How to Create Stunning Container Gardens
Container gardens offer flexibility that in-ground planting can't match. Use the planner below to estimate costs for your containers.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours per container
Cost
$60-$150 per container
Difficulty
Easy
Container Garden Planner
Container Size
Number of Containers
2 large containers flanking a door is most popular
Sun Exposure
Your Shopping List
Plants Needed (Thriller-Filler-Spiller)
2
Thrillers
6
Fillers
6
Spillers
14 plants total
~$96 per container
The Magic Thriller-Filler-Spiller Formula
This three-part formula creates containers that look professionally designed, not randomly planted. It works every time because it combines height, fullness, and movement.
Thriller - The Focal Point
One tall, dramatic plant in the center that draws the eye
Examples: Spike plant, ornamental grass, canna lily, cordyline, tall coleus
Filler - The Supporting Cast
Medium-height plants that fill space around thriller
Examples: Petunias, impatiens, begonias, geraniums, coleus (shorter varieties)
Spiller - The Finishing Touch
Trailing plants that cascade over container edges
Examples: Sweet potato vine, trailing petunias, ivy, lobelia, bacopa
Pro Tip: Use odd numbers of filler plants (3, 5, or 7) for the most natural look. Plant fillers evenly around the thriller, then tuck spillers between them around the edges.
Choosing the Perfect Container
Size Matters
Bigger containers make bigger impact and require less frequent watering. Minimum 18 inches in diameter; 20-24 inches is ideal for substantial plantings.
Material Selection
Best Materials
- •Fiberglass: Lightweight, frost-proof, many styles
- •Resin: Affordable, durable, lightweight
- •Glazed ceramic: Beautiful but heavy and can crack in freeze
Avoid or Use Carefully
- ×Terra cotta: Cracks in freeze, dries out fast
- ×Concrete: Very heavy, hard to move
- ×Metal: Heats up in sun, can cook roots
Critical: Drainage holes are non-negotiable. No drainage = root rot and dead plants within weeks. If you find the perfect pot without drainage, drill holes (1/2" drill bit works for most materials).
Maintenance for Long-Lasting Beauty
Watering
Check daily in hot weather. When top 2 inches of soil are dry, water until it drains from bottom. Consider drip irrigation or self-watering inserts for vacation periods.
Fertilizing
Container plants need regular feeding. Use water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks, or add slow-release granules at planting (lasts 3-4 months).
Deadheading
Remove spent blooms weekly to encourage more flowering. Pinch back leggy growth to maintain shape.
Ready for the Next Step?
Now that you've mastered container gardens, continue enhancing your landscape by trimming overgrown shrubs for a manicured look.