It’s time to talk about the unsung heroes of the garden: filler plants. These are the ones that step in when your garden’s looking a little bare, filling those awkward gaps that ruin the landscape.
I used to think filler plants were just extras (like the random leftovers from a takeout order). But after a few garden redesigns, I realized they’re the real deal!
They quietly pull everything together and make your garden look great without all the fuss.
So, if your garden’s got some gaps or empty spots, these filler plants are here to save the day (and maybe impress the neighbors while you’re at it!).
1. Lamb’s Ear Is Soft, Silvery, And Perfect For Filling Gaps
Lamb’s ear is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its soft, velvety leaves provide a beautiful contrast to other plants, making it a perfect filler for both sunny and partially shaded areas.
Plant in clumps for a lush, almost carpet-like effect that will have your garden looking fuller in no time. And thanks to its density, Lamb’s Ear can also help smother weeds!
2. Hostas Bring Shade-Loving Filler To Your Garden
If you’ve got a shady spot that’s looking a little lonely, hostas are here to help. These lush perennials come in a variety of sizes and colors, and their broad, glossy leaves fill out any space, making them ideal for under trees or in low-light areas.
They thrive in well-drained soil and love a bit of moisture. Just don’t forget to keep them away from the hot sun!
3. Sedum Adds Texture And Color With Little Fuss
Sedum is a low-growing succulent that fills in gaps with its thick, fleshy leaves and small, star-shaped flowers. It’s an excellent choice for hot, dry spots and drought-prone gardens.
Plant in well-draining soil and watch them thrive with minimal watering. They’re tough, beautiful, and add a pop of color!
4. Lavender Is The Fragrant Filler Every Garden Needs
Not only will lavender add a lovely fragrance to your garden, but it’s also a fantastic filler plant that attracts bees and butterflies. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it’ll happily grow in pots or directly in the ground.
Give your rosemary a little pruning once a year, and it’ll keep blooming beautifully season after season!
5. Black-Eyed Susan Is A Bold Filler For Sunny Spots
Black-eyed Susan’s bright yellow flowers are perfect for filling sunny areas with a cheerful burst of color. These tough, low-maintenance plants attract pollinators, making them great for wildlife-friendly gardens.
They’re drought-tolerant and do best in full sun and well-drained soil. A little deadheading will keep them blooming all summer long!
6. Creeping Jenny Is A Ground-Hugging Filler Plant
For a vibrant, ground-covering plant, creeping Jenny can’t be beat. Its bright green leaves turn golden in the fall, adding a splash of color to your garden.
Perfect for filling in the gaps between larger plants or cascading over the edges of containers, this plant thrives in moist, partially shaded areas and spreads quickly.
7. Coneflower Will Fill Your Garden With Color And Life
Coneflowers are a great filler plant for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. These drought-tolerant perennials have striking, daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, and they’ll reward you with vibrant blooms year after year. They’re perfect for filling in the back of flower beds!
8. Sweet Alyssum Adds Sweetness To Any Space
Sweet alyssum’s tiny, fragrant flowers create a carpet of color that fills any empty garden space. It’s perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or as a ground cover.
This annual loves full sun but can tolerate some shade. Plus, its sweet scent will make your garden smell amazing!
9. Astilbe Offers Soft Texture And Color In Shady Spots
This is the perfect filler plant for shaded garden beds, offering fluffy, feathery flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. Its dense foliage creates an elegant texture, while its flowers add a touch of color.
It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full shade. Plant it in clusters for a dramatic effect!
10. Dianthus Is A Colorful Filler With Sweet Fragrance
Dianthus, also known as “pinks,” is an easy-to-grow filler plant that comes in shades of pink, red, and white. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its sweet scent will delight your senses all season long.
Perfect for filling in gaps along garden borders or as an edging plant, it adds vibrant color and fragrance to any space.
11. Heuchera Provides Year-Round Filler With Stunning Foliage
Heuchera varieties are fantastic filler plants thanks to their unique foliage in colors ranging from deep purple to lime green. With its ability to thrive in partial shade, it’s perfect for adding texture and color to any shady spot.
Plant in well-drained soil, and you’ll have year-round interest, especially when the delicate flowers bloom in spring.
12. Coreopsis Brings Sunshine And Color To Your Garden
Coreopsis, or tickseed, produces cheerful yellow or orange flowers that brighten up any garden. It’s an excellent filler plant for sunny areas and attracts pollinators.
This hardy, low-maintenance plant is perfect for filling in gaps in garden beds or containers. It tolerates drought, and a little pruning keeps it blooming all summer!
13. Thyme Is A Scented Filler That Works Overtime
If you’re looking for a filler plant that doubles as an herb, thyme is the perfect choice. Its tiny leaves create a dense, mat-like ground cover, and the fragrant scent will fill the air when you brush against it.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, and you’ll have both a beautiful and functional filler for your garden.
14. Blanket Flower Brightens Up Even The Dullest Spots
With its fiery red and yellow petals, blanket flower is the perfect filler plant for sunny spots. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and attracts pollinators, making it a must-have for any garden.
Plant in good soil and watch it fill in the gaps with color and vibrancy.
15. Japanese Spurge Is The Shady Spot Filler You’ve Been Looking For
If your garden is a shady spot in need of some filling in, Japanese spurge is your solution. This shade-loving ground cover thrives in low-light conditions, filling the space with glossy, deep green leaves.
It’s great for adding texture and preventing soil erosion in the garden. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil.
16. Creeping Phlox Is A Hardy, Low-Growing Filler
Creeping thyme is a hardy, low-growing perennial that will fill in the empty spaces with ease. Its fragrant leaves and small, colorful flowers make it a lovely addition to any garden.
Plant in full sun and soil that drains well, and it will quickly spread to create a fragrant, colorful ground cover.
Each of these filler plants is unique and provides various benefits, from adding color and texture to filling gaps and attracting pollinators.
Whether you’re filling in shady spots, sunny beds, or containers, these plants have you covered!