Hanging baskets are a delightful addition to any garden or outdoor space. They add vertical interest, create a vibrant display of colors, and allow you to bring your love for plants to new heights. Whether you have a small balcony, a cozy patio, or a spacious garden, hanging baskets offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase an array of beautiful plants. In this article, we will explore 27 stunning plants that are perfect for hanging baskets, transforming your outdoor area into a captivating oasis.
Petunias (Petunia spp.): These popular annuals are available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Their cascading growth habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets, creating a vibrant burst of color.
Ivy Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum): With their trailing foliage and clusters of colorful blooms, ivy geraniums are a classic choice for hanging baskets. They are known for their long-lasting flowers and tolerance to heat.
Fuchsias (Fuchsia spp.): Fuchsias are elegant flowering plants that feature pendulous blooms in various shades of pink, red, and purple. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers add a touch of grace to any hanging basket.
Bacopa (Sutera cordata): Bacopa is a trailing plant with small, delicate flowers that come in shades of white, pink, and lavender. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adds a soft, airy feel to hanging baskets.
Million Bells (Calibrachoa spp.): Resembling miniature petunias, million bells produce an abundance of small, bell-shaped flowers in vibrant hues. They are prolific bloomers and create a stunning cascade of color.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus): Lobelia is a versatile plant that offers a profusion of dainty, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets and containers.
Verbena (Verbena spp.): Verbena is a sun-loving plant that produces clusters of small, vibrant flowers. It is available in a range of colors and attracts butterflies, adding beauty and movement to your hanging baskets.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.): Nasturtiums are not only visually stunning but also edible. Their vibrant flowers come in shades of orange, red, and yellow, adding a pop of color and a peppery taste to salads and dishes.
Lantana (Lantana camara): Lantana is a heat-tolerant plant that blooms in a captivating mix of colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. Its clusters of flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora): Portulaca, also known as moss rose, features succulent-like foliage and vibrant, cup-shaped flowers in an array of colors. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
Wave Petunias (Petunia x hybrida): Wave petunias are known for their vigorous trailing habit and abundance of blooms. They create a cascade of color and are excellent for filling out hanging baskets with their spreading growth.
Scaevola (Scaevola aemula): Scaevola, also called fan flower, produces unique fan-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white. Its trailing stems create a graceful, cascading effect in hanging baskets.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia mariᴛι̇ɱa): Sweet alyssum is a low-growing plant with clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers in shades of white and lavender. Its delicate blooms add a touch of elegance to hanging baskets and release a sweet fragrance that attracts beneficial insects.
Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana): Pansies are charming, cold-tolerant flowers that come in a wide range of colors. They have a distinct “face” pattern on their petals and are perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your hanging baskets.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Creeping Jenny is a trailing plant with bright yellow-green foliage that spills over the edges of hanging baskets, creating a lush and cascading effect. It adds a splash of vibrant color and texture.
Bidens (Bidens ferulifolia): Bidens, also known as tickseed, produces clusters of daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are heat-tolerant and attract pollinators, making them a great addition to hanging baskets.
Scaevola (Brachyscome iberidifolia): Scaevola, commonly known as the blue daisy, features beautiful fan-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and pink. Its cascading growth habit adds a soft and graceful touch to hanging baskets.
Dichondra (Dichondra argentea): Dichondra is a trailing plant with round, silver-green leaves that create a striking contrast in hanging baskets. It adds a touch of elegance and serves as an excellent filler plant.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum petiolare): Helichrysum, or licorice plant, has velvety, silver-gray foliage that provides a stunning backdrop to colorful flowers in hanging baskets. It adds texture and a unique silvery sheen to your display.
Ornamental Grasses: Certain types of ornamental grasses, such as blue fescue (Festuca glauca) or fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), can be used to add height, texture, and movement to hanging baskets, creating a captivating visual effect.
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants have arching foliage with green and white stripes that add an interesting visual element to hanging baskets. They are easy to care for and are known for their air-purifying qualities.
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea): Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, is a trailing plant with small, round leaves and tiny, bluish-purple flowers. It creates a lush carpet of green in hanging baskets and tolerates shade.
Lotus Vine (Lotus berthelotii): Lotus vine is a unique plant with silver-gray foliage and vibrant, orange-red, tube-shaped flowers. Its cascading habit and eye-catching flowers make it a captivating addition to hanging baskets.
Baccharis (Baccharis spp.): Baccharis is a trailing plant with small, green leaves and delicate white or yellow flowers. It thrives in sunny conditions and adds a delicate touch to hanging baskets.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): String of Pearls is an interesting succulent with trailing stems adorned with small, round leaves that resemble pearls. It creates a visually stunning display when planted in hanging baskets.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Creeping thyme is a low-growing herb with aromatic foliage and small, pink or lavender flowers. It adds a delightful fragrance and a touch of greenery to your hanging baskets.
Lamium (Lamium maculatum): Lamium, or spotted deadnettle, is a shade-loving plant with variegated leaves and delicate, pink, purple, or white flowers. Its trailing growth habit and vibrant blooms make it a great choice for hanging baskets in shady areas.
When choosing plants for your hanging baskets, consider their growth habits, light requirements, and compatibility with other plants. Ensure that your hanging baskets have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for container gardening to provide adequate nutrients and moisture retention.