Best Cold-Tolerant Plants for Spring Container Gardens

The weather may be unpredictable, but you can count on these resilient plants to thrive. 

 Right after the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter, we saw temperatures near the 70s in February. But as New Englanders know all too well, false Spring will come and go (and come and go and come and go). You’ll want to ensure your spring container gardens handle the temperature swings.

 Truthfully, unpredictable weather can put stress on a lot of plants. But just like humans, some plants can handle stress better than others.

 Planting cold-hardy plants in spring container gardens before spring arrives is a great way to ensure a beautiful flower garden come springtime. Just make sure to watch the nighttime temperatures, because these plants may be cold hardy, but they can’t tolerate much below freezing!

 Here are our tips for choosing the best cold-tolerant plants for your spring container gardens.

  1. Forced Bulbs

We know the word “forced” sounds like a lot of work, but don’t let it scare you. Forcing bulbs is simply the process of speeding up a bulb’s growth. You’re essentially tricking your plants into blooming like its spring before it is spring. And we’ve taken care of that process for you by forcing our bulbs to the perfect stage you need for planting.

  1. Annuals

You want to start planting your spring container gardens about two months before the end of the frost season, which typically ranges between April and May in New England. If you’re looking for a cold-tolerant annual that can handle bouts of below-freezing temperatures, we recommend:

  • Pansy/Violas
  • Alyssum/Lobularia
  • Nemesia
  • Osteospermum
  • Ranunculus
  • Primula
  • Stock, and 
  • Senetti Pericallis

 Spring container gardens are usually only out for eight weeks before summer temperatures get too warm for them to thrive. With that said, you don’t need to give the plants a ton of wiggle room in your pot! Don’t be afraid to plant them close together to give your pot a bountiful appearance.

  1. Perennials

Despite their dainty exterior, perennials are known for being tough as nails when it comes to enduring the elements. If you’re planting a spring container garden, we suggest checking out:

  • Hellebore
  • Dianthus
  • Lamium
  • Erica Heather
  • Heuchera

 Hellebore may be the most cold-tolerant, able to withstand temperatures below zero (although let’s hope they won’t have to). Dianthus can also tolerate light frost, and Lamium practically thrives in cold and shady conditions, making them a great addition to your container garden.

  At Berry’s, we grow over 300 different varieties of annuals and have a variety of cold-hardy plants for your spring container garden needs. We’re happy to supply the best plants that are not only weather-tolerant but visually appealing to help beautify your home.

And remember, we’re wholesale only — be sure to ask your favorite retailer or landscaper for Berry’s plants!

Thriller, Filler, Spiller

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!

Spring

For this Spring container done by Kim Hexamer from Petals & Branches, Kim used Pussy Willow branches, Daffodils and Hellebore for the Thriller, Pansies and Violas for the Spiller and Lamium for the Spiller. 

Summer

And for this Summer container, Kim used a Mandevilla Teepee for the Thriller, Angelonia and Sunpatiens for the Filler and Verbena for the Spiller. Fabulous!