Creating stunning container gardens involves not only selecting beautiful flowers but also pairing them in ways that enhance each other’s beauty. Certain flower combinations can create harmonious, contrasting, or visually dynamic displays when planted together in the same pot. For American gardeners looking to design eye-catching container arrangements, here are some fantastic flower combinations to consider:

Understanding the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Method

A popular technique for creating balanced and visually appealing container gardens is the “thriller, filler, spiller” method:

• Thriller: This is usually a tall, upright plant that serves as the focal point of the arrangement, adding height and drama.
• Filler: These are typically bushier, mounding plants that fill the middle space of the container, adding volume and color.
• Spiller: These are trailing plants that cascade over the edges of the pot, softening the look and adding movement.

Here are some examples using this method:

• Thriller: Spike (Dracaena), Filler: Petunias, Spiller: Ivy
• Thriller: Small ornamental grass, Filler: Geraniums, Spiller: Sweet potato vine
• Thriller: Canna Lily, Filler: Zinnias, Spiller: Creeping Jenny

Beautiful Color Combinations

Pairing flowers based on color theory can also create stunning visual effects:

• Complementary Colors: Combine flowers with colors opposite each other on the color wheel for a bold and eye-catching look:
  • Blue and Orange: Blue Salvia with Orange Marigolds
  • Purple and Yellow: Purple Petunias with Yellow Pansies
  • Red and Green: Red Geraniums with green foliage plants like Coleus
• Analogous Colors: Group flowers with colors that are next to each other on the color wheel for a harmonious and flowing display:
  • Pink, Purple, and Red: Pink Impatiens, Purple Verbena, and Red Geraniums
  • Yellow, Orange, and Red: Yellow Coreopsis, Orange Zinnias, and Red Petunias
  • Blue, Purple, and Pink: Blue Lobelia, Purple Petunias, and Pink Geraniums
• Monochromatic Colors: Use different shades and textures of the same color for an elegant and sophisticated look:
  • Various shades of pink Petunias, Begonias, and Impatiens.
  • Different hues of purple Petunias, Salvia, and Alyssum.

Specific Flower Pairings for Visual Appeal

Here are some other beautiful flower combinations to try in your containers:

• Angelonia and Zinnia: Angelonia (‘Angelface White’) provides height, while Zinnia (‘Profusion Orange’) offers vibrant color, and Coleus (‘Wild Lime’) adds interesting foliage.
• Petunias and Fountain Grass: The airy texture of Fountain Grass provides a lovely contrast to the colorful blooms of Petunias.
• Cabbage Palm, Coleus, and Impatiens: This combination offers a mix of foliage and flowers in different textures and colors.
• Agastache, Verbena, and Coleus: These attract pollinators and offer a variety of heights and colors.
• Roses and Geraniums: A classic pairing that offers both beautiful blooms and complementary foliage.
• Marigolds and Petunias: A cheerful and easy-to-grow combination.
• Lavender and Echinacea: These attract beneficial insects and offer contrasting flower shapes and colors.
• Sunflowers and Nasturtiums: A bright and sunny combination, with Nasturtiums cascading over the edges.
• Violas and Pansies: Early spring bloomers that offer a wide range of colors.
• Strawberries with edible flowers: Strawberries look beautiful with flowers like violas and can be harvested easily from containers.

When combining flowers, consider their mature size, light and water requirements to ensure they will thrive together in the same pot. With thoughtful selection, you can create container gardens that are truly stunning and vibrant.