Hanging baskets can be really attractive when they’re done right but what plants should you put in your baskets to get the look that you’re seeking?
The good news is that while there are many plants that don’t like living in baskets there are many perennials and annuals that thrive in them.
Here are some favorites from our gardening expert to give you some ideas for your baskets.
Ferns
Ferns work really well in hanging baskets, they’re solid trailing plants and are quite happy in partial shade or even full shade.
They have a long growing season and that means your hanging basket ought to be overflowing with these hanging plants if you give them the right kind of care.
However, it’s best to ensure that a fern is the only plant in a hanging basket or that any companion plants are chosen for being the best plants to go with ferns as they can stifle the growth of other plants with their sheer size.
If you need help growing ferns check out these awesome apps for plant growers.
Begonias
Hanging baskets full of begonias are full of bright and colorful flowers.
They are not too choosy about light, either, so leave them in full sun or park them in the shade and your hanging baskets should do fine.
They’re the best plants for beginners looking to create that full, spilling effect that many people love hanging plants for.
Some varieties such as the Dragon Wing can get to 2-3 feet tall!
Before you start growing hanging baskets, we’d recommend using a garden planning program to lay out your garden.
Fuchsias
The scent of fuchsia makes a hanging basket one of the nicest things to walk past in the world.
But please make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight as these are shade-loving plants that only thrive in hanging baskets when you keep the light to the way that they like it.
They’re quite water-hungry as hanging plants go and you should plant to visit their hanging basket with a watering can at least 3 to 4 times a week.
Lantana
For summer hanging baskets these bright blooms with purple flowers are just wonderful.
They are very drought tolerant which means you won’t need to spend too much time looking after them in outdoor hanging baskets and they really will brighten up the garden.
However, if they don’t get enough sunlight they may not produce as many flowers as you were hoping for.
Verbena
Verbena is a beautiful hanging basket plant that is easy to care for.
It has long, slender stems and delicate leaves, and it comes in a variety of colors including purple, pink, and white.
Verbena is a sun-loving plant, so make sure to place it in a spot where it will receive plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize monthly, and you will soon be rewarded with a basket full of vibrant blooms.
Verbena is also an excellent choice for container gardens. Combine it with other sun-loving plants such as impatiens or petunias for a colorful display.
Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Calibrachoa is a genus of flowering plants that includes both annual and perennial species. Often known as million bells or trailing petunias, these plants are characterized by their small, bell-shaped flowers.
Calibrachoa plants are native to South America, but they have been introduced to many other parts of the world.
They are popularly used in hanging baskets and other container gardens, as they cascade beautifully over the sides. Calibrachoa plants require full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively drought-tolerant and can even tolerate some salt spray. However, too much wind can damage the delicate blossoms.
Deadheading is not necessary for Calibrachoa plants, as they will often self-cleanse. However, regular trimming will help to encourage bushier growth. Propagation is typically done via stem cuttings.
Portulaca
Definitely one of the best plants for hanging baskets is Portulaca they have lovely blooms that are rich in color and these not-so-tender plants will expand to fill any hanging basket.
Again, just make sure to water them often and they’ll thrive in your garden.
Vegetables/Fruit
You might not think that they’d be among the best plants for hanging baskets but fruit and veggies often really love basket life.
Strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce can all make a firm go of things in a basket and they all taste great!
Check out these perennial vegetables if you want some ideas for this.
Geraniums
Geraniums are a hanging basket staple and that’s because they have huge flowers and long stems which allow them to really fill the view with color and vibrancy.
They are another plant that appreciates plenty of water so make sure to have your watering can ready for geraniums.
Black-Eyed Susans
We love Black-Eyed Susans which can also be known as thunbergia.
They will, quite literally, climb right out of the basket and smother it making it look like a basket made of plants.
The blooms are delicate and interesting too and help to cheer any place up.
Petunias
Petunias are a popular choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, and other containers. They come in a wide variety of colors, from delicate pastels to vibrant primaries.
Petunias also have a long bloom period, making them a reliable source of color all season long. Despite their delicate appearance, petunias are actually quite tough and tolerant of both heat and drought. They do best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade.
Petunias are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they will need to be deadheaded regularly to keep them looking their best. With a little care, petunias can brighten any home or garden.
Impatiens
Impatiens are native to Africa and Asia but are now common decorative plants worldwide.
They are often used as ornamental plants, and come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, purple, and white.
Impatiens are known for their ability to bloom continuously throughout the summer months. They require very little maintenance and can be grown in both sun and shade.
Final Notes
If you choose popular flowers or plants for hanging baskets then you should find that as long as you water and feed regularly, that you end up with beautiful blooms and vibrant color in your baskets whenever you want them.
