Container gardening is a flourishing trend among garden enthusiasts who desire to maximize space while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their environment.
Integral to this gardening style are spillover plants—those charming cascaders that soften the rigid edges of pots and add a layer of lush, overflowing greenery or blooms.
Spillover plants are not just about filling spaces; they bring movement, color, and versatility to your garden containers, making them stand out.
1. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums are a vibrant addition to any container garden, renowned not only for their bright, cheerful flowers but also for their edible qualities.
Both the leaves and blooms can be tossed into a salad, offering a peppery zing similar to arugula. These plants are particularly suited to cooler climates and flourish without much fuss.
When planting nasturtiums, choose a well-draining soil and a sunny spot, although they can tolerate partial shade.
Minimal care is required; over-fertilizing can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers, so keep the soil relatively poor for a bountiful bloom.
2. Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum)
Ivy geraniums are prized for their lovely cascading growth which makes them an ideal pick for hanging baskets and elevated containers. The flowers bloom profusely in a range of colors from deep reds to soft pinks and crisp whites.
They thrive in full sun to partial shade and require regular watering to maintain their lush appearance.
However, be wary of overwatering and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. A little fertilizer can help maintain vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.
3. Verbena
Verbena is another excellent choice for spillover effects in containers, thanks to its sprawling growth and clusters of flowers that come in vibrant hues of blue, pink, white, and purple.
This plant loves the sun and thrives in well-drained soil, making it perfect for high-visibility areas like balconies and patio edges.
To keep verbena healthy and blooming, allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and deadhead regularly to encourage new blooms.
It’s a low-maintenance plant but benefits significantly from occasional feeding during the flowering season.
4. Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
Madagascar Periwinkle, often simply called periwinkle, is a resilient spillover plant that withstands both drought and general neglect, making it an ideal candidate for gardeners new to container gardening.
Its glossy leaves and star-shaped flowers, which come in shades of pink, white, and red, provide a continuous display of color.
When growing periwinkle in containers, ensure it has well-draining soil and partial to full sun exposure. While it is drought-tolerant, consistent moisture will support a more robust bloom cycle.
5. Bacopa (Sutera cordata)
Bacopa is celebrated for its delicate foliage and an abundance of tiny flowers that can be white, pink, or blue.
This plant prefers to spill over the edges of containers, providing a fairy-tale-like charm to garden arrangements.
It performs best in semi-shaded to sunny locations and benefits from regular watering and feeding, especially when placed in full sun.
Bacopa continues to flower from spring through fall, making it a versatile and enduring choice for continuous garden beauty.
6. Convolvulus sabatius (Blue Rock Bindweed)
Blue Rock Bindweed is an enchanting addition with its soft, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically in shades of blue or purple.
This plant is a superb spillover choice for its vigorous growth and the romantic aesthetic it lends to any container.
Convolvulus thrives in full sun, enhancing its flowering potential, and prefers moderate watering. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging, which can impede its growth.
This low-maintenance plant requires minimal care once established, making it perfect for busy or novice gardeners.
7. Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
Black-Eyed Susan Vine is a vigorous climber that can also trail beautifully over the sides of containers if guided or left unsupported.
Its bright, sun-facing flowers, in shades of yellow, orange, or white with a signature dark center, add a dramatic pop of color.
This plant loves warmth and plenty of sunlight, so position your containers accordingly. Regular watering and occasional feeding will encourage lush growth and abundant flowering. Support with a small trellis or let it cascade freely for a stunning display.
8. Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare)
The Licorice Plant is notable for its intriguing foliage, offering a silvery or soft green texture that pairs beautifully with more vibrant flowers. It’s an excellent choice for adding contrast and interest to your spillover arrangements.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil. It’s relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
The licorice plant is also very easy to care for, making it an ideal candidate for both aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance.
9. Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Golden Creeping Jenny is prized for its vibrant, coin-shaped leaves that cascade gracefully over the sides of containers.
The plant’s golden-green foliage creates a stunning visual contrast, especially when paired with darker-leaved plants.
It can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to part shade, and prefers moist, well-draining soil. Regular watering will keep its colors bright and prevent wilting.
Creeping Jenny is fast-growing and can cover a lot of ground quickly, making it a spectacular ground cover as well.
10. Petunia
The ‘Wave’ series of Petunias are celebrated for their vigorous growth, extensive trailing habit, and stunning variety of colors.
These petunias are perfect for softening the edges of containers with their waves of blooms that last from spring until frost.
They perform best in full sun and require regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially in hotter weather.
Deadheading isn’t necessary as they are self-cleaning, which ensures they remain tidy and blooming throughout the season.
Choosing the right spillover plants can dramatically enhance the beauty and effectiveness of your container gardening. Each plant listed here offers unique qualities that can meet various aesthetic and care level needs.
By integrating these spillover plants into your containers, you can achieve a lush, overflowing look that transforms your gardening spaces into vibrant showcases.