Complete Gardening
Creating a lush and vibrant garden involves more than just a few standout plants. Filler plants are essential for bringing texture, color, and fullness to any outdoor space. These versatile plants help create a seamless flow, adding layers and depth to your garden. Whether you’re looking for something low-growing or tall and airy, these 24 filler plants are perfect for creating a garden that looks full and vibrant all year round. Explore this curated selection and discover the perfect companions to enhance your garden’s beauty.
1. Alyssum
Alyssum, with its delicate clusters of tiny flowers, acts as a soft carpet in any garden. These white blooms are often likened to a gentle snowfall, bringing a sense of tranquility. They thrive in sunlit areas, creating a fragrant border that attracts bees and butterflies. Alyssum is not just visually appealing but also easy to maintain, making it a gardener’s favorite. Its sweet aroma can waft through the garden, enhancing the sensory experience for everyone.
2. Creeping Jenny
The vibrant yellow-green leaves of Creeping Jenny add a splash of brightness. Known for its vigorous growth, this plant easily drapes over edges, softening harsh lines. Its ability to thrive in various conditions makes it versatile. Creeping Jenny is not just a filler; it’s a statement. Whether in a pot or garden bed, it complements any setting. Its sun-catching leaves can light up shady spots, bringing life to even the darkest corners.
3. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff is a charming ground cover with a delightful fragrance. Its whorls of small white flowers contrast beautifully against its bright green leaves. An excellent choice for shady areas, it spreads gently, filling in gaps with ease. Sweet Woodruff is known for its pleasant scent, reminiscent of fresh hay. This plant adds both beauty and aroma to your garden, creating a sensory haven. It’s a perfect low-maintenance option for any gardener looking to create a lush, verdant space.
4. Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear, with its soft, velvety leaves, adds texture and visual interest. The silver-gray hue of its foliage is striking, providing a beautiful contrast to the greens and colors in a garden. It’s not just its looks that win over gardeners; it’s resilient and thrives in sunny, well-drained areas. Lamb’s Ear is perfect for borders or as ground cover. This plant can withstand drought, making it a hardy addition to any garden.
5. Ferns
Ferns, with their lush fronds, bring a woodland feel to gardens. They thrive in shaded, moist conditions, creating a serene atmosphere. Perfect for adding layers, ferns complement other plants beautifully. Their varying textures and shades of green add depth. Ferns require little maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners. They can transform a dull area into a lush retreat, inviting tranquility and relaxation into your outdoor space. Whether in pots or planted, ferns are a versatile choice.
6. Hosta
Hostas are known for their large, lush leaves that come in a myriad of colors and patterns. Perfect for shady areas, they add drama and elegance. Hostas require minimal care, thriving in moist, well-drained soil. They work well as border plants or as ground covers. Their bold foliage creates a striking visual impact. Hostas are not just about looks; they also attract beneficial insects, enhancing garden biodiversity. Their presence can make any garden feel like a lush oasis.
7. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is prized for its colorful foliage. The leaves range from deep purples to bright greens, adding vibrancy. It thrives in partial shade, making it ideal for brightening darker areas. Heuchera’s delicate flowers rise above the foliage, offering additional interest. This plant is not only visually stunning but also hardy, withstanding different conditions. Heuchera’s diverse color palette can complement any garden theme, providing a pop of color and texture.
8. Astilbe
Astilbe is known for its feathery plumes, which add a soft elegance to any garden. Blooming in shades of pink, white, and red, they brighten shaded areas beautifully. Astilbe thrives in moist conditions, making it perfect for water gardens or shaded borders. Its foliage remains attractive even when not in bloom. Astilbe is a favorite for its ability to attract butterflies, adding life and movement. This plant is ideal for adding texture and color to any garden landscape.
9. Sedum
Sedum, with its thick, succulent leaves, is a resilient choice for any garden. Known for their ability to thrive in poor soil, these plants are drought-tolerant. Sedum’s tiny star-shaped flowers add splashes of color. Perfect for rock gardens or borders, sedum adds both form and function. Its ability to store water in its leaves makes it ideal for sunny, dry areas. Sedum is not only practical but also visually appealing, offering a unique texture.
10. Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is a fragrant ground cover with tiny purple flowers. This low-growing herb spreads quickly, making it ideal for filling gaps between stones or stepping paths. Creeping Thyme is not just decorative; its aromatic leaves release a pleasant scent when walked on. It’s a hardy plant, thriving in sunny conditions with minimal water needs. Perfect for adding both color and fragrance, Creeping Thyme creates an inviting garden path. It’s a practical and beautiful addition.
11. Brunnera
Brunnera is admired for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers. Often compared to forget-me-nots, the blooms of Brunnera add charm to shaded areas. The foliage, often with silver markings, creates a striking contrast. Brunnera thrives in moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens. Its leaves remain attractive throughout the season. Brunnera is perfect for adding texture and color to darker corners of the garden. Its enduring beauty makes it a treasured addition.
12. Ajuga
Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is a fast-growing ground cover. Its deep blue flower spikes rise above glossy, dark leaves, creating a striking visual. Ajuga is perfect for filling large areas quickly, ideal for slopes or under trees. This plant thrives in various conditions, from sun to shade. Its ability to establish rapidly makes it a favorite for controlling erosion. Ajuga’s vibrant colors and hardiness add both beauty and function to any garden.
13. Liriope
Liriope, with its grass-like foliage and purple flower spikes, is a versatile choice. It’s often used as a border plant, adding structure and color. Liriope thrives in both sun and shade, making it adaptable to various garden settings. Its flowers bloom late in the season, providing interest when many other plants have faded. Liriope’s durable nature and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for busy gardeners. This plant adds elegance and texture to any landscape.
14. Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese Forest Grass, known for its graceful, arching leaves, adds movement to gardens. Its golden hue brightens shaded areas, creating a serene ambiance. This grass thrives in moist, well-drained soils and requires minimal care. Its cascading form is ideal for softening edges or filling borders. Japanese Forest Grass sways gently in the wind, bringing a dynamic element. It’s perfect for adding texture and color to a woodland garden, offering a tranquil escape.
15. Pulmonaria
Pulmonaria, also known as Lungwort, is renowned for its spotted foliage and clusters of pink and blue flowers. It’s one of the first perennials to bloom in spring, brightening gardens early in the season. Pulmonaria thrives in shaded areas with moist soil. Its leaves remain attractive throughout the year, offering a unique texture. This plant is not only visually appealing but also deer-resistant. Pulmonaria adds both color and resilience to any shaded garden.
16. Columbine
Columbine, with its nodding, bell-shaped flowers, brings a whimsical touch. Available in a variety of colors, it adds vibrancy to any garden. Columbine thrives in partial shade, making it perfect for woodland settings. Its fern-like foliage adds texture, even when not in bloom. This plant is a favorite for attracting hummingbirds, adding life and movement. Columbine’s delicate beauty and adaptability make it a cherished addition to any gardener’s collection.
17. Dianthus
Dianthus, often known as “pinks,” is valued for its vibrant flowers and spicy, clove-like scent. These blooms, with their fringed petals, add a playful touch. Dianthus thrives in sunny locations, preferring well-drained soil. It’s an excellent choice for borders or rock gardens. The plant’s compact form and continuous blooms make it ideal for adding consistent color. Dianthus not only beautifies but also attracts pollinators, enriching the garden ecosystem.
18. Artemisia
Artemisia is known for its aromatic, silvery foliage, providing a soft contrast. It’s a versatile plant, thriving in sunny, well-drained areas. Artemisia’s feathery leaves add texture, making it a perfect foil for vibrant blooms. This plant is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care. Its subtle beauty lies in its ability to enhance other plants. Artemisia’s delicate appearance belies its tough nature, making it a reliable choice for adding elegance and form.
19. Russian Sage
Russian Sage, with its tall spires of lavender flowers, adds drama and height to gardens. Its silvery, aromatic foliage contrasts beautifully with its blooms. Thriving in sunny, dry areas, Russian Sage is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity. Its long blooming period ensures ongoing interest. Russian Sage’s airy, open form creates a light and breezy atmosphere, perfect for informal garden designs.
20. Yarrow
Yarrow, with its clusters of flat-topped flowers, is a stalwart garden favorite. Available in various colors, yarrow thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions. Its feathery foliage adds texture and forms a pleasing contrast to its blooms. Yarrow is not only beautiful but also hardy and drought-resistant. It’s perfect for naturalistic settings or cottage gardens. The plant’s ability to attract beneficial insects makes it a valuable addition. Yarrow’s enduring presence adds continuity and charm.
21. Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s Mantle, with its scalloped leaves, captures morning dew like jewels. Its chartreuse flowers add a burst of color, complementing other blooms. Thriving in shaded, moist areas, it’s perfect for borders or as ground cover. Lady’s Mantle is not only visually appealing but also easy to grow. Its soft, mounding form adds a gentle touch to the garden. This plant’s unique ability to hold water droplets makes it a delightful addition.
22. Bergenia
Bergenia, known as “Elephant Ears,” features large, leathery leaves. Its pink flowers emerge in spring, providing an early splash of color. Bergenia thrives in shaded, rocky areas, making it ideal for challenging sites. Its foliage turns a lovely bronze in autumn, adding seasonal interest. Bergenia is not just decorative; it’s also resilient, withstanding various conditions. This plant’s robust nature and year-round appeal make it a garden staple.
23. Baptisia
Baptisia, with its tall spikes of indigo flowers, adds a touch of wild beauty. This perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained areas. Its bushy foliage remains attractive throughout the season. Baptisia is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it ideal for prairie or naturalistic gardens. Its deep roots improve soil health, a boon for sustainable gardening. Baptisia’s striking flowers and robust form create a focal point, enhancing any landscape.
24. Caladium
Known for its striking foliage, Caladium brings a pop of color and flair to any garden. Its large, heart-shaped leaves are an artistic blend of reds, pinks, and greens, creating a dynamic visual appeal. Positioned among other plants, Caladium’s unique color patterns offer a bold contrast that enhances the overall garden aesthetic.
With a preference for shaded areas, it thrives under trees or larger shrubs, providing texture and color where light is limited. Interestingly, Caladium is also a popular indoor plant, adding vibrancy to interior spaces.
Caladium’s enchanting appearance makes it a standout choice for garden enthusiasts.