Creating a stunning container garden involves more than just selecting a few beautiful plants. It’s about crafting a harmonious and eye-catching arrangement. One way to elevate your container gardens is by incorporating groundcovers. These versatile plants add texture and can transform a simple container into a dynamic display.
Groundcovers are often overlooked in container gardening, but they can make excellent “spiller” plants in the popular filler, thriller, spiller arrangements. This method involves combining three types of plants: “thrillers” for height and drama, “fillers” for bulk and color, and “spillers” to cascade over the edge. Choose taller containers to allow these trailing groundcovers to really shine.
4 Groundcovers for Container Gardens
1.Fig Ivy (Ficus pumila), with its small, leathery leaves and vigorous growth habit, is perfect for trailing over the sides of containers. It provides a deep, rich, green backdrop that enhances the beauty of neighboring plants. The ability of this plant to cling and climb also makes it a versatile choice for vertical gardening. A triangular trellis placed in the center of your container makes this “spiller” suddenly the “thriller”.
2.Vinca Major and Vinca Minor, commonly known as greater and lesser periwinkle, are another excellent pair of groundcovers for container gardens. Vinca major boasts larger leaves and flowers, creating a bold statement. Vinca minor’s more delicate foliage and blooms provide a more subtle touch. Both varieties produce lovely, star-shaped, lilac-blue flowers that can add pops of color to your arrangement. Their trailing nature makes them ideal spillers, effortlessly draping over the edges of pots and hanging baskets.
3.Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a groundcover that’s hard to beat for sheer visual impact. Its vibrant, chartreuse foliage adds a splash of brightness to any container, contrasting beautifully with darker green plants. Creeping jenny’s fast-growing, low-lying stems make it perfect for spilling over the sides. This is a standout spiller that catches the eye that enlivens your garden space.
4.Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea) is another fantastic groundcover for container gardening. Its silvery, coin-shaped leaves provide a striking contrast to the greens and blues of other plants. The cascading habit of silver ponyfoot adds an elegant, flowing element to your container that offers a touch of sophistication by creating a waterfall effect.
Groundcovers aren’t just for replacing areas of turf; they are invaluable in container gardening for their ability to add depth, texture, and movement. By carefully selecting groundcovers you can create breathtaking container gardens that are as dynamic as they are beautiful. So next time you’re planning your container arrangements, don’t forget to include these versatile and attractive plants.
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
