Outdoor urn fillers for summer bring instant curb appeal, transforming empty containers into vibrant focal points with minimal effort. Discover easy, beautiful plant combinations and design tips perfect for beginners to create a stunning summer display that lasts.
Outdoor Urn Fillers For Summer: Genius Essentials
Empty urns can feel like a missed opportunity, especially when summer arrives and your garden is bursting with life everywhere else. Do you look at those stately containers and wonder what to plant? It can be a bit puzzling to figure out what looks good, what grows well in containers, and how to even get started. But don’t worry, that’s exactly what we’re here to solve!
Filling your outdoor urns for summer doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart choices and simple techniques, you can create eye-catching displays that welcome guests and boost your home’s charm. We’ll walk you through everything, from choosing the right plants to arranging them for maximum impact. Get ready to transform those plain pots into miniature works of art!
Why Urns Make a Statement
Urns are more than just containers; they’re architectural elements that add vertical interest and sophistication to your landscape. Placed at entrances, flanking pathways, or anchoring a garden bed, they draw the eye and create a sense of arrival. In summer, when you want your outdoor spaces to feel inviting and alive, a well-planted urn is your secret weapon. They offer a chance to play with color, texture, and form, adding a grand flourish without demanding a huge amount of space.
Choosing the Right Urn for Your Style
Before we even think about plants, let’s talk urns! The material, size, and style of your urn will set the stage for your summer display.
Material Matters: Urns come in a variety of materials, each with its own look and maintenance needs.
Terracotta: Classic, breathable, and develops a beautiful patina over time. Great for plants that prefer drier conditions.
Plastic/Resin: Lightweight, durable, and often designed to mimic heavier materials like stone or metal. A budget-friendly and low-maintenance option.
Ceramic/Glazed: Comes in a vast array of colors and finishes, offering a more decorative touch. Can be heavier and more prone to chipping.
Concrete/Stone: Heavy, durable, and provide a timeless, solid feel. Excellent for larger urns and more permanent plantings.
Size and Scale: Consider where your urn will be placed. A massive urn might overwhelm a small porch, while a tiny one can get lost in a large yard. Aim for a size that’s proportionate to its surroundings. Standard urns are often around 18-24 inches in diameter and height, but they come much larger or smaller.
Drainage is Key: No matter the material, ensure your urn has drainage holes. Waterlogged roots are the enemy of healthy plants, especially in the heat of summer. If there are no holes, you’ll need to drill them or add a substantial drainage layer at the bottom.
The “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Formula: Your Planting Blueprint
This is the golden rule of container gardening, and it works beautifully for urns! It’s a simple concept that ensures a balanced and dynamic planting arrangement.
Thriller: This is your tall, attention-grabbing plant. It provides height and drama, anchoring the design.
Examples: Ornamental grass, canna lily, dracaena, tall salvia.
Filler: These are medium-height plants that fill in the space around the thriller, adding volume and color.
Examples: Petunias, geraniums, coleus, begonias, verbena.
Spiller: These trailing plants cascade over the edge of the urn, softening the lines and adding a graceful finish.
Examples: Million bells, creeping jenny, ivy geranium, sweet potato vine, lobelia.
By combining these three elements, you create a lush, multi-dimensional planting that looks professionally designed.
Top Plant Picks for Summer Urn Fillers
Now for the fun part – choosing your stars! Here are some fantastic options that thrive in containers and provide that sought-after summer wow-factor. We’ll categorize them by their “role” in the thriller, filler, spiller formula.
Thrilling Plants (The Stars!)
These are the upright growers that add height and visual interest.
Dracaena ‘Spikes’ (Dracaena indivisa): A fantastic architectural plant with long, strappy green leaves that add height and movement. It’s incredibly tolerant and easy to care for.
Ornamental Grasses (e.g., Fountain Grass – Pennisetum, Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’): Many ornamental grasses grow well in containers and provide elegant texture and height. They sway beautifully in the breeze.
Canna Lilies (Canna indica): For a tropical, bold statement, canna lilies are unbeatable with their large, colorful foliage and vibrant blooms. They love sun and heat.
Celosia (Celosia spp.): Including types like ‘Cockscomb’ or ‘Plume Celosia,’ these offer unique, feathery or ruffled flower heads and come in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Tall varieties work great as thrillers.
Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis): This airy plant with sprays of purple flowers provides height without being too solid, allowing other plants to show through.
Filling Plants (The Supporting Cast!)
These mid-level plants create fullness and a beautiful color palette.
Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.): Classic, reliable bloomers in a wide range of colors. They love sun and are quite drought-tolerant once established.
Petunias (Petunia x hybrida): Available in almost every color imaginable, from solid hues to intricate patterns. They provide prolific blooms throughout the summer. Look for vigorous, mounding varieties.
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides): Grown for its stunning foliage, coleus offers incredible patterns and colors – shades of red, yellow, green, purple, and even black. Many varieties prefer some shade.
Calibrachoa (Million Bells): While they can also spill, smaller, bushier varieties can act as fillers, providing a carpet of small, bell-shaped flowers.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): Cheerful, sun-loving flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are disease-resistant and add a pop of traditional garden color.
Spilling Plants (The Graceful Drapers!)
These trailing plants soften the edges and lead the eye downwards.
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas): Available in vibrant lime green or deep purple foliage, this is a vigorous grower that trails beautifully. Very easy to grow and adds instant impact.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’): Bright chartreuse foliage that forms a dense, trailing mat. It thrives in sunnier spots but can tolerate some shade.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus): Known for its delicate, usually blue or purple flowers, trailing lobelia adds a touch of airy elegance. It prefers cooler conditions and can fade in intense heat without consistent moisture.
Bacopa (Sutera diffusa): Small, abundant white or pink flowers grace this trailing plant. It’s a bit more delicate than other spillers but very charming.
Trailing Verbena (Verbena spp.): Certain varieties of verbena are specifically bred for trailing habits, providing masses of small flowers in various colors.
DIY Soil Mix for Container Success
Using regular garden soil in containers is a common beginner mistake. Garden soil compacts easily, preventing proper drainage and aeration. A good potting mix is essential!
Here’s a simple recipe for a DIY potting mix that’s perfect for your urns:
Ingredients:
1 part peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) offers excellent guidance on composting, which is a key component in creating good garden soil and mixes.
1 part compost or well-rotted manure (for nutrients)
1 part perlite or vermiculite (for drainage and aeration)
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large tub or on a tarp.
2. Moisten the mix slightly so it’s not dusty.
3. Fill your urns, leaving about 1-2 inches of space at the top for watering.
Always opt for a high-quality potting mix designed for containers if DIY isn’t your preference. Look for mixes that include slow-release fertilizer for an extra boost.
Step-by-Step: Planting Your Summer Urn
Ready to get your hands dirty? Follow these simple steps to plant a beautiful summer urn.
Step 1: Prepare Your Urn
Ensure your urn is clean and has drainage holes. If using a very large urn and you’re concerned about weight or the volume of soil, place a layer of broken pot shards, gravel, or even empty plastic containers at the bottom. This is debated, but the most important factor remains good soil and drainage holes.
Add your prepared potting mix, filling the urn about two-thirds full.
Step 2: Place Your Thriller
Position your tallest plant (the thriller) in the center or slightly off-center of the urn.
Remove it from its nursery pot, gently loosen any circling roots, and place it so the top of its root ball is a few inches below the rim of the urn.
Step 3: Add Your Fillers
Arrange your filler plants around the thriller, keeping in mind they will grow and spread.
Place them at varying heights and positions to create a natural look. Don’t overcrowd them; allow room for growth.
Step 4: Incorporate Your Spillers
Place your trailing plants near the edges of the urn, allowing them to cascade outwards.
Think about where you want the most dramatic trailing effect. For a fully rounded look, place them all around. For a more directed flow, place them on one or two sides.
Step 5: Fill with Soil and Firm
Once all plants are in place, fill in the remaining space with your potting mix.
Gently firm the soil around the base of each plant to remove air pockets and ensure good root-to-soil contact. Leave about 1-2 inches between the soil surface and the rim of the urn for watering.
Step 6: Water Thoroughly
Water your newly planted urn deeply until water drains from the bottom. This helps settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Step 7: Add Mulch (Optional but Recommended)
A layer of mulch (like shredded bark or decorative stones) can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and give a finished look.
Creative Urn Filler Combinations
Let’s explore some pre-designed combinations to spark your imagination!
| Urn Style | Thriller | Fillers | Spillers | Overall Look & Feel |
| :——– | :—————————————— | :——————————————————- | :————————————————— | :————————————————————- |
| Vibrant & Tropical | Canna Lily (tropical red) | Fiery Coleus (red/orange leaves), Yellow Marigolds | Orange Sweet Potato Vine | Bold, energetic, and eye-catching. Great for sunny spots. |
| Cool & Elegant | Blue Dracaena ‘Spikes’ | Purple Petunias, Silver-leafed foliage (e.g., Dusty Miller) | Blue Lobelia or Trailing Verbena | Sophisticated and calming. Perfect for shaded or partly sunny areas. |
| Cheerful & Sunny | Dwarf Fountain Grass | Sunny Yellow Geraniums, White Alyssum | Golden Creeping Jenny | Bright, welcoming, and classic summer garden charm. |
| Modern & Architectural | Tall ornamental grass (e.g., Feather Reed Grass) | Green Coleus, Calocephalus (Silver Bush) | Trailing Silver (e.g., Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’) | Sleek, clean lines with interesting textures. |
| Bold & Burgundy | Burgundy Canna Lily | Dark Purple Coleus, Burgundy Heuchera (for foliage) | Dark Purple Sweet Potato Vine | Deep, rich colors for a dramatic statement. |
Essential Tools for Urn Planting
You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment, but a few key tools make the job much easier and more enjoyable.
Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands!
Hand Trowel: For digging and scooping soil.
Watering Can or Hose with a Gentle Nozzle: For watering your plants.
Pruning Shears: For trimming any errant branches or dead flowers.
Wheelbarrow or Large Tub: For mixing soil and transporting plants.
If you’re drilling drainage holes into your urn, you’ll also need:
Drill: A standard power drill will work.
Masonry Bit: If drilling into ceramic, concrete, or terracotta. Use a slow speed and keep the bit and the surface wet to prevent cracking.
Family Handyman provides a helpful guide on drilling into terracotta pots.
Summer Care for Your Urn Fillers
Once planted, your urns need a little attention to keep them looking their best through the summer heat.
Watering: This is the most critical aspect of container plant care. Urns dry out much faster than in-ground gardens. Check the soil daily by sticking your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water deeply until it runs out the drainage holes.
Fertilizing: Container plants use up nutrients in the soil relatively quickly. For best results, feed your urn fillers every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, following the product’s instructions. Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly. This encourages plants to produce more blooms and keeps them looking tidy.
Pest and Disease Monitoring: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or spider mites. Address any issues promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Healthy plants are less susceptible to problems.
Troubleshooting Common Urn Filler Problems
Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few snags. Here’s how to fix them:
Plants Wilting:
Cause: Usually underwatering. Check soil moisture.
Solution: Water thoroughly. If the soil is wet but plants are wilting, it could be root rot from overwatering or poor drainage.
Yellowing Leaves:
Cause: Can be overwatering (soil is constantly soggy) or underwatering (plant is stressed). It can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency.
Solution: Adjust watering schedule. If watering seems correct, try a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Few or No Blooms:
Cause: Insufficient sunlight, over-fertilizing (too much nitrogen can promote leafy growth over flowers), or plants needing deadheading.
Solution: Ensure plants are getting the right amount of light. Reduce fertilizer if it’s high in nitrogen. Keep up with deadheading.
Plants Growing Too Big or Leggy:
Cause: Some plants naturally grow large or become leggy if not pinched back.
Solution: Prune back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. For plants like coleus, pinching the tips will make them fuller.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Urn Fillers
What is the best soil for outdoor urns?
The best soil is a high-quality potting mix designed for containers. It’s lightweight, drains well, and provides aeration. You can also make your own by mixing peat moss or coco coir, compost, and perlite or vermiculite.
How often should I water plants in outdoor urns?
Check the soil daily by feeling the top inch. Water thoroughly whenever it feels dry. Urns dry out much faster than garden beds, so daily checks are often necessary, especially in hot weather.
Can I use indoor plants outside for the summer?
Yes, many houseplants can absolutely thrive outdoors in containers during the summer! Plants like ferns, some begonias, and schefflera can enjoy a summer vacation outside, often in a shaded spot. Remember to acclimate them gradually to outdoor conditions and bring them in before the first frost.
How do I make my urn fillers last all summer?
Consistent watering, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer, deadheading spent blooms, and providing the correct amount of sunlight for your chosen plants are key to a long-lasting summer display.
What can I do if my urn looks sparse after planting?
Don’t worry! Plants will grow and fill in over time. If you want immediate fullness, you might need to plant more closely together (but not so close they can’t grow) or choose larger, more mature plants. You can also fill any gaps with a bit more potting mix and tuck in some fast-growing annuals like sweet potato vine or lobelia.
How do I prevent my urns from cracking in winter?
For urns that will remain outside during winter, it’s crucial to empty them of soil and plants. Waterlogged soil that freezes can cause even the most durable containers to crack. Store them in a sheltered location, upside down if possible. Lightweight plastic or resin urns are generally more frost-resistant than terracotta or ceramic.
What’s the difference between potting mix and garden soil for urns?
Garden soil is meant for planting directly in the ground. It can become dense and compacted in containers, hindering drainage and air circulation, which plant roots need. Potting mix is specifically formulated to be light, airy, and provide excellent drainage, preventing waterlogged soil and promoting healthy root growth.
Conclusion
Transforming empty urns into vibrant summer displays is entirely achievable, even for beginner gardeners. By understanding the simple “thriller, filler, spiller” formula, choosing plants that suit your light conditions and style, and providing consistent care, you can create stunning focal points that enhance your home’s curb appeal all season long.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! The beauty of annuals is that they offer a season of color and are not a permanent commitment. Have fun selecting your plant palettes, arranging them in your urns, and watching them grow. Your garden will thank you for the added flair, and you’ll gain confidence with every beautiful pot you plant. Happy gardening!
