Make Your Own Red, White, and Blue Planter Arrangement!

Independence Day themed flower display
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Fourth of July is one of the most iconic holidays in America. Seeing red, white, and blue opens up all kinds of opportunity for a unified theme at a BBQ or get together. One amazing way to bring these colors together is through a stunning annual flower planter. There are so many varieties and takes on the colors that the possibilities are limitless.

Regardless the size of your planter, if you follow those simple guidelines, your planter will look lush, unified, and patriotic.

The Plan

When creating your planter, you want to consider three essential elements to give a full, well-rounded look:

The Spiller: A plant that spills out the sides.

The Filler: A plant to serve as the bulk material.

The Thriller: The main show stopper of the arrangement.

For those of you who haven't yet mastered the art of floral arrangements, we've grouped together some excellent red, white, and blue plants that work well in containers and fit into the "Spiller," "Thriller," and "Filler" categories. Plus, the plants listed below are intended to bloom throughout the entire summer.

Mix and match the plants for a stunning combination ideal for your individual space and conditions.

The Spillers

Many orange Calibrachoa flowers growing in the ground

Calibrachoa

Sometimes seen as "miniature petunias," these colorful tufts of flowers bloom all summer long and come in a variety of reds, whites, and blues! These flowers are perfect for containers and hanging basket. In fact, with the proper water and fertilizer regiment, it just might be the ultimate spiller plant for your arrangement.

Bacopa

This annual is a perfect spiller for a hanging basket. It comes in a pure white color and a purplish blue. Either color makes for a spectacular trailing addition to a planter. Bacopa flowers cab be grown in direct sunlight or an area with partial shade. Rumor has it that the plant also has health benefits, who knew?

Verbena

Verbena is an excellent full-sun annual that comes in a variety of shades, including white and blue. These flowers also attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.

Dichondra

Although this plant is technically considered a silver, it gives off the appearance of a glowing white when it is arranged in mass. It forms a beautiful trailing effect, hence its nickname "Silver Falls." This could be the perfect subtle spiller for your arrangement if you like a not-so-obvious patriotic look.

The Fillers

blue lobelia filler flowers

Lobelia

Lobelia is most commonly seen as a bundle of bright blue flowers, bringing whimsy to any arrangement. It makes a planter look full and colorful. If you're lucky, you might be able to find a sky blue lobelia, which offers a soft touch to a Forth of July planter. It can also be found in white.

Coleus

Coleus is a versatile plant that can be taken in during the winter months and grown as a houseplant, as it grows well in shady or partially sunny areas. The coleus also does well when planted in a container. It comes in amazing range of colors, some sporting a brilliant and bright red.

Begonia

Whether upright-stemmed, rhizomatous, or tuberous, this shade-loving flower can withstand cooler indoor climates or tropical outdoor climates. Begonias come in vibrant colors, so you're sure to find one that suits your arrangement perfectly.

The Thrillers

black-eyed susan vine

Thunbergia (Black-eyed Susan vine)

The black-eyed Susan is generally known for being an amazing, tall, sunflower-like flower. The black-eyed Susan vine is a whole other story. Generally seen in orange and yellow with a dark tubular center, this plant also comes in a pure white (which is a true show-stopper).

It can do well in a planter all on it's own (a blue planter looks great with this flower, by the way), or it can be the centerpiece for a large planter. It is often sold with stakes already guiding it up into a nice conical shape. It fills out any planter and really pops against bright red and blue.

Cosmos

A great dainty flower with frilly foliage is a great addition to any full-sun planter. They're easy to grow and make great cut flowers.

Salvia

One of the best plants for attracting hummingbirds to your backyard, annual salvia is the rock star of any planter. You can commonly find this plant in red and blue. It offers height to a planter as well. The most special touch? It slightly resembles fireworks in its bloom style.

Dahlias

Many Dahlias purchased as bulbs can occupy a planter on their own, but there are miniature varieties that make excellent thrillers for a planter. Seek out brilliant reds or maroons for a dramatic effect.

Get Started on Your Own Patriotic Planter Arrangement!

floral arrangement

Spend this Fourth of July celebrating the sites and smells that flowers can bring to your home. It's easy to do once you have the right recipe. Happy planting!