Plants for Hanging Baskets

More About Plants for Hanging Baskets

Choosing the Best Plants for Hanging Baskets

Consider how much sun your hanging baskets will be subject to when choosing varieties to plant. Sun-loving beauties like petunias, geraniums and calibrachoa thrive in bright positions and are among the best flowers for hanging baskets during summer. Shadier spots suit begonias, fuchsias and trailing ivy, which still provide excellent colour and texture without full sun.
Mixing upright plants with trailing varieties creates a balanced display. Upright growers add body and fullness, while trailing plants spill over the sides for that classic cascading effect. Begonia trailing plants are particularly popular for this reason, producing masses of blooms while tolerating less-than-perfect weather. For those planning year-round displays, winter hanging basket plants such as pansies and violas keep baskets looking fresh through colder months.
If pollinators are a priority, choose flowers that produce nectar-rich blooms, helping to support bees throughout the growing season. The best plants for hanging baskets combine long flowering periods, weather resilience and a naturally compact or trailing habit.

Planting and Caring for Hanging Baskets

Successful hanging baskets start with good preparation. Always use a quality compost designed for containers and baskets, ideally with added water-retention properties. Plant baskets generously to achieve a full look, but allow enough space for plants to grow and trail naturally. Water thoroughly right after planting and continue to water regularly, as baskets dry out faster than ground-level containers.
Feeding is key to long-lasting colour. A regular liquid feed throughout the season encourages continuous flowering and healthy growth, helping flowers to put in hanging baskets perform at their best. Deadheading spent blooms and trimming back leggy growth keeps baskets neat and promotes fresh flowers.
For winter displays, reduce feeding and watering, and position baskets in a more sheltered spot if possible. With the right care, hanging basket plants can provide colour and interest for much longer than many gardeners expect.