A well-designed container garden transforms any space—a front porch, balcony, patio, or even an indoor corner—into a lush, eye-catching display. But what makes a container truly stand out? The Thriller, Filler, and Spiller planting method is a tried-and-true formula that creates stunning, balanced, and dynamic plant arrangements.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to combine plants like a pro, using this simple yet effective approach to design beautiful mixed plant containers that thrive all season long!

What Are Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers?

This three-part planting strategy ensures your container garden has height, volume, and cascading beauty.

🌟 Thrillers – The bold, tall, statement-making plant that draws the eye.
🌿 Fillers – Medium-sized plants that create fullness and support the Thriller.
🌾 Spillers – Trailing plants that soften edges and cascade over the sides.

💡 Why It Works: This design method mimics natural garden layering, creating a balanced, lush, and professional look.

Choosing the Right Container

Before planting, pick a container that complements your design:

✔ Size – Choose a pot large enough to support root growth (at least 12 inches wide).
✔ Drainage – Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent soggy roots.
✔ Material – Clay, ceramic, plastic, or wood—all work well but affect watering needs.

🌿 Tip: Use a high-quality potting mix, not garden soil, for better drainage and aeration.

Thrillers: The Star of the Show

🌟 Thrillers are the centerpiece of your container—tall, bold, and dramatic.

Best Thriller Plants

✔ Ornamental Grasses – Pampas grass, Fountain grass, Purple millet
✔ Tall Flowers – Cannas, Salvia, Dahlias, Snapdragons
✔ Tropical Plants – Elephant Ears, Bananas, Red-leaf Cordyline
✔ Shrubs & Small Trees – Dwarf Hydrangea, Boxwood, Japanese Maple

🌿 Planting Tip: Place the Thriller at the center of round pots or at the back of rectangular containers for maximum impact.

Fillers: The Supporting Cast

🌿 Fillers add volume and texture, making the arrangement look full and lush.

Best Filler Plants

✔ Flowering Fillers – Petunias, Geraniums, Begonias, Coleus
✔ Leafy Fillers – Caladium, Dusty Miller, Heuchera (Coral Bells)
✔ Herbs – Lavender, Basil, Thyme (for an edible arrangement)

🌿 Planting Tip: Space Fillers evenly around the Thriller for a balanced look.

Spillers: The Finishing Touch

🌾 Spillers soften the container edges, adding movement and charm.

Best Spiller Plants

✔ Trailing Flowers – Sweet Alyssum, Lobelia, Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
✔ Vines – Ivy, Creeping Jenny, Black-eyed Susan Vine
✔ Cascading Foliage – Dichondra ‘Silver Falls,’ Tradescantia, Nasturtiums

🌿 Planting Tip: Position Spillers around the pot’s edges so they can gracefully drape over the sides.

5 Stunning Thriller-Filler-Spiller Combinations

Need inspiration? Try these gorgeous container recipes!

🌞 1. Sunny Summer Blooms (Full Sun)

🌟 Thriller: Red Canna Lily
🌿 Fillers: Yellow Petunias, Orange Marigolds
🌾 Spillers: Trailing Purple Verbena

🌿 2. Lush & Tropical (Partial Sun)

🌟 Thriller: Elephant Ear (Colocasia)
🌿 Fillers: Coleus, Caladium (bright foliage)
🌾 Spillers: Creeping Jenny (chartreuse green leaves)

🍃 3. Elegant & Neutral (Shade-Loving)

🌟 Thriller: Japanese Painted Fern
🌿 Fillers: White Impatiens, Heuchera (Coral Bells)
🌾 Spillers: Silver Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’

🌸 4. Pollinator Paradise (Bee & Butterfly Friendly)

🌟 Thriller: Purple Salvia
🌿 Fillers: Pink Zinnias, Orange Lantana
🌾 Spillers: Trailing Blue Lobelia

🌿 5. Edible Beauty (Herbs & Vegetables in a Pot)

🌟 Thriller: Rosemary (Upright Variety)
🌿 Fillers: Basil, Thyme, Nasturtiums
🌾 Spillers: Strawberries, Trailing Oregano

Planting & Care Tips for Thrillers, Fillers & Spillers

🌱 Step 1: Prepare the Container

  • Fill the pot ¾ full with well-draining potting mix.

  • Mix in slow-release fertilizer for long-term nutrients.

🌿 Step 2: Arrange & Plant

  • Plant the Thriller first (center or back).

  • Add Fillers around the Thriller, spacing evenly.

  • Position Spillers along the edges to cascade over.

💦 Step 3: Water & Maintain

  • Water deeply but avoid soggy soil (check moisture with your finger).

  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

  • Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with liquid plant food.

  • Rotate containers for even sunlight exposure.

🌿 Tip: In hot climates, water containers daily, especially for sun-loving plants!

Final Thoughts

Using the Thriller, Filler, Spiller method makes designing container gardens easy and visually stunning. With the right plant choices and care, your pots will be lush, balanced, and thriving all season long!

🌸 Which combination will you try? Share your favorite plant picks in the comments below!