Selecting the Right Plants for Your Hanging Basket
Choosing plants to put in hanging baskets involves considering light conditions, the desired aesthetic, and the care you can provide. For a truly eye-catching display that lasts, balance trailing plants with mounding or upright varieties. Think about the mature size of each plant, ensuring they have enough space to grow and that one species doesn't overpower others. Successful hanging baskets often feature a combination of thrillers (tall, upright plants), spillers (trailing plants), and fillers (mounding plants) to create depth and interest.
- Balance trailing, mounding, and upright plants.
- Consider light conditions: sun, shade, or partial.
- Account for plant growth and mature size.
- Choose plants with complementary or contrasting colours.
- Ensure good drainage for all hanging basket plants.
The foundation of any good hanging basket display is a well-draining compost, often a mix designed for containers. This prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot, a common issue for plants in suspended containers. When selecting plants, always check their specific needs for sunlight and water. A basket in full sun will require different species than one placed in a shady corner. Understanding these basic requirements is the first step to cultivating beautiful hanging baskets that bring joy throughout the season.
Sun-Loving Stars for Brighter Spots
For areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, a wide array of vibrant flowering plants thrive. Petunias are a classic choice, offering a profusion of blooms in almost every colour imaginable, with many varieties boasting excellent trailing habits. Surfinia petunias, in particular, are bred for their vigorous growth and abundant flowers, making them ideal for spilling over the edges of large plant pots or hanging baskets.
Geraniums (Pelargoniums) also perform brilliantly in full sun. Their sturdy nature and colourful flower heads, ranging from deep reds and pinks to bright whites and oranges, add a splash of boldness. Many trailing geranium varieties are available, designed to cascade elegantly. Complementing these might be calibrachoa, often called million bells, which produce masses of small, bell-shaped flowers, similar to miniature petunias, and are exceptional spillers.
Other excellent choices for sunny hanging baskets include verbena, with its small, star-shaped flowers often in shades of purple, pink, or red, and its creeping habit. Lantana, a heat-loving plant, offers clusters of multi-coloured blooms that attract butterflies, and some varieties are naturally more compact or trailing. For sheer impact, consider New Guinea impatiens if your sunny spot receives some afternoon shade, as they can tolerate more sun than their busy Lizzie cousins.
Shade-Tolerant Beauties for Quieter Corners
Not all garden spaces are bathed in sunlight. For shaded patios, north-facing walls, or under dense trees, shade-tolerant plants are essential for successful hanging basket displays. Fuchsias are arguably the queens of the shade basket, with their exquisite, pendulous flowers that come in a dazzling array of bi-colours and single or double forms. Many fuchsia varieties are specifically bred for their trailing or cascading habit, perfect for hanging baskets.
Begonias are another superb option for shadier conditions. Tuberous begonias produce large, flamboyant flowers in rich hues of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, often with delicate, ruffled petals. Rex begonias, while not primarily grown for flowers, offer spectacular foliage in intricate patterns and colours, adding texture and visual interest even when not in bloom. Their leaves can provide a wonderful, lush backdrop.
Impatiens walleriana (Busy Lizzies) are traditional favourites for shady spots, providing continuous colour from spring until the first frosts. However, they can be susceptible to downy mildew. For a more resilient alternative, consider coleus, grown for its incredibly varied and vibrant foliage patterns, which can range from deep burgundies and greens to bright yellows and pinks. Their colourful leaves create a stunning display that lasts all summer. Add to these the delicate beauty of torenia (wishbone flower), which offers small, charming, bi-coloured blooms and a trailing habit.
Adding Texture and Interest with Foliage and Trailing Plants
Beyond the bloom, texture and foliage play a crucial role in creating a captivating hanging basket. Incorporating plants with varied leaf shapes, colours, and growth habits adds depth and visual intrigue, even when flowers are not at their peak. Trailing plants, in particular, are fundamental to achieving that classic overflowing look that makes hanging baskets so appealing.
The Art of the Cascade
When choosing plants to put in hanging baskets, think about the 'spillers'. These are the plants that will naturally cascade over the sides, softening the edges of the pot and creating a waterfall effect. Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' (Golden Creeping Jenny) is a popular choice for its bright, chartreuse foliage that trails profusely, adding a splash of sunshine even in shadier spots. Its small, rounded leaves create a dense mat.
Bacopa (Sutera diffusa) offers small, delicate white or blue flowers and a fine, trailing habit that weaves through other plants beautifully. It prefers moist conditions and can provide a gentle, airy texture. Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls' is a showstopper with its delicate, silvery-white foliage that forms long, elegant trails, perfect for creating a shimmering curtain effect. It thrives in sun and requires good drainage.
Foliage as the Star
Don't underestimate the power of foliage. Heucheras (Coral Bells) offer a stunning array of leaf colours, from deep purples and oranges to lime greens and silvers. While some varieties are more mounding, certain types can have a slightly more relaxed habit that works well in larger hanging baskets, adding a rich tapestry of colour and texture. Their ornate leaves provide interest long after flowering plants fade.
Ornamental grasses, like certain varieties of Carex (sedges), can add a wispy, architectural element. For example, Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' has arching, variegated leaves that trail, bringing a touch of movement and a different texture to the basket. Similarly, sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) comes in vibrant colours such as deep burgundy, lime green, and black, and its vigorous trailing nature makes it a superb spiller for both sun and partial shade.
Incorporate plants with silvery or variegated foliage into your hanging basket mix to brighten shady areas and add contrast to bolder colours, ensuring a more dynamic visual appeal throughout the season.
Combining for Maximum Impact
The true magic happens when you combine different types of plants. A common, successful formula involves a thriller, a filler, and a spiller. For example, a tall, upright fuchsia could be the thriller, surrounded by mounding lobelia or alyssum for filler, with trailing ivy geraniums or bacopa spilling over the edges. This layering creates a professional, full look that is both visually pleasing and structurally sound.
Annuals vs. Perennials for Hanging Baskets
When planning your hanging basket displays, a key decision is whether to opt for annuals or perennials. Each offers distinct advantages and caters to different gardening preferences and seasonal goals. Understanding the life cycle and care requirements of each will help you choose plants to put in hanging baskets that best suit your needs.
The Allure of Annuals
Annuals complete their life cycle in a single growing season, typically blooming prolifically from spring until the first frost. This makes them incredibly popular for vibrant, ever-changing hanging basket displays. Plants like petunias, fuchsias, begonias, impatiens, lobelia, and geraniums are predominantly grown as annuals in many climates.
The main advantage of annuals is their consistent, season-long performance. They are bred for abundant flowering and are generally more forgiving in terms of establishment. You can create stunning, colourful displays that are refreshed each year, experimenting with new colour schemes and plant combinations. Many of the most flamboyant and popular hanging basket plants are annuals, offering a vast selection for gardeners.
However, annuals need to be replanted each year, which can be a recurring cost and effort. They also require regular feeding and watering to maintain their spectacular show throughout the summer months.
The Longevity of Perennials
Perennials live for more than two years, often returning year after year. While not as common for the showiest, cascading floral displays as annuals, certain perennials can be excellent additions to hanging baskets, particularly for adding structure, foliage interest, and longer-term appeal. Plants like heucheras, certain trailing sedums, ivy, and even some small ornamental grasses can be used effectively.
Using perennials in hanging baskets offers the benefit of established plants returning each year, reducing the need for annual replanting and saving costs. They can provide year-round structure and foliage interest, especially evergreens or those with persistent seed heads. A well-chosen perennial can grow and mature in the basket over several seasons, developing a substantial presence.
Use a mix of annuals and perennials to achieve both season-long floral impact and enduring structure; this approach offers the best of both worlds for your hanging basket plants.
Choosing Between Them
For the most dramatic, colourful, and abundant floral displays throughout a single summer, annuals are generally the preferred choice. They offer the widest variety of bright colours and trailing habits specifically bred for containers. If you are looking for a more subtle, textured, or evergreen element that can be a lasting feature, or if you prefer a lower-maintenance, long-term planting, incorporating perennials can be a wise decision. Often, a combination of both can yield the most satisfying results – annuals for maximum summer colour, and perennials for structure and early/late season interest.
Caring for Your Hanging Basket Plants
Once you've selected the perfect plants to put in hanging baskets, ensuring their continued health and vibrancy requires consistent care. Hanging baskets, due to their elevated position and limited soil volume, can dry out more quickly and may require more frequent attention than plants in the ground or larger outdoor plant pots.
Watering Wisdom
The single most critical aspect of hanging basket care is watering. Because they are exposed to wind and sun, and have less soil mass, baskets can dry out rapidly, sometimes needing water twice a day during hot, dry spells. Always check the compost moisture by feeling it with your finger. If the top inch feels dry, it's time to water thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes. Avoid frequent, light watering, which encourages shallow root growth. Watering in the morning is best, allowing plants to hydrate before the heat of the day and reducing the risk of fungal diseases overnight.
Feeding for Flourishing Flowers
Plants in hanging baskets, especially those that flower profusely, are heavy feeders. The limited compost volume quickly depletes nutrients. Regular feeding is essential to maintain growth and bloom. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically every two to four weeks throughout the growing season. For plants like petunias and fuchsias, switching to a fertiliser higher in potassium later in the season can encourage more blooms.
It's also beneficial to incorporate a slow-release fertiliser into the compost mix when planting. This provides a steady supply of nutrients over several months, supplementing regular liquid feeds. Remember that over-fertilising can be as detrimental as under-fertilising, leading to scorched leaves or excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) is crucial for encouraging more blooms and preventing the plant from putting energy into seed production. For many trailing plants, a light trim or pinch back periodically can encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming leggy or sparse. This is particularly true for plants like petunias and calibrachoa. If a plant becomes unruly, don't hesitate to give it a good trim; it will usually respond with renewed vigour and flowering.
Rotate your hanging baskets regularly by a quarter turn every few days; this ensures all sides receive adequate light and encourages even growth, preventing one-sidedness and promoting a fuller, more symmetrical display.
Pest and Disease Management
Hanging baskets can be susceptible to common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of infestation. Early detection is key. Often, a strong jet of water can dislodge small aphid colonies. For more persistent problems, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective, especially when used according to product instructions. Good air circulation and proper watering also help prevent fungal diseases.
Choosing the Right Container and Location
The container itself and its placement are as vital as the plants you select. The type of hanging basket and its location significantly influence the success of your display. Considering these elements from the outset will help you choose the most appropriate plants to put in hanging baskets and ensure they thrive.
Basket Materials and Sizes
Hanging baskets come in various materials, including traditional wire or coco-liner baskets, plastic, ceramic, and woven materials. Wire baskets with coco liners are popular for their rustic look and good drainage, but they can dry out quickly. Plastic baskets retain moisture better but can look less natural. Larger hanging baskets, often referred to as large plant pots when elevated, offer more soil volume, which means they dry out more slowly and can support larger plants or more specimens. Aim for baskets with a diameter of at least 30-40 cm for substantial displays.
Ensure any basket you choose has adequate drainage holes. Without them, excess water will collect, leading to root rot, a common killer of container plants. Hanging basket brackets should be robust and securely fastened to walls or sturdy supports capable of bearing the weight of the basket, plants, compost, and water, which can be considerable.
Location, Location, Location
The amount of light a spot receives is the primary factor dictating which plants to put in hanging baskets. Observe your chosen location throughout the day. Does it get full sun from morning till evening? Is it dappled shade under a tree? Or is it predominantly shady, receiving light only indirectly?
Full sun (6+ hours direct sun): Ideal for petunias, geraniums, calibrachoa, verbena, lantana, and many trailing salvias. These plants need ample light to produce abundant blooms and prevent legginess.
Partial sun/shade (3-6 hours direct sun, often morning sun): Suitable for fuchsias, begonias, impatiens (some varieties), lobelia, and many trailing foliage plants like sweet potato vine.
Full shade (less than 3 hours direct sun, or bright indirect light): Best for certain varieties of impatiens, coleus, torenia, and some ferns or shade-loving foliage plants. These plants can scorch in direct midday sun.
Consider wind exposure when choosing a location; while baskets need light, constant strong winds can dry out plants rapidly and damage delicate foliage or blooms, potentially requiring more sheltered spots.
Balcony and Patio Considerations
For urban gardeners with balconies or patios, hanging baskets are a fantastic way to add greenery and colour without taking up valuable floor space. When selecting plants for balcony hanging baskets, consider the prevailing conditions. Is it a windy balcony? Does it get full sun all day? Many compact, colourful annuals do wonderfully in these situations, and foliage plants can add year-round interest. Always ensure you have appropriate, secure hanging basket brackets that comply with any building regulations.