The Thriller, Filler, Spiller Trick You Need to Create Gorgeous Fall Planters

As summer winds down, your planters full of annual blooms are probably starting to look a bit sad and scraggly. That’s when you know it’s time to plan a seasonal fall container to bring fresh curb appeal to your front door, deck, or patio as cooler weather arrives.

Chrysanthemums are a natural choice for any fall planter, but they’re not your only choice. You can use other annuals mixed in with perennials to add various colors and textures that aren’t as predictable.

For maximum impact and a well-balanced container, follow the thriller, filler, spiller technique:

• Thriller plants add height and drama to planters. Place these at the center or back of your container.
• Fillers are mounded or rounded plants that are placed in front of or around thriller plants.
• Spillers are trailing plants that drape over the edges of containers to soften the edges.

But don’t stop there. Add seasonal accents, such as broom corn, dried flint corn, and colorful gourds, which are excellent for a long-term display. Pumpkins rot in heat and humidity and often attract nibbling squirrels. If you have hydrangea shrubs, you can snip a few dried flower heads to tuck into the arrangement to provide filler and texture, too.

Learn more about how to design a fall planter that lasts all season long.

What’s the trick to fall planters?

Be intentional in order to create a combination of colors, textures and forms that coordinate in each container. The most important thing to remember is that your growing season is short; you need to create fullness immediately because you don’t have months for plants to grow and fill in.

For example, instead of planting one tiny plant in each new fall container, you’ll plant 3 or 4 of them in the same, single planter. Alternatively, instead of buying a quart-sized plant, you’d opt for gallon-sized option. Snug plants up against each other in the container, too, so that it’s instantly full for the most impact.

Tips to make fall planters stand out

Go big.

You need a container that’s a minimum of 20 to 24 inches wide. Anything less doesn’t allow you to fit in all the plants you need to provide a lush, full look. A large bushel basket or galvanized steel tub (don’t forget to punch holes in the bottom for drainage!) adds rustic charm. In a pinch, you can group 3 or 5 smaller containers, but this doesn’t offer as much “wow” factor.

Consider the angle at which the container will be seen.

Figure out whether the planter will be viewed from the front or from all sides. Front- viewed containers mean you need to place the taller thriller plant at the back of the pot, with the fillers and spillers in front. A container that’s viewed from all sides should have the thriller located in the center, surrounded on all sides by fillers and spillers.

Think outside the usual fall colors.

Pumpkin orange and bright yellow are common autumn color schemes, but don’t be afraid to venture outside the norm. Try combinations of deep red and purple, burnt orange and red, or lime green and deep purple for a twist on conventional fall shades.

Keep them watered.

Many regions still have plenty of toasty fall days, so don’t unintentionally let plants dry out. Water containers deeply after planting, then check daily to you get a feel for how fast the container is using water.

Here are a few plant suggestions you can mix and match to create your own work of art.