Love hanging baskets?
Get ready for stunning cascades of blooms!
Discover 5 perfect plants to add for breathtaking results.
Ready to beautify your space?
Let’s explore these gorgeous options!
Tips for Selecting Plants for Hanging Baskets
When picking plants for your hanging baskets, think about a few key factors. Trailing plants tend to do best, so make sure to pick species that spread out or hang down.
Next, decide if you want colorful blooms or attractive foliage. If you want bright colors, go for flowering annuals. For a more leafy look, choose plants with smaller leaves for a better aesthetic.
It’s also important to think about care needs. Make sure the plant’s care requirements match your ability to maintain them. Consider the size and growth rate too, so your plants don’t outgrow the basket too quickly.
Here are five great options for hanging baskets that are easy to grow and look fantastic!
1. Fuchsia
Fuchsia plants are perfect for hanging baskets due to their trailing growth pattern and stunning looks. You’re spoiled for choice with various types, making it tough to pick just one. Another perk is that their blossoms attract hummingbirds, adding an extra touch of life and magic to your garden.
On the flip side, these plants can be a bit of a handful to maintain, so they are best suited for gardeners who have ample time for care. The most demanding part is watering, as Fuchsias are heavy drinkers and might need daily hydration, especially in the hot summer months.
2. Petunia
Petunias and hanging baskets make an excellent pair. The trailing types of these plants come in a variety of colors and even have a sweet scent. The best feature is their blossoms last all summer, giving you a beautiful garden display for many months. They aren’t very picky about growing conditions. Ensure they get full sun, feed them about twice a month, and water them weekly, and you’ll have thriving petunias.
3. Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, offers charming tiny blossoms that thrive in clusters, paired beautifully with lush foliage. This plant comes in various colors, including violet, blue, bright pink, and brownish-orange. You can create stunning hanging containers with just Calibrachoas, or mix them with other trailing plants for added visual appeal.
To keep your Calibrachoas healthy, they require frequent watering. Especially during hot summer days, ensure the soil doesn’t dry out by watering daily. Position your Million Bells in a sunny spot for the best blooming results.
4. Ivy Geranium
Looking to add a splash of color to your hanging baskets? Ivy geraniums are a top choice. With their ivy-shaped leaves and clusters of bright, lively flowers, they’re sure to stand out. They are among the longest-blooming perennials, keeping your garden full of life throughout the summer. Plus, they attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making your yard a haven for pollinators.
5. Begonia
Begonias are what you might call classic garden plants. They’ve been beautifying gardens everywhere for ages. Trailing types come in a variety of colors and look stunning when displayed in hanging containers. Place them in areas that don’t get full sun, as too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Their ability to thrive in shadier spots makes them a unique choice, especially where other flowering plants struggle.
DIY vs. Store-Bought Hanging Baskets: Which Should You Choose?
When you walk through a nursery store, it’s hard to miss the choice between empty hanging baskets and those already filled with plants. If you have a knack for gardening, creating your own plant mixes might be right up your alley. Starting annuals from seeds is a rewarding experience for those with some gardening chops. On the other hand, if you’re new or just can’t wait, grabbing transplants is the way to go—they’ll bloom quickly.
DIY Benefits:
- Customization: Tailor the plant selection to fit your style.
- Variety: Start tomatoes like Tumbling Tom indoors in February, then move them to your hanging baskets.
- Edibles: Grow strawberries for both color and fruit, minus the hassle of dealing with snails and slugs.
Store-bought Perks:
- Convenience: Skip the planting and enjoy instant results.
- Time-saving: Ideal for those who prefer less effort in creating a vibrant display.
How to Care for Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets need to stay hydrated all the time. Because they hold less soil, they dry out rapidly, making frequent watering essential. During hot summer days, it’s best to water them daily. Adding compost and other water-retaining materials can help reduce water evaporation.
Weekly feeding with fertilizer encourages your baskets to bloom consistently. Another important step is deadheading—removing spent flowers promotes more blooms throughout the season.
Selecting plants that thrive in hanging baskets and meeting their care needs isn’t complicated. Following these steps will reward you with a lovely garden display.