From our perspective, the designation as a "spiller" is not a gardening trend but a simple recognition of our innate growth pattern. We are not upright plants straining to reach the sun; we are ground-huggers and cliff-dwellers by nature. Our stems are naturally weak and trailing, designed to creep along the soil surface or cascade over edges. When placed in the elevated environment of a container, our genetic programming takes over. We do not fight gravity; we work with it, sending our stems and a profusion of small, intricate flowers spilling over the sides in a graceful, flowing manner. This creates the soft, overflowing effect that gardeners desire, and for us, it is merely an expression of our true form.
We offer a remarkable palette to capture attention from a distance. Our blooms, though individually small, are produced in such incredible abundance that we create solid sheets of color. The most classic shades are the vibrant cobalt blue and the deep, rich purple, which provide a stunning contrast against green foliage. However, our cultivars now include clean white, soft pink, and even dramatic shades of magenta and violet. This variety allows us to either harmonize softly with other plants in a container or to act as a bold, contrasting element. From our viewpoint, this colorful display is our method of attracting pollinators, but in the container garden, it serves to draw the human eye downward, emphasizing the cascading effect and tying the entire planting composition together.
To thrive and perform our spiller role effectively, we have specific needs that must be met. We are sun-loving plants at our core. We require several hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the energy for our prolific flowering. Without it, our stems can become leggy as we stretch for light, and our flower production will significantly decline. Similarly, our soil preferences are non-negotiable. We demand consistently moist, yet exceptionally well-draining soil. Our roots are susceptible to rot if left sitting in waterlogged conditions, which is why a quality potting mix is crucial. Regular watering is essential, especially during hot, dry periods, as our shallow root systems dry out quickly. When these needs for sun, water, and good drainage are met, we reward the gardener with unstoppable growth and color.
Within the classic container recipe, our role as the spiller is one of connection and completion. We are the element that softens the hard edges of the pot and links the entire arrangement to its environment. The upright "thriller" plant provides the vertical interest, and the mounding "filler" plants create body, but we are the finishing touch. Our trailing stems gracefully drape down, often reaching 12 inches or more, effectively hiding the container's rim and adding a sense of maturity and abundance. We flow towards the ground, creating a sense of movement and ensuring the container doesn't look static or top-heavy. In essence, we provide the elegant finale to the garden's design.
We are committed to a long season of beauty. Most modern Lobelia varieties are bred for continuous flowering from spring straight through until the first frost. To maintain this performance, a little maintenance is helpful. If we begin to look tired or leggy in the peak of summer, a gentle trimming back by about one-third can encourage a fresh flush of growth and blooms. Gardeners can choose from different types of us to suit their vision. The compact, trailing varieties like the 'Techno Heat' or 'Cascade' series are ideal for a dense, flower-laden spill. For a more delicate, airy effect with smaller flowers, the 'Laguna' or 'Fountain' series are excellent choices. Each offers a slightly different texture but fulfills the spiller role with distinction.
