How do I create visual impact in container arrangements?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Developing gorgeous container arrangements begins with the thriller filler spiller process. This design methodology achieves visual interest through the layering of plant material. You can achieve professional-quality results in even the smallest urban areas. We focus on height, texture, and color combinations.
Thriller Plants
- Purpose: Create vertical interest as focal points
- Examples: Purple Fountain Grass or Cordyline for dramatic height
- Placement: Center or back of container depending on view angle
- Care: Minimal pruning needed just remove dead leaves
Filler Plants
- Role: Provide volume and color at mid level
- Examples: Coleus or Begonias with vibrant foliage
- Placement: Surround thriller base filling empty spaces
- Care: Pinch back to maintain compact bushy shape
Spiller Plants
- Function: Soften edges with cascading growth
- Examples: Sweet Potato Vine or Lobelia trailing varieties
- Placement: Container perimeter spilling over sides
- Care: Trim long runners to encourage branching
Combining textures adds visual interest beyond colors. Pair feathery grasses and large leaf begonia. Include succulents for a hard texture, contrasting the soft trailing plants. I particularly love lamb's ear. The velvety silver leaves provide a perfect backdrop for the glossy ivy that spills out.
Seasonally adjust arrangements by swapping summer thrillers out for ornamental kale in the fall. Swap spring bulbs to summer annuals in no time. Rotate fillers every quarter to keep them blooming continuously. This preserves visual impact year-round without design rework every season.
The selection of containers has an impact on your design. Bright pots showcase dark foliage, while glazed ceramics add dimension to a vibrant floral display. I personally gravitate towards neutral or workhorse pots, allowing the plant to take center stage. Always ensure the pots have drainage holes that are suitable for the plant's material and watering regimen.
Read the full article: 10 Best Plants for Containers
