Martha Stewart’s Planter Formula
Stewart’s garden recipe follows the thriller-filler-spiller method, often used when filling pots and planters. The method uses taller plants, like ornamental grasses and elephant ears, to add vertical interest and filler plants to add lush foliage and body. Finally, spiller plants, such as creeping jenny or sweet potato vine, cascade or “spill” over the edges of the planter.
Following this method, Stewart filled her Skylands planters with:
- Thrillers: Alocasias and agaves
- Fillers: A variety of succulents
- Spillers: “Fluffy creepers” like blue creeping juniper and ‘Silver Mound’ Artemisia
Other Plant Combos to Consider
While Stewart’s specific combos are stunning, there are plenty of other plant varieties that will create a similar look with just as much volume and visual interest. When planning what varieties you’ll use, start by choosing your thriller plant. If you want a tropical-style planter, use elephant ears or bird of paradise. For a more colorful planter, try canna lilies or caladium. Or, if you prefer a more structured look, base your planter around ornamental grasses, cordyline, or a type of palm.
When picking out plants for planters, remember to choose varieties that require the same amount of sunlight and water to ensure the entire planter will thrive.
Next, move on to fillers. Feel free to play around with different combinations to find one you love. Mix and match plants at your local nursery to see which colors, shapes, and sizes will work together in your planter. While Stewart used a variety of succulents, other common fillers are coleus, heuchera, lantana, dusty miller, and philodendrons. While you should try to stick to one thriller plant, consider using multiple fillers to create a diverse look.
Finish your planter by picking one or two (depending on the size of your planter) spiller plants. If you like Stewart’s “fluffy” and soft look, try using varieties of creeping juniper and dichondra. Other classic spiller plants are ivy, licorice plants, and nasturtiums.
