Transform your patio, garden, or entryway into a colorful oasis with large outdoor containers filled with lush, blooming flowers. Using the tried-and-true “thriller, filler, spiller” method, these arrangements are designed to be showstoppers. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create five unique container gardens that will bring vibrancy and joy to your summer space.
1. Tropical Paradise: A Bold and Lush Statement
Bring the tropics to your backyard with vivid colors and dramatic foliage.
You’ll Need:
- Thriller: 1 Canna Lily (choose varieties like ‘Tropicanna’ for striped foliage and orange-red blooms)
- Filler: 2-3 Coleus plants (look for ‘Kong Rose’ or bright lime varieties)
- Spiller: 2 Sweet Potato Vines (chartreuse ‘Margarita’ and deep purple ‘Blackie’)
- Container: A tall, wide planter in a neutral or terracotta tone.
How to Assemble:
- Start with the canna lily: Place it slightly off-center in the container for a natural, layered look. This plant will add height and drama.
- Add the coleus: Surround the base of the canna lily with coleus plants, ensuring their bright leaves are evenly spaced. Their vivid foliage will create a lush, full look.
- Finish with sweet potato vine: Tuck the vines around the edges of the container. Allow them to trail over the sides to soften the overall design.
- Water thoroughly and place in a sunny spot.
Style Tip: Use pots with earthy textures to enhance the tropical vibe.
2. Cottage Charm: Romantic and Timeless
A dreamy arrangement that’s as classic as a summer garden in full bloom.
You’ll Need:
- Thriller: 3 Delphinium or Snapdragons (soft blue, purple, or pink varieties)
- Filler: 2 Geraniums (bright pink or red) and 2 Dusty Miller plants
- Spiller: 2 Trailing Bacopa or Lobelia (white or blue)
- Container: A weathered stone or whitewashed pot.
How to Assemble:
- Plant the delphiniums: Position them at the back of the container for vertical height.
- Add the geraniums and dusty miller: Nestle these medium-height plants around the delphiniums, alternating between pops of geranium color and the silvery softness of dusty miller.
- Finish with the spillers: Tuck trailing bacopa or lobelia around the edges of the container, letting them cascade naturally.
- Water thoroughly and place in a location with partial to full sun.
Style Tip: Pair this arrangement with vintage patio furniture or a garden bench for the ultimate cottage charm.
3. Sunset Glow: Vibrant and Warm
Evoke the magic of a summer evening with fiery hues and cascading greenery.
You’ll Need:
- Thriller: 2 Dahlia plants (in coral, orange, or fiery red tones)
- Filler: 3 Petunias or Calibrachoa (in yellow, peach, and orange)
- Spiller: 2 Creeping Jenny plants (lime green)
- Container: A rustic wooden barrel or copper planter.
How to Assemble:
- Place the dahlias: Position these bold flowers at the center of the container for maximum impact.
- Surround with petunias: Arrange them in a circular pattern around the dahlias, alternating colors to create a soft gradient.
- Add Creeping Jenny: Plant this trailing foliage along the edges, letting its bright green vines spill down the sides.
- Water thoroughly and place in full sun.
Style Tip: Position this arrangement near an outdoor fire pit or seating area to amplify its warm hues in the evening light.
4. Monochromatic Elegance: Sophisticated and Simple
A soothing palette of purples, silvers, and greens creates a modern, calming vibe.
You’ll Need:
- Thriller: 1 Purple Fountain Grass
- Filler: 2 Supertunia Bordeaux or Angelonia (soft lavender-purple blooms)
- Spiller: 2 Silver Falls Dichondra (silvery-gray cascading foliage)
- Container: A sleek, dark planter with clean lines.
How to Assemble:
- Start with the purple fountain grass: Place it in the center of the container to anchor the arrangement.
- Add the filler flowers: Surround the grass with the petunias or angelonia, creating a lush base.
- Finish with Silver Falls Dichondra: Position these cascading plants evenly around the edges for soft, trailing accents.
- Water thoroughly and place in partial to full sun.
Style Tip: Pair this arrangement with modern outdoor furniture for a minimalist look.
5. Pollinator’s Delight: A Burst of Cheerful Colors
A bright, lively container that invites butterflies and bees to your garden.
You’ll Need:
- Thriller: 2-3 Dwarf Sunflowers
- Filler: 3 Zinnias (in hot pink, orange, and yellow)
- Spiller: 2 Trailing Verbena (in magenta or purple)
- Container: A cheerful yellow or bright ceramic pot.
How to Assemble:
- Plant the sunflowers: Position them at the back of the container to give the arrangement height.
- Add the zinnias: Nestle these colorful blooms around the base of the sunflowers.
- Include the trailing verbena: Let the verbena cascade over the sides for a whimsical touch.
- Water thoroughly and place in a sunny spot.
Style Tip: Add a decorative butterfly stake or bee ornament to enhance the pollinator theme.
Final Tips for Success
- Choose the right soil: Use high-quality potting soil designed for containers.
- Feed and water regularly: Summer flowers need consistent watering and fertilizer to thrive.
- Prune for health: Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Consider sunlight needs: Be sure to place each container in a spot that matches the sunlight requirements of the plants.
By following these simple steps, you’ll create arrangements that are not only beautiful but also bring life and joy to your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re going for tropical flair, romantic charm, or vibrant cheer, there’s a container garden here to suit every style. Happy planting!
