Annual Patio Planters 40% OFF

Captivating Containers: Sun to Shade

Looking for easy ways to add pizazz to your deck or patio? There's nothing better than a container garden to jazz things up.

Captivating Containers: Sun to Shade

melpers

Looking for easy ways to add pizazz to your deck or patio? There’s nothing better than a container garden to jazz things up. Just follow this classic formula for guaranteed success! First, choose a container as it will set the tone for the space. Container options are limitless, including pots, boxes, baskets, urns, hanging baskets, and window boxes… just get creative. Once you’ve selected your container, start selecting the real stars of the show, the plants.

  1. THRILLER. Choose a super showy thriller plant to go center stage. It should be taller than the rest and stand out due to it’s color and strong stature.
    Shade Thrillers: Ivy Topiaries • Rita’s Gold Fern • Majesty Palm • Cordyline
    Sun Thrillers: Juniper Topiaries • Hibiscus Standards • Geraniums • Ornamental Grasses
  2. FILLER. Select flowers that fill in the area directly around your thriller. These will really add sparkle and depth to your planter.
    Shade Fillers: Impatiens • Green Leaf Begonias • Ferns
    Sun Fillers: Diamond Frost Euphorbia • Marigolds • Petunias • Lantana • Vinca • Bronze Leaf Begonias
  3. SPILLER. Finally, add blooms or foliage that gently cascades over the edge of your container. Spillers add dimension and a little added drama… extending the container into it’s surrounding space.
    Shade Spillers: Trailing Coleus • Ivy • Lotus Plant • Asparagus Fern
    Sun Spillers: Bacopa • Sweet Potato Vine • Verbena • Trailing Petunias • Million Bells
Recent Blog
Prehistoric Plants for Modern Gardeners
Patio-Ready: Summer Container Combos You’ll Love
Native Plants That Pollinators Love in Coastal Virginia

Related Articles

Prehistoric Plants for Modern Gardeners

Some of the most fascinating plants in your garden have a history that stretches back millions of years. Long before flowers filled landscapes and long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth,...

Patio-Ready: Summer Container Combos You’ll Love

A beautiful container garden is one of the easiest ways to refresh your porch, patio, deck, or outdoor living space for summer. The right combination of plants can transform any...

Native Plants That Pollinators Love in Coastal Virginia

There’s nothing quite like seeing butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds enjoying your garden. These important pollinators do more than add life and movement to the landscape. They help support healthy blooms,...

Explore McDonald Garden Center