Planter Design Made Simple: Spillers, Thrillers & Fillers

Written By breanna sommerville

A beautiful planter can do more than just brighten a porch or patio—it sets the tone for the whole season. Whether you're welcoming guests to your front door or adding a little life to your backyard retreat, a thoughtfully planted container brings personality, color, and charm to any outdoor space.

At our Garden Market, we’ve made designing your own planters as easy and enjoyable as a Saturday stroll through the greenhouse. We’ve grouped everything by light needs and the classic planting trio—Spillers, Thrillers, and Fillers—so you can mix and match with confidence.

The Thrillers

These are your statement makers—the tall, bold plants that catch your eye first. Think of them as the centerpiece of your arrangement. Thrillers can be anything from elegant grasses to upright flowers like salvia or spikes.

For sunny spots, try:

  • Salvia

  • Zinnias

  • Geraniums

  • Dahlias

  • Canna Lilies

For shadier spaces, go for:

  • Coleus (upright varieties)

  • Huchera

  • Impatiens planted densely

The Fillers

These plants are the supporting cast. They fill in around your thriller, adding texture and volume. Fillers help your planter feel full and lush, with soft mounding or rounded shapes.

Loves the sun:

  • Lantana

  • Verbena

  • Petunias

  • Bidens

  • Snap Dragon

Thrives in shade:

  • Begonias

  • Browallia

  • Lamium

The Spillers

Last but not least, spillers cascade over the edge of your container, softening the lines and adding a relaxed, finished look. They're the graceful final touch.

Sun-loving spillers:

  • Sweet Potato Vine

  • Bacopa

  • Million Bells (Calibrachoa)

  • Ivy geranium

Shade-tolerant picks:

  • Creeping Jenny

  • Wire Vine

  • Torenia

  • Vinca

  • Ajuga

Planter Pro Tips

  • Sun vs. Shade: Always check your location before planting. A sun-loving plant won’t thrive in deep shade, and vice versa. Our greenhouse is clearly organized by light needs, so you’ll find exactly what you need without the guesswork.

  • Mix Textures: Great planters don’t just play with color—they play with texture, too. Pair velvety foliage with glossy greens, feathery grasses with big bold blooms, or delicate trailers with chunky, structured leaves.

  • Container size: Don’t be afraid to go big. Larger containers hold moisture better and give your plants room to grow.

  • Color palettes: Keep it cohesive. Choose two or three colors and build around them—greens, whites, and purples are a timeless combo.

Come See Us!

Birchwood greenhouse (where our annuals live) is beautifully organized by Spillers, Thrillers, and Fillers—and also by Sun vs. Shade, making it easy to mix, match, and create with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, we’ve got everything you need to bring your vision to life.

And don’t forget—annuals are 20% off through June 8th, so it’s a great time to stock up, get inspired, and bring a little extra beauty to your outdoor spaces.

breanna sommerville
Next

Timeless Beauty for Every Season: Landscaping with Iseli Conifers & Maples