Adding some hanging baskets to an outdoor space can add some beauty and charm. They can transform a plain patio, balcony or garden corner into an area that’s filled with trialing vines and beautiful flowers.
Choosing the right plants for your hanging baskets is key to making your space look right though. Selecting plants and flowers that don’t work or fit will leave you little more than a mess!
So whether you want bright flowers that attract pollinators or hardy foliage that withstands the elements the following plants will turn your hanging baskets into the highlight of your garden.
1. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum are relatively easy to grow and don’t require a lot of maintenance. So they’re perfect for hanging baskets!
Characteristics and Care
These low maintenance plants only need regular watering and occasional feeding. They’re known for their rapid growth and can bloom within six to eight weeks of planting. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming, making your baskets look fresh all season.
Best Conditions for Growth
Position Sweet Alyssum in full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. They thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate light frost. Ideal temperatures range from 55°F to 75°F. Plant them early in spring or fall for best results. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to ensure robust growth.
2. Trailing Lobelia
Trailing Lobelia offers a cascade of vibrant blue, violet or white flowers, perfect for hanging baskets.
Varieties to Try
Explore varieties like ‘Regatta Sky Blue’ for sky-blue blooms or ‘Sapphire’ for deep blue flowers with white centers. These types provide a stunning contrast in your hanging arrangements. ‘White Lady’ is another excellent choice if you prefer pure white blossoms.
Watering and Sunlight Requirements
Make sure Lobelia gets consistent moisture, as it dislikes dry conditions. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly damp but not waterlogged. Position your hanging basket in a spot that gets partial to full sunlight providing at least 4-6 hours of light daily for optimal growth.
3. Petunias
Petunias are a popular choice for hanging baskets due to their vibrant blooms and easy maintenance. They’re available in a rainbow of colors which makes them ideal for adding a splash of brightness to any space.
Maintenance Tips
Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Petunias need full sun for at least 6 hours a day to thrive. Pinch back stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy flowers. Deadhead spent flowers to ensure continuous blooming.
Complementary Pairings
Pair Petunias with plants like Bacopa for a lovely cascading effect. Combine them with Lobelia to add a mix of blue hues. Integrate Calibrachoa, which has a similar growth habit, to create a fuller basket with varied textures. Use trailing varieties like Sweet Potato Vine for an interesting contrast in foliage color and form.
4. Begonias
Embrace the charm of Begonias in your hanging baskets. They’re incredibly easy to maintain and bring brightness to your space.
Unique Features
Begonias display a striking variety of colors and patterns. Their blooms range from white, pink, red and even yellow, creating a stunning display. The foliage often features interesting shapes and textures with some varieties showcasing bronze or variegated leaves. These plants are not only beautiful but also versatile, thriving in both shaded and partially sunny spaces.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Begonias prefer moderate temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They thrive in well-draining soil and benefit from consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Position them in areas with partial shade to protect them from direct afternoon sun. Regularly trim spent flowers and leaves to encourage continuous blooming. A balanced liquid fertilizer applied every few weeks helps maintain their vibrant colors and robust health.
5. Fuchsia
Fuchsias are renowned for their dangling, bell-shaped flowers that work so well in hanging baskets. They catch the eye in any garden setting.
Flowering Patterns
Fuchsias produce an abundance of two-toned flowers that hang gracefully from their stems. You can find fuchsias in combinations of pink, purple, red and white. Varieties like ‘Swingtime’ and ‘Dark Eyes’ are particularly popular for their bold colors and prolific blooms. These plants flower from late spring through early fall, ensuring a long-lasting show of color.
Care Instructions
Fuchsias thrive in well-drained soil and prefer partial to full shade, making them perfect for shaded areas of your garden. Water them consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Feed your fuchsias every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to promote healthy growth and continuous blooming. Prune back spent flowers to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. Protect them from extreme heat, as high temperatures can stress the plants and inhibit flowering.
6. Ferns
Ferns create lush cascades that instantly bring a touch of nature to any space. They’re perfect for hanging baskets due to their trailing fronds and the fact they are so low maintenance.
Ideal Species for Hanging Baskets
Boston Fern: Offers arching fronds that create a full, lush look. It thrives in indirect sunlight, making it ideal for shaded patios or indoors.
Maidenhair Fern: Features delicate, fan-shaped fronds and is perfect for adding a touch of elegance. It does best in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Asparagus Fern: Despite its name, it’s not a true fern but offers fine, needle-like leaves that spill gracefully over the basket’s edge. It’s resilient and can tolerate less-than-ideal conditions, including indoor settings.
Care and Maintenance
Provide Adequate Watering: Ferns need consistent moisture but shouldn’t be waterlogged. Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Proper Humidity: Ferns thrive in high humidity. Mist your ferns regularly or use a humidifier, especially in dry environments.
Offer Indirect Light: Most ferns do well in indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as it can scorch their tender fronds.
Feed Regularly: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every month during the growing season to keep your ferns healthy and lush.
7. Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, is a charming flower that blooms profusely, creating a stunning display.
Growth Habit
Calibrachoa exhibits a trailing growth habit, often cascading over the edges of hanging baskets. It reaches about 6-12 inches in height and spreads up to 24 inches wide. This makes it perfect for adding volume and color. Regular deadheading isn’t required but doing so encourages more blooms.
Soil and Fertilization Needs
Use well-draining soil to keep Calibrachoa healthy. It’s essential to use a high-quality, peat-based potting mix that retains enough moisture without waterlogging the roots. Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support continuous blooming. Avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to fewer flowers and more foliage. Monitor moisture regularly, especially in hot weather.
8. Lavender
Lavender is perfect for hanging baskets. It has a delightful scent and lovely purple blooms that enhance any space.
Varieties Suitable for Baskets
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) work well for hanging baskets. Choose compact varieties like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’ as they’re smaller yet fragrant. These are ideal due to their manageable size and prolific blooming.
Pruning and Harvesting Tips
Pruning keeps your lavender in shape. Trim back by one-third after blooming to encourage new growth. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to extend the blooming period. For harvesting cut the stems before the flowers fully open, ensuring you get the most aromatic oil. Use the harvested lavender for sachets or dried arrangements.
9. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums offer a burst of color and a cheerful look to any hanging basket. They are not only beautiful but also easy to grow and maintain.
Planting and Propagation
Choose a sunny spot for your Nasturtiums since they thrive in full sun. Use a lightweight potting mix to ensure good drainage. Plant seeds directly in the basket, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Water them thoroughly and keep the soil moist until they germinate, usually within 7-10 days. For a continuous bloom plant seeds in succession every 2-3 weeks.
Benefits and Uses
Enjoy the dual-purpose nature of Nasturtiums. Their bright, edible flowers and leaves add a peppery flavor to salads. Use them for decoration to elevate your dishes. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and repel pests such as aphids, making them excellent companion plants.
10. Ivy Geraniums
Flowering and Foliage Features
These plants produce vivid, semi-double flowers in colors like red, pink, white and lavender. Their ivy-like, deeply lobed leaves create lush foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. They’re perfect for adding a burst of color and texture to your outdoor space.
Year-Round Care
Place them in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. In colder months bring the plants indoors to a cool, bright area and water sparingly. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming and keep your baskets looking their best.
11. Edible Strawberries
Growing edible strawberries in hanging baskets offers a charming and practical addition to your garden. You can enjoy fresh strawberries right at your fingertips!
Cultivating in Hanging Baskets
Choose everbearing or day-neutral strawberry varieties for long-lasting fruiting in hanging baskets. Make sure the basket has good drainage to prevent root rot. Use a high-quality potting mix with organic compost to provide the necessary nutrients. Position the baskets in a sunny spot – strawberries need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Water them regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Harvest and Maintenance
Monitor the berries closely to pick them when they’re fully red and plump. Regularly remove any overripe or damaged fruit to prevent pests. Feed your strawberries with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Trim any runners (the long stems extending from the main plant) if you want to encourage more fruit production rather than plant spread. Prune dead leaves to keep the plant healthy and maintain good airflow. Protect against frost by bringing baskets indoors or covering them during cooler months.
12. Bee Balm
Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, is perfect for hanging baskets if you want to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Plant Shades and Textures
Choose Bee Balm varieties with hues ranging from bright red and pink to purple and white. These diverse colors will make your hanging baskets stand out. The textured leaves release a minty fragrance when touched, adding another sensory dimension to your garden.
Care Routine
Place your Bee Balm in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Water the plant regularly checking the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer monthly during the growing season to encourage vigorous growth and blooming.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and prune the plant in late fall to maintain its shape and health. Regularly check for powdery mildew, a common issue, and treat it immediately to keep your plant thriving.
13. Impatiens
Impatiens have dense, eye-catching blooms thrive wonderfully in shaded areas and are low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners.
Color Range
Impatiens offer a diverse palette ranging from deep reds to bright pinks, purples, oranges and whites. Varietals like ‘Accent Red’ or ‘Super Elfin XP White’ provide uniform, striking blooms. By mixing different colors you can create a visually stunning display that enlivens any space.
Light and Watering Requirements
Impatiens flourish in partial to full shade which makes them great for areas not exposed to direct sunlight. They must be watered consistently to keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Water in the morning to reduce the risk of mildew. Use well-draining soil and incorporate organic compost to enrich the growth medium. Regularly check soil moisture to maintain optimal conditions for healthy, vibrant blooms.
14. Trailing Herbs
Best Herbs for Hanging Baskets
Growing herbs in hanging baskets isn’t just practical; it’s also delightful. Trailing herbs like oregano, thyme and mint thrive in these setups, adding beauty and utility to your space. Use well-draining soil and place the baskets in a sunny spot for the best results.
Usage and Preservation
Harvest herbs frequently to encourage new growth. Use fresh herbs in cooking or dry them for later. Hang dried herbs in a cool, dark place, then store them in airtight containers to preserve flavor.
15. Trailing Dichondra
Trailing Dichondra offers a stunning silver-green foliage perfect for hanging baskets. You’ll love the way it cascades elegantly from a basket.
Growth and Maintenance
You can make sure your Trailing Dichondra thrives by planting it in well-draining soil. Place your baskets in areas with partial to full sun, as Dichondra prefers bright light but can tolerate some shade. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil lightly moist but not soggy.
Feed Dichondra with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season. Trim back any unruly vines to maintain a neat appearance and encourage dense growth. Dichondra is relatively pest and disease resistant making it low-maintenance yet eye-catching.
Decorative Applications
Trailing Dichondra’s cascading vines create a lush, waterfall effect that’s perfect for softening hard edges or enhancing a vertical garden. Pair Dichondra with flowering plants like petunias or begonias for a beautiful contrast. Or you can incorporate it into mixed baskets for added texture and depth. This versatile plant not only beautifies your space but also enhances the visual appeal of your hanging baskets with its unique trailing habit.
Final Thoughts
These 15 fantastic plants that are well suited for hanging baskets opens up endless possibilities for creating a really special space. Whether you’re aiming to create a wondefyo floral display or a practical herb garden – hanging baskets offer a versatile solution.
