Creating a Foolproof Planter

Creating a Foolproof Planter

You’ve heard about it.. the simple three ingredient recipe to making a beautiful planter; a thriller, a filler and a spiller. But what does that mean? We’re going to break it down for you and give you some options available this spring at Colorful Seasons. Let’s jump into it!

Thriller: A tall, upright plant that adds height and drama.

Filler: Mounding or bushy plants that fill the middle ground and provides volume.

Spiller: Trailing plants that cascade over the edges, adding softness and movement.

Before choosing your plants, here are some things to consider

• Location: Choose the location of your planter first. Then, pay attention to the sun and wind it will get. You can create a beautiful planter, but if the elements aren’t right it won’t flourish. Also keep in mind your water source.. how close are you to a hose or water?
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your plants room to breathe and grow. It might look a little sparse initially, but they will fill in over time and you will be happier with the results over the course of the summer.
• Think About Texture and Color: Play with different leaf shapes, sizes, and colors to create visual interest. Don’t be afraid to mix contrasting hues!
• Things you’ll need:
  • A good pot! Drainage is KEY. Ensure your pot has a drainage hole or drill one yourself.
  • Potting soil. While it’s temping to just grab some dirt from the garden it will hinder drainage and harm your planting. Dirt gets heavy when wet and impedes drainage and aeration. You can purchase a 20LB bag of potting soil at our garden center for right around $10. It’s worth the investment.
  • Base filler. If you have large pot consider filling the bottom portion with material other than potting soil. This could include cinder blocks or paving stones (great for those wishing to create more weight and ensure stability) crushed pop cans, cut up pool noodles, newspaper, plastic bottles or packing peanuts.
  • Another $10 investment that will serve you well. A bottle of fertilizer should last you all summer.

Thrillers:

• Cannas add dramatic beauty and a tropical flair. Cannas rebloom through the summer.
• Grasses are a classic thriller.
  • Purple Fountain Grass for full to part sun
  • King Tut is a great option for shade
• Angelonia blooms continuously throughout the summer and comes in shades of pink, blue, purple and white.
• Salvia continually blooms, keeping consistent color in your planter all summer long.

Fillers:

• Sun Coleus are a favorite filler. They have incredible foliage and color combinations that make it very versatile. Red, orange, red and lime, dark burgundy.. and the list goes on!
• Dragon Wing Begonias are great for partial shade. We have red and pink colors that will be complimentary to almost any planting.
• Sun Patiens! These plants resemble impatiens but they are larger with bigger blooms and foliage and can tolerate sun. They have a beautiful dark leaf that contrasts against their vibrant flower color.
• Supertunias are another popular choice.. and come in any color you might like! They bloom continuously and do not need to be deadheaded.
• Calibrachoa (Million Bells or Super Bells) are kinda like Supertunias little sister. They look much like a Petunia, come in an array of beautiful colors but have smaller blooms and foliage.

Spillers:

• Lysimachia (Goldilocks or Creeping Jenny) is another great option for shade to part shade. Their lime green color and perky vines are incredible!
• Vinca Vines have long vines with variegated leaves, offer dimension and interest to a more simple planting.
• Ivys such as German Ivy and Wax Leaf Variegated provide a classic look with their delicate leaf form with glossy green foliage.
• Sweet Potato Vines come in a variety of shades including dark green, lime, burgundy and variegated. Their large, graceful, trailing leaves make them an easy choice.
• Mezzo is a hidden gem! This trailing succulent offers green and white variegated leaves with a small red daisy like flower. A beautiful and unique option.
• Dichondra (Silver Falls) likes full to partial sun and offers soft silver leaves on silver stems.

Assembly and ongoing care

Fill your pots with filler (if needed) and potting soil. Then arrange your plants on the soil surface to visualize your design. Will your pot be set against your house or visible from all sides? Consider this before planting. Place the “thriller” towards the back or center, the “fillers” around it, and the “spillers” near the edges. Fill in the remaining space with potting mix, gently firming the soil around the plants. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot!

To keep your planter looking it best use a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks or a slow-release fertilizer according to the product instructions. Deadhead regularly, remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and keep your planter looking tidy all summer long.