Urban gardening brings life to concrete landscapes, and nothing completes the look of a planter box quite like plants that gracefully spill over the edges. These trailing varieties soften hard lines, add vertical interest, and maximize your limited growing space. For a stunning display, consider these top performers.
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas) is a vigorous grower prized for its heart-shaped leaves in shades of lime green, deep purple, or variegated cream and pink. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is remarkably heat-tolerant.
For constant color, Bacopa (Sutera cordata) is unbeatable. This tough plant produces a profusion of small white, blue, or pink flowers from spring until fall. It prefers part shade and consistent moisture.
The classic Trailing Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) offers a cascade of intense blue, purple, or white flowers. It blooms best in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall and appreciates a location with afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Don't overlook the textural beauty of Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia). Its chartreuse, coin-shaped leaves brighten up any container. It grows well in sun or shade and can be somewhat aggressive, making it perfect for controlling in a confined planter.
For shady spots, Ivy (Hedera helix) is a reliable and elegant choice. Its glossy, evergreen leaves provide year-round structure. There are many varieties with different leaf shapes and variegation to choose from.
Finally, the Million Bells (Calibrachoa) is a superstar, resembling miniature petunias. It comes in almost every color imaginable and flowers relentlessly all season long with minimal deadheading, loving full sun.
When planting your urban box, use a high-quality potting mix and ensure adequate drainage. Combine a thriller (an upright plant), a filler (a mounding plant), and these spillers for a dynamic and beautiful container garden that will make your urban space flourish.