardiness zones 9-10 |
Nicotiana bursts into bloom with star-shaped trumpet flowers that gently droop among deep green leaves. Red, pink, lime green, and creamy white flowers dazzle from summer through frost. Their sweet fragrance attracts butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
Also called flowering tobacco, nicotiana adds height and unique bloom qualities as the centerpiece of plant pairings. The leafy and floriferous plants are beautiful combined with other airy plants like grasses, gaura, and cleome. Surround plants with contrasting filler and trailers like lantana, fan flower, and sweet potato vine.
For best blooming, nicotiana needs soils rich in organic matter with even moisture and good drainage. In hot summer climates, give nicotiana protection by placing it a spot with afternoon shade.
Agastache
botanical name Agastache spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun | |
height 2-5’ | |
hardiness zones 5-10 |
Agastache is a perennial with fragrant leaves and delicate tubular blooms in riotous colors. The showy bloom spikes rise above gray-green foliage. The trumpets provide a nectar source for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
‘Tutti Frutti’ has tall, berry-red flowers that add color and movement with a fruity fragrance. Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ is a favorite performer that shines in a pot with floriferous lavender-blue bloom spikes.
Agastache is one of the easiest perennials to grow and blooms profusely from summer through frost. It pairs beautifully with other perennials like salvia, echinacea, ornamental grasses, and annuals like coleus and bacopa.
Place agastache containers in a brightly lit spot or partial shade. Ensure pots and soil mixes are well-draining. Cut back spent blooms to enjoy prolific flowering all season.
Heliopsis
botanical name Heliopsis helianthoides | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 2-5’ | |
hardiness zones 3-9 |
Heliopsis, commonly called ox-eye daisy or sunflower, is native to the central and eastern United States. In summer through fall, blooms with fuzzy yellow button centers rise above deep green leaves. Heliopsis has stiff, sturdy stems that grow to five feet. Cultivars with more compact, denser habits make brilliant container options.
‘Tuscan Sun’ and ‘Sunstruck’ are compact varieties that reach two to three feet. They bear a profusion of yellow blooms for a beacon in the arrangement. Pair the bright flowers with yarrow, verbena, agastache, and gaura for a swirling combination.
While heliopsis adapts to various soil conditions, it does best in moist, well-drained soils. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and birds eat the seeds after they bloom.
Dahlia
botanical name Dahlia spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 1-6’ | |
hardiness zones 7-10 |
Dahlias add drama to the summertime garden as stunning specimens and showy cut flowers. From tiny pom poms to large dinner plates, the blooms in various colors and petal arrangements make dahlias a standout.
Pair dahlias with geranium, agastache, salvia, and flowering annuals. They grow best in evenly moist, well-drained soils. While they tolerate partial shade, bright light increases plant vigor and flowering.
In colder climates, dahlias grow well as annuals. Dig tubers and store them in winter for replanting in the spring, or start with fresh plants.
Canna
botanical name Canna spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 1-8’ | |
hardiness zones 6-10 |
Canna lilies add tropical flair as stately centerpieces. Their ruffly, colorful blooms on tall stems and broad-leaved, multi-toned foliage add drama and interest. The flowers range from pale yellow to hot orange and scarlet. Canna leaves are as exciting as the flowers in bright green to deep purple and with striking patterns.
Cannas are rugged beauties and hardy garden performers that withstand dry spells, heat, humidity, and excess moisture.
Fillers
Filler plants create the heft of the potted display. Dynamic flowers and foliage unify the combination while adding contrasting colors or textures for punctuation. Depending on the scale of your display, fillers may compose most of the plant material. They soften the base of the anchor specimen and produce an abundant look. Fillers also stand alone to create a lush singular planting.
Coleus
botanical name Coleus scutellarioides | |
sun requirements Full sun to full shade | |
height 6”-3’ | |
hardiness zones 10-11 |
Coleus brings a tapestry of colorful leaves to the warm-season display. With its adaptability and “filler” habit, coleus is versatile for many garden conditions and endless container-planting combinations.
Depending on the variety, coleus suits both sunny and shady planting areas. The ‘Kong’ series has huge leaves for full shade. The ‘ColorBlaze collection’ offers bright hues that withstand full sun, as do varieties like ‘Inferno,’ ‘Wasabi,’ and ‘Redhead.’
Coleus needs regular water to thrive. Those growing in bright light require more water than those in the shade. Trim leafy stems if plants get leggy, and pinch spiky blooms to promote lush foliage and a tidy appearance.
Fan Flower
botanical name Scaevola aemula | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 8-18” | |
hardiness zones 10-11 |
Scaevola, or fan flower, is a lovely spreading annual that mounds and trails, making it ideal for container edges. Fan-shaped blooms in blue, lavender, pink, and white tip leafy stems.
The cooling pastel tones of scaevola pairs well with vibrant chartreuse and deep purple sweet potato vine. Petunia and calibrachoa make complimentary “trailers.”
Carefree scaevola tolerates heat and drought and is pest-resistant. It grows best in hot, dry conditions. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Plants are “self-cleaning” and don’t need deadheading for continual blooming.
Melampodium
botanical name Melampodium divaricatum | |
sun requirements Full sun | |
height 1-2’ | |
hardiness zones 2-11 |
Melampodium yields bright yellow blooms that cover mounding, velvety green foliage. Also called butter daisy, its gold, ray-petaled flowers appear continuously through summer.
Melampodium is among the easiest annuals to grow. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Plants hold their tidy appearance and bloom profusely without deadheading or pinching. Butter daisy’s abundant flowers attract pollinators, and the seeds offer a food source for songbirds.
Violas
botanical name Viola spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 6” | |
hardiness zones 1-10 |
Violas are a cheery, cold-hardy addition to cool-season containers. Their petite blooms in numerous colors complement a variety of thriller and spiller selections. A compact form makes them easy to tuck into pockets for added color and texture,
The Viola genus includes Johnny jump-ups (synonymous with violas) and pansies. Pansies boast larger flowers in almost endless shades and color combinations. Both pansies and violas have happy bloom “faces” to delight planting arrangements.
Violas grow easily in well-drained soils. Deadheading is less necessary than with pansies, but it does help to encourage new blooms. Grow them with snapdragons for a stunning cool-weather display. Keep them shaded during hot summers.
Sweet Alyssum
botanical name Lobularia maritima | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 3-10” | |
hardiness zones 5-9 |
Like violas, sweet alyssum is a small plant perfect for filling gaps in potted designs. In spring and fall, globes of white pincushion blooms cover the plants. Its sweet fragrance and numerous flowers add a burst of snow white and attract pollinators.
Use sweet alyssum in pastel color schemes and to brighten up dark compositions. It contrasts red, purple, and blue beautifully.
Sweet alyssum grows best in well-drained soils. In the heat of summer, plants may turn yellow and fade to resume blooming with cooler temperatures. Treat them as cool-season annuals for spring or fall pots in hot southern climates.
Impatiens
botanical name Impatiens spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to full shade | |
height 6-24”’ | |
hardiness zones 10-11 |
Impatiens create billowy mounds of soft flowers in a rainbow of colors, from delicate pastels to neon hues. Whether classic shade-loving varieties or more sun-tolerant New Guinea or Sunpatiens selections, impatiens make exceptional “fillers.”
All impatiens require organically rich soils and consistent moisture throughout the hot summer. Walleriana impatiens, the classic shade-loving bloomers, benefit from partial to full shade.
Catmint
botanical name Nepeta spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun | |
height 1-3’ | |
hardiness zones 3-8 |
Catmint bridges the herb and perennial garden with soft, fragrant, edible leaves. Pillows of mounding gray-green foliage give way to prolific purple bloom spikes covered with small, tubular flowers.
Low-growing varieties like ‘Cat’s Meow’ and ‘Junior Walker’ grow well in containers. They give pots a full, soft, rounded appearance. Nepeta is attractive potted alone or paired with sedum, salvias, and ornamental grasses.
Durable and versatile, catmint thrives with a bit of neglect. Grow it in a bright or filtered light spot, and enjoy the busy pollinators visiting each flower for nectar. Deadhead spent flower spikes or shear the plant in mid-summer to encourage new blooms.
Coral Bells
botanical name Heuchera spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 1-2’ | |
hardiness zones 3-9 |
Heuchera, or coral bells, have dynamic, mottled foliage in green, purple, bronze, black, red, or orange. Their showy leaves are deeply lobed for a broad texture and exciting color.
Coral bells make gorgeous “filler” options with high contrast. In addition to the bold foliage, delicate bloom sprays in pinks, corals, and reds rise in summer. Pair them with other light shade growers like dahlia, pansies, or fountain grass for a striking combination of multi-season foliage and flowers. For a twist on the potted display in the spring, underplant with tulips and daffodils.
Heuchera needs rich, organic soils in well-draining raised beds. They grow best in partial shade.
Yarrow
botanical name Achillea millefolium | |
sun requirements Full sun | |
height 1-3’ | |
hardiness zones 3-9 |
Yarrow has feathery foliage and colorful, flat-topped flower clusters that entice pollinators. The wispy gray-green leaves and vibrant blooms combine well with coleus, fountain grass, agastache, heliopsis, and zinnia.
There are various cultivars of yarrow, ranging in size and color. ‘Crazy Little Thing’ is a pink-blooming dazzler in dwarf form, ideal for filling pots. A tall, upright yarrow becomes a “thriller” to anchor the arrangement.
Yarrow is a rugged, low-maintenance perennial. It flourishes in high heat, and well-draining soil.
Sedum
botanical name Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ AUTUMN JOY | |
sun requirements Full sun | |
height 18-24” | |
hardiness zones 3-10 |
Sedum fills the potted display with pads of succulent leaves for versatile interest. ‘Autumn Joy’ has tiny, star-like flowers that emerge in large pink clusters in early fall. They gradually become deep rose-red, fading to copper as they mature. The flat flower heads rise above gray-green, mounding leaves.
This late bloomer brings unique color and texture across multiple seasons. The broad leaves accent summer bloomers and foliage interests like salvias, coleus, and ornamental grasses.
Sedums are drought-tolerant succulents, and well-draining soil is essential. For best growth, place containers in full sun with a bit of shade protection from the afternoon sun. Butterflies enjoy the late-season flower as a food source.
Spillers
Plants that trail and cascade soften edges and add vertical interest. They often vary in texture or color to complement the arrangement with striking foliage and flowers. Even one “spiller” adds dimension to the display.
Sweet Potato Vine
botanical name Ipomoea batatas | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 6-10’ | |
hardiness zones 9-11 |
Ornamental sweet potato vine is a classic “trailer” with broad leaves in lime, purple-black, or pink variegation. Its long stems cascade to spill over containers.
Sweet potato vines are unfussy and tolerate hot and dry spells. The lush leaves wilt in intense heat and rejuvenate with regular water and evening temperatures. If vines get rangey, trim them to promote fullness and new growth.
‘Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Lime’ is beautiful in summer containers with heart-shaped leaves in bright green. Its compact habit won’t sprawl or compete with other plants. ‘Tricolor,’ with mint green leaves splashed with creamy white and lilac pink, is another contained grower. ‘Blackie’ features deeply lobed purple-black foliage for supreme contrast.
Verbena
botanical name Verbena spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun | |
height 6-18” | |
hardiness zones 7-11 |
Annual verbena is ideal for mounding and gently trailing. Its clusters of small, star-shaped flowers tip the ends of dark, leafy stems. Blooms range from soft white, blue, and pink to vivid red, magenta, and violet hues.
‘EnduraScape’ verbena grows and blooms on summer’s hottest days while tolerating cooler fall and spring temperatures for an extended bloom season. Plants grow 8 to 12 inches tall in striking dark purple, blue, and delicate pink varieties.
Verbena tolerates bright sun and drying out between waterings, but it appreciates regular water for best blooming. Trim verbena if it gets leggy to rejuvenate growth.
Petunia
botanical name Petunia spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 6”-2’ | |
hardiness zones 2-11 |
Petunias may be the quintessential “spiller” plant. Their bloom-packed stems mound and cascade from pots and hanging baskets. Single, double, or ruffled flowers in all color shades emerge from summer to frost.
Petunias are classified based on bloom type and growth habit. ‘Grandiflora’ has the largest flowers, while multiflora blooms are smaller but more prolific. ‘Milliflora’ is a dwarf variety with miniature flowers. Cascading types are fast-growing, spreading plants that quickly fill an area.
Petunias thrive in full sun and tolerate dappled afternoon shade. For Southern gardens, try an improved variety that withstands heat and humidity, like ‘Supertunia Vista Bubblegum’ or ‘Mini Indigo.’ Wave varieties are cascading petunias with sound performance in various climates.
Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
botanical name Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 2-4” | |
hardiness zones 10-12 |
Add dichondra to the mix for a draping splash of silver. Small, rounded leaves line silvery stems that trail and hang, forming a soft stream of color. The powdery gray tones complement any color scheme, from greens and whites to bold reds and purples.
While dichondra only reaches about four inches high, fast-growing runners reach three to four feet long. Give plants a trim to sculpt them into shape.
‘Silver Falls’ thrives in full sun and tolerates dappled shade. It handles heat and humidity without flinching.
Bacopa
botanical name Chaenostoma cordatum | |
sun requirements Partial shade | |
height 3-6” | |
hardiness zones 9-11 |
Bacopa is a bright trailing accent in a compact form. Its cheery, flat-petaled white, blue, purple, or pink flowers are small but abundant. Flowers dot stems continuously from spring through frost.
Bacopa is a carefree annual that grows mostly in partial shade. It maintains prolific blooming and a tidy appearance without deadheading or pinching.
Bacopa is tough, but it fades in extreme heat or dryness. Look for heat-resistant varieties like ‘Tried and True’ or ‘MegaCopa,’ with more prominent blooms. Bacopa thrives in organically rich, evenly moist soils, tolerating drying between waterings.
Licorice Plant
botanical name Helichrysum petiolara | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 1-2” | |
hardiness zones 9-11 |
Licorice plant creates a burst of silvery sprigs on the edge of the arrangement. It has petite silver-flocked leaves along spreading stems. You may catch a hint of its licorice scent in warm summer temperatures.
An annual for most gardeners, the licorice plant is a tender perennial in mild climates. It overwinters indoors where it’s not hardy. Plants are invasive in parts of coastal California.
Soils with good drainage are essential to these succulent plants. They tolerate poor soils as long as they’re well-draining. Overly wet conditions cause fungal diseases like root rot.
Trailing Lantana
botanical name Lantana montevidensis | |
sun requirements Full sun | |
height 1-2’ | |
hardiness zones 8-10 |
Trailing lantana is among the most vigorous and colorful “spiller” selections. It flourishes in high heat with little gardener intervention. Stems cascade stiffly with rounded bloom clusters in a riot of colors.
Lantana montevidensis, or trailing lantana, has light purple flowers with white centers and yellow throats. ‘Luscious Grape’ and ‘Lavender Swirl’ are vigorous varieties. ‘Alba’ has bright white flowers.
Spreading lantanas like the hybrid ‘Confetti’ in vivid pinks, golds, and oranges spills beautifully. L. camara ‘Samantha’ brings a low, spreading habit with yellow blooms and green and yellow variegated leaves.
Lantana grows well in containers in upright and trailing forms. Err on the dry side between watering sessions.
Golden Creeping Jenny
botanical name Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 2-4” | |
hardiness zones 3-8 |
Golden creeping Jenny brings a pop of lime to the display. It features rounded leaves in chartreuse that dot trailing stems. The look is lush and vibrant, with long, flat stems suspended from arrangements.
If you’re unsure which “spiller” to incorporate, this one is a good choice. Its bright color beautifully highlights deeper foliage and suits almost any composition. The delicate form won’t overshadow other plantings.
‘Aurea’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. It shows gold tones in sunnier spots and is more lime in shadier zones. Leaves become brassy or blanched in too much sun. If you live in regions of North America where this plant is invasive, opt for another spiller.
Lobelia
botanical name Lobelia erinus | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 4-18” | |
hardiness zones 2-11 |
Lobelia is a versatile annual in combinations because of its “filler” and “spiller” qualities. It has a rounded form that gently overflows the rim of the pot. Dainty tubular blooms in bright blues and whites cover gray-green leaves from late spring through frost.
Lobelia blooms best with morning sun and protection from intense afternoon rays. In hot climates, look for heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Techno Heat Dark Blue’ for longer blooming during the summer heat. Lobelia grows best in moderate climates.
Trim plants after each bloom period to encourage successive flushes. Lobelia thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soils.
Fuchsia
botanical name Fuchsia spp. | |
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade | |
height 1-3’ | |
hardiness zones 6-11 |
Fuchsia features dangling ornamental blooms on gracefully arching stems. White, pink, red, magenta, purple, and bicolor flowers suspend and bob delicately, aerial ornaments among trailing branches.
‘Dark Eyes’ is a trailing fuchsia with deep red and purple flowers. ‘Swingtime’ boasts double blooms in red and ivory tones. Plants fill a basket as a single specimen or as accents with a long bloom season.
Fuchsia needs bright, indirect light to thrive, even in shady conditions. Grow plants in rich soils with regular moisture. Once established, they’re somewhat drought-tolerant.