Create a Perfectly Balanced Planter Using the Thriller, Filler, Spiller Method
Looking to level-up your container garden? Whether you’re styling your front porch, back patio, or poolside deck, creating a beautifully balanced planter is easier than you think — and it all starts with one simple rule: the Thriller, Filler, Spiller method.
This tried-and-true technique takes the guesswork out of container gardening and guarantees your planter will have dimension, texture, and serious curb appeal.
What Is the Thriller, Filler, Spiller Method?
The name is catchy, but it’s a seriously effective design strategy. Here’s how it works:
- Thriller: This is your show-stopper — the tall, attention-grabbing plant that adds height and drama.
- Filler: These medium-height plants add fullness, color, and texture, helping the container feel lush and complete.
- Spiller: These trailing plants soften the edges and spill over the sides of the container, adding movement and flow.
Together, these three elements create a layered, professional-looking arrangement that looks great from every angle.
Know Before You Grow: Light & Placement Matter
Before you start planting, take a minute to think about where your planter will live. Is it on a sunny porch? A shaded patio? The type of sunlight (or lack of it) your container receives will directly impact the plants you choose.
When shopping for plants, check the tags for sunlight requirements, and group your thriller, filler, and spiller plants accordingly. A mismatched combo — like a sun-loving thriller with shade-tolerant spillers — won’t thrive, and could leave your planter looking lopsided or sparse.
How to Arrange Your Planter
The placement of your plants will depend on the shape and visibility of your container:
- Single-sided view (e.g., porch planters): Place your thriller in the back, fillers in the middle, and spillers along the front edge.
- 360-degree view (e.g., centerpieces): Place your thriller in the center, with fillers surrounding it and spillers cascading over all sides.
Make sure your container has good drainage and quality potting mix before planting. and remember to leave plenty of space for the plants to fill out and mature. It’s normal for it to look a bit sparse at first. Trust the process!
Plant Ideas for Kansas City Planters
Looking for the best plants to use in your Kansas City planter? To get you started, here are a few of our favorite Thriller, Filler, and Spiller plants that thrive in Kansas City’s landscaping zone (Zone 6). Whether you’re putting together a front porch container or a patio centerpiece, these combos are easy to find at local garden centers and will keep your planter looking fresh all season long.
Thriller Plants (Height + Drama)
These are your statement-makers. Place them in the center or back of your planter depending on the shape.
- Purple Fountain Grass
- Canna Lily
- Cordyline
- Dracaena spike
- Upright Elephant Ear
Filler Plants (Mid-Level Texture)
These plants add volume and keep everything feeling lush.
- Coleus
- Caladium
- Begonias
- Lantana
- Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Spiller Plants (Trailing Effect)
These trail over the edge to soften the container and draw the eye down.
- Sweet Potato Vine
- Creeping Jenny
- Trailing Petunias
- Bacopa
- Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
Pro Tip: Be sure to choose plants based on how much sunlight or shade your container will get. A shady porch will need different plant combos than a full-sun patio.
Ready to create a container that turns heads? Whether you’re going for bold and tropical or soft and classic, the Thriller, Filler, Spiller method makes it easy to design a show-stopping planter — no green thumb required.
