Combination Containers

I don’t think there is anything more inviting or beautiful than a colorful combination container prominently displayed on the patio. Today we are at Bud and Blooms Nursery in Wesson, MS looking at some of their beautiful combination containers. These elaborate containers seem like they would be hard for the home gardener to make, but not if you remember the following ingredients: Thriller, filler and spiller. Thriller plants add height and excitement to the container. Red Star cordyline with its sword-like, dark burgundy leaves makes a great thriller plant. Papyrus is a good choice with its umbellate inflorescence with 100’s of thread-like rays. Using a dwarf canna lily or banana plant will also provide height and interest. Filler plants take up and fill the middle space in the combination. Coleus is a great choice as a filler plant; the kaleidoscope of colors adds beauty and appeal. Begonias are another filler plant with multiple varieties to choose from, all of which have their own unique beauty. A spiller plants main role is to sprawl out and over the container to soften its edges and tumble toward the ground. A good spiller like potato vine cascades over the sides of the container. Verbena also makes a great spiller plant. It comes in a wide variety of colors on strongly trailing stems and will flower all summer. And how can I neglect to mention petunias and calibrachoas as spillers. Combination containers are as easy to create and will provide color and interest to your patio all summer long. I am Eddie Smith, and I will see you next time on Southern Gardening.