Longer days and sunshine-filled afternoons? Sounds like the perfect excuse to get planting! Summer’s warm weather makes it easy to create cheerful, sun-loving container gardens that add color and life to your porch, patio, or balcony.
Soak up the sunshine and dive into the season with these fun and easy container garden ideas. Your happiest plants (and prettiest blooms) are just a planter away!
Creating Your Summer Container Garden
Before you start planting, a little planning will help you choose the best locations, containers, and plants to ensure a beautiful, thriving garden all summer long. Let’s dive into the first steps!
Step 1: Plan the Placement and Size of Containers
(Gorgeous containers from a recent customer project at The Broadmoor House)
Start by choosing where your containers will go—location is key! Consider how much sun or shade each area receives, how easy it is to water, and how visible the containers will be. Also think about size: larger containers make a bold statement and hold moisture longer, while smaller sizes are great for tight spaces or accent pieces. Picking the right spot and size sets the stage for a thriving, eye-catching summer display.
(Gorgeous containers from a recent customer project at The Broadmoor House)
Step 2: Pick Your Pottery and Soil
Before you start planting, choose a container that sets the tone for your summer garden.
Whether your style is bold and colorful or sleek and modern, we have planters in every shape and size to match your vision. It’s the first step—and the foundation—for your blooming masterpiece.
Next, give your plants the best possible start with Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil. This rich, organic mix provides excellent drainage, retains moisture, and includes a slow-release fertilizer to keep your flowers healthy and thriving all season.
For these stunning container gardens, we chose the gorgeous silver pearl pots from our standout pottery collection—and the results speak for themselves!
Step 3: Thriller, Filler, Spiller Method
Want a quick way to make your summer containers pop?
Use the Thriller, Filler, Spiller method! Start with a Thriller—a tall, bold plant for height and drama. Add a Filler for color and fullness. Then finish with a Spiller to trail over the edges and soften the look.
It’s like styling the perfect outfit for your planter—simple and stunning!
Summer Container Inspiration
We created two gorgeous container gardens using this method: one designed for sun, and one perfect for shade. No matter your space, there’s a beautiful combo waiting to bloom!
Summer Container Garden #1 – Sun
For our sunny summer container, we started with a beautiful pink Angelonia as the thriller, planting it in the center of the pot. It added height and created a stunning focal point, setting the tone for the entire arrangement.
Next, we added Cora® XDR Vinca as our first filler, planting it around the sides and back of the Angelonia. This helped create lush fullness and balanced the height, bringing vibrant color and texture to the combination.
To complement the Vinca, we added pink and yellow Lantana as a second filler. These bright, cheerful blooms brought even more color and visual interest to the container, while their compact growth helped fill in gaps and create a lush, vibrant look. Together, the fillers perfectly support the Angelonia, enhancing the overall depth and richness.
Lastly, we planted Lemon Thyme as the spiller, adding both beauty and functionality. Its delicate trailing habit cascades gracefully over the edges, softening the container’s silhouette, while its natural mosquito-repelling properties make it a practical and fragrant addition to the garden.
And just like that, you’ve got a gorgeous container garden that’s perfect for those sunny spots around your home! It’s easy to care for, full of color, and ready to brighten up any space. Enjoy the beautiful blooms and the fresh, vibrant vibe it brings all summer long!
Summer Container Garden #2 – Shade
The second summer container we created is perfect for those shady spots on a front porch or backyard patio.
First, we planted a Caladium as the thriller for our shade container. It brought height, texture, and vibrant color, instantly drawing attention with its striking leaves!
Next, we added a Kimberly Queen Fern as our first filler. Its lush, feathery fronds brought a rich, green texture that beautifully complemented the bold Caladium, filling in the space and adding depth to the arrangement.
Pro tip: When you plant the Kimberly Queen Fern- tilt it slightly instead of placing it straight up in the container. The angled placement helps the fern spill outward, creating a fuller, more dramatic look.
Then, we planted a few pots of Fuchsia as the second filler, adding vibrant color and variety to the mix. Their bright blooms really help bring the whole container to life!
Lastly, we finished with Variegated Hedera Ivy as the spiller, allowing its graceful vines to cascade beautifully over the front of the pot. This trailing element adds a soft, flowing touch that completes the container’s look perfectly.
And now you have a stunning container that’s perfect for brightening up those shady spots around your home—adding texture, color, and life where sunlight is limited!
Step Four:
After planting, be sure to top off with extra soil and water your containers in. Place them somewhere sunny—like your balcony or poolside—to brighten up your summer space.
To keep your containers thriving in the sun, make sure to water regularly. A simple trick: stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to hydrate those thirsty plants!
Keep your summer blooms happy and vibrant by feeding them with Calloway’s Premium Flower Food. This specially crafted formula gives your flowers all the nutrients they need to grow strong and keep blooming longer.
Shop with Ease
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we are here to help beautify your summer spaces! Visit us today and explore our stunning collection of vibrant blooms, lush foliage, pest control solutions, stylish pottery, and so much more! Shop any of our 28 neighborhood stores, where we have served our loyal customers for over 38 years.
Have questions? No worries! Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!