February 14th, 2023

Thriller, Filler, Spiller: A Guide to Designing Stunning Container Gardens 

At Berry’s Greenhouses, we pride ourselves on providing all three components of the popular container gardening design principle: thriller, filler, and spiller. Whether you have a small balcony or a large patio, container gardens are a great way to add a touch of green to your clients outdoor space. With one stop shop @ Berry’s, you can easily create a beautiful and functional garden using the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” concept.

What is Thriller, Filler, Spiller Concept?

The “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” concept is a simple and effective design principle for creating stunning container gardens. It involves selecting three types of plants: thriller, filler, and spiller. Thriller plants are the showstopper centerpiece that provide the “wow” factor in the garden. Filler plants are used to fill the container and create a backdrop for the other plants, and spiller plants are used to create a cascading effect over the sides of the container.

Why Does the Concept Work?

The “Thriller Filler, Spiller” concept works because it balances the plants’ height, texture, and color in the container. Filler plants are typically shorter and have a full, bushy habit, which creates a backdrop for the other plants. Spiller plants add movement and texture to the container by spilling over the sides, and thriller plants provide height and visual interest, drawing the eye to the center of the container. By combining these three types of plants, you can create a container garden that is visually appealing and well-balanced.

Choosing the Correct Plants 

When selecting thriller plants, look for plants that will provide height and visual interest. Thriller plants should be the centerpiece of the container garden, so choose a plant with a bold habit, bright color, or interesting texture. Some popular thriller plants include Mandevilla, Alocasia, or any flowering or evergreen topiary.

For filler plants, look for plants that have a full, bushy habit and will fill the container without overpowering the other plants. Some popular filler plants for Summer include Begonias, Petunias, and Dipladenia.

And for your spiller plants, look for plants that will trail over the sides of the container, adding movement and texture. Some popular spiller plants include trailing Mezoo, Scaevola and Verbena.

Designing Your Container Garden

At Berry’s , we grow over 300 different varieties of annuals and offer an extensive line of Tropicals for all your “Thriller, Filler Spiller” needs. Consider each plant’s height, color, and texture when designing your container garden. Start by choosing a thriller plant and planting it in the center of the container, then add filler plants around the thriller, making sure to choose plants that will fill the container without overpowering the thriller. Finally, add spiller plants around the container’s edges, ensuring that they will trail over the sides.

When selecting plants, consider the color and texture of each plant, and choose plants that complement each other. For example, you might choose a yellow thriller plant, a green filler plant, and a purple spiller plant. This will create a container garden that is visually appealing and well-balanced. We can’t wait to see you and see your beautiful creations soon!  And remember, we are Wholesale Only, ask your favorite retailer or landscaper for Berry’s plants!