Foliage Spiller Accents

Spillers are what make a container feel full and finished—they trail over the edge, soften the look, and tie everything together. The key is choosing the right spiller for the right sun exposure so it holds up through the entire Indiana season.

These handle Indiana heat and sun best:

• ✓ Dichondra 'Silver Falls' — Silvery trailing foliage, very heat and drought tolerant
• ✓ Dorotheanthus 'Trailing Mezoo' — Succulent-style foliage with small blooms, great in hot, dry conditions
• ✓ Aptenia 'Golden Cascade' — Bright chartreuse trailing succulent, extremely heat tolerant and low water needs
• ✓ Vinca Vine 'Illumination' — Variegated foliage, very forgiving and durable

Best for: hot patios, sunny decks, south-facing exposures

Good flexibility—handles some shade but still performs in sun:

• ✓ Lysimachia (Creeping Jenny) — Bright green trailing foliage, fast grower
• ✓ Tradescantia — Great color contrast, works in mixed conditions
• ✓ Muehlenbeckia (Wire Vine) — Fine texture, more subtle trailing look

Best for: mixed exposures, combo planters, areas with partial shade

Best for lower light or protected areas:

• ✓ Hedera (Ivy) — Classic trailing look, very reliable in shade
• ✓ Tradescantia — Very adaptable, performs well out of direct sun

Best for: porches, shaded patios, north/east exposures

This is a newer option that's worth paying attention to. Extremely heat and drought tolerant with a bright golden/chartreuse color that stands out. Works especially well in sun-heavy combinations. A great alternative when you want something different from the typical silver or green spillers.

• ✓ Hot, dry location? — Go with Dichondra, Mezoo, or Aptenia
• ✓ Mixed container? — Lysimachia or Tradescantia
• ✓ Shade? — Ivy or Tradescantia

Reference: Purdue University Extension — Indiana gardening resources