Thrillers

More Information About Thrillers

These plants for containers don't belong in a scary movie or a Michael Jackson video, they belong in container gardens! In the container gardening world, Thriller plants get the pulse racing with their wonderful flowers and fascinating foliage. Whether planted alone as a specimen plant or as the main visual element of a mixed container (along with fillers and spillers), thrillers are there to please.

Our Favorite Thriller Plants

Container gardening offers a canvas of creativity to cultivate captivating displays, and one way to add an element of excitement is by incorporating thriller plants. These are the showstoppers, the plants that grab attention and create a focal point in your container arrangements. From vibrant foliage to striking blooms, thriller plants elevate the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Let's explore six thrilling examples: Canna, Paeonia, Crinum, Bletilla, Hedychium, and Hippeastrum.

Canna

Canna plants are renowned for their impressive height and bold foliage. With leaves that come in an array of colors including green, bronze, and even variegated options, they bring a tropical flair to your container garden. The tall flower spikes topped with vibrant blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink make Cannas a true thriller. Their lush appearance creates a stunning contrast against smaller filler and trailing plants.

Paeonia

Peonies are perennial favorites for their luxurious and fragrant blooms. While traditionally grown in gardens, they can also thrive in containers. The large, showy flowers in hues ranging from pure white to deep magenta are a sight to behold. Their dramatic presence instantly transforms any container arrangement into an elegant focal point.

Crinum

Crinums are often referred to as the "Queen of Bulbs" due to their regal appearance. These bulbous plants produce clusters of stunning trumpet-shaped flowers that come in various shades, from pale pinks to deep purples. Crinums lend an air of sophistication to container gardens while adding a touch of vintage charm.

Bletilla

Bletilla, commonly known as the 'Hardy Orchid,' is a thriller that brings an exotic touch to your container garden. Their intricate, orchid-like blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white are truly captivating. The arching flower stems rise above the foliage, making Bletilla an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to your arrangement.

Hedychium

Hedychium, or Ginger Lily, boasts lush foliage and magnificent flower spikes that emit a delightful fragrance. These plants are known for their tropical appeal and come in various species with different bloom colors. The bold, architectural presence of Hedychium adds a touch of drama to your container garden, making it a true eye-catcher.

Hippeastrum

Hippeastrum, often referred to as Amaryllis, is renowned for its stunning and oversized blooms. These bulbs produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and even multi-colored varieties. Planted as a central thriller in a container, Hippeastrum commands attention and adds a burst of color to any space.

Tips for Using Thriller Plants in Your Container Garden

When designing your container garden with thriller plants, consider the overall color scheme, texture, and growth habits of the accompanying filler and trailing plants. This balance ensures that your thriller plants truly stand out and create a visually appealing composition. Remember to choose containers with adequate drainage and appropriate sizes to accommodate the growth of these captivating specimens.

Incorporating thriller plants into your container gardens will undoubtedly infuse them with intrigue and excitement. These plants are more than just decorations – they are the heart of your container masterpiece, bringing life and drama to your outdoor or indoor oasis.

Check out all our blog posts on plants for containers.