9 Best Plants For Hanging Baskets

Are you looking to add some color and greenery to your home or outdoor space? Hanging baskets are a great way to achieve this while saving valuable floor space.

However, selecting the right plants for your hanging baskets can be tricky. Choosing plants that will thrive in the hanging environment and complement each other in terms of color and texture is essential. 

When I tried growing hanging baskets for the first time, I didn’t do my research beforehand. I ended up choosing plants that were too heavy for the baskets and didn’t receive enough sunlight.

Needless to say, my hanging baskets were a disaster. But, through trial and error, I discovered the best plants for hanging baskets and how to care for them properly.

I’m excited to delve into the factors to consider when selecting the right plants for your hanging baskets, so you can avoid making the same mistakes I did.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Plants For Hanging Baskets

There are several things to think about while selecting plants for your hanging baskets. Some of the most crucial ones are listed below:

• Sun-related needs: Various plants require varying amounts of sunshine. Others thrive in the shade, while some prefer the full sun. Ensure to note how much sunlight your hanging location receives throughout the day before choosing plants for your hanging baskets.
• Needs for watering: Picking plants that can tolerate a little drought is important because hanging baskets can dry out quickly. Seek for plants that can withstand drought and don’t need much watering. Cacti and succulents are excellent choices since they retain water in their stems and foliage.
• Habits of growth: Some plants grow better in hanging baskets than others. For a stunning presentation, choose plants with a trailing or cascading growth habit since they will flow over the sides of your basket. Too rigid or upright plants might not function as well.
• Color and texture: Look for plants with a variety of leaf sizes, hues, and forms. Combine and contrast to produce a striking presentation.
• Size and form: While picking plants, take into account the size and shape of your hanging basket. While smaller baskets might work better for smaller plants, larger baskets can hold larger plants. Ensure that the plants you select won’t pack your basket too tightly or become too heavy for the hanging mechanism.

You’ll be able to select the ideal plants for your hanging baskets and make a lovely and flourishing display by taking these factors into account.

Top 9 Best Plants For Hanging Baskets

1. Petunias 

Looking for a surefire choice for your hanging baskets? Look no further than petunias. With their array of vibrant colors and trailing growth patterns, they’re a stunning addition to any display. 

Keep them thriving with regular watering and ample sunlight, and don’t forget to pinch their tips to encourage branching. To really make a statement, try pairing petunias with other cascading plants like sweet potato vine or bacopa.

2. Geraniums 

I absolutely adore having geraniums in my hanging baskets! They come in a stunning array of colors and boast a bushy growth habit that looks absolutely stunning, cascading over the sides of the basket. 

I’ve seen that they tend to prefer full sun and moderate watering, so take great care to ensure they receive just the right amount of both. To maintain their exquisite appearance, deadhead them regularly and pinch back the tips to encourage branching. 

I also love to combine them with trailing ivy or lobelia to create a breathtaking cascading effect.

3. Fuchsia

Fuchsia plants are a wonderful addition to any garden! Their vibrant flowers dangle gracefully and bring a burst of color to the surrounding space. With consistent watering and partial shade, they can thrive and remain healthy. 

Regular deadheading and pinching of the tips can also promote their growth and development. Pairing them with other shade-loving plants like impatiens or begonias can create a truly mesmerizing and unique display.

4. Nasturtiums

If you want a beautiful garden, you should definitely consider planting some Nasturtiums! They come in different colors and are really easy to grow.

They love the sun and don’t need too much water, so they’re perfect if you don’t have much time to take care of your plants. 

To help them grow better, just make sure to remove the dead flowers and pinch the tips.

If you want to create a stunning display, you can pair them with other trailing plants like sweet alyssum or trailing verbena. Your garden will look amazing!

5. Lobelia

Introducing Lobelia to your garden can add a touch of elegance and delicacy with its beautiful shades of blue, purple, and white. These graceful plants have a trailing growth habit and prefer partial shade. 

To maintain their health, consistent watering is crucial as they can easily dry out. By regularly deadheading and providing adequate moisture, they will flourish in your garden. 

For a peaceful and relaxing ambiance, complement Lobelia with other shade-loving plants like ferns or impatiens. Your garden will become a breathtaking sight to behold!

6. Sweet Potato Vine

If you’re hoping to brighten up your garden with some colorful foliage, a sweet potato vine might be just what you need. Its trailing growth habit makes it a great companion plant for calibrachoa or million bells.

Plus, it’s low-maintenance and can withstand drought, thriving in both full sun and partial shade. 

To keep it healthy, make sure to pinch back the tips regularly and add some fertilizer every now and then. You’ll be amazed at how much more vibrant your outdoor space looks with this easy-to-care-for plant.

Give it a try and see for yourself!

7. Bacopa

If you’re looking for a plant that’s hassle-free and dependable, you might want to check out Bacopa! It’s a pretty plant with lovely blue and white shades, and it can grow alongside other plants like verbena or petunias.

Bacopa likes to bask in the sun, but don’t forget to water it regularly to keep it from drying out. And to keep it looking healthy, simply pinch back the tips and deadhead.

Give Bacopa a shot and transform your garden into a lush and overflowing paradise!

8. Ivy 

If you’re looking for a classic and conventional plant, Ivy is a great option to consider! They come in different shapes and sizes and have a flowing growth pattern.

They thrive in partial shade and can tolerate some dryness, but remember to water them moderately. 

To maintain your ivy’s health, it’s important to fertilize it occasionally and trim away excess growth. You can pair it with other shade-loving plants like begonias or ferns to create a serene and soothing display.

9. Verbena

If you’re looking to add some vibrant and sweet-smelling beauty to your garden, you can never go wrong with Verbena. 

This delightful plant comes in a range of lovely shades, from pink and purple to red. It stays low and spreads out, so it’s perfect for both sunny and partially shaded spots.

Plus, you don’t need to water it often, and it can handle some dryness. 

To keep it healthy, make sure to regularly take off any dead flowers and offer it some occasional fertilizer. For an eye-catching and flourishing garden display, try pairing Verbena with other trailing plants like sweet potato vines or petunias.

Other Factors To Consider When Growing Plants In Hanging Baskets 

If you’re interested in creating a stunning display of plants in hanging baskets, there are a few important factors to consider.

It’s important to choose the right soil and fertilizers. Opt for well-draining soil that will provide your plants with the necessary nutrients. Fertilizers can also promote healthy growth. 

Containers and hanging mechanisms should also be selected with care. Ensure that your container is large enough for your plants and has proper drainage holes.

It’s also important to choose a secure hanging mechanism that can support the weight of your plants. You definitely don’t want your display to come crashing down!

Pests and diseases can also be a challenge when growing plants in hanging baskets. Regular inspections can help you identify and address any issues promptly.

Some natural remedies, such as water and dish soap or neem oil, can be effective against pests. 

Diseases like root rot or powdery mildew can be prevented by taking proper care of your plants and addressing any issues as soon as they arise.

With the right choices and care, you can create a beautiful and thriving display of plants in your home or outdoor space. Get creative with your combinations and try out different hanging mechanisms.

Don’t forget to show off your green thumb!

Creating Stunning Hanging Baskets: A Rewarding & Enjoyable Gardening Adventure!

Creating a stunning display of plants in hanging baskets can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. By carefully considering factors such as sunlight, watering requirements, and growth habits, you can ensure that your hanging baskets thrive and add a touch of nature to your surroundings. 

With regular care, including watering, deadheading, and fertilization, your hanging baskets can flourish and provide a beautiful and unique display. 

So why not start your own hanging basket garden today and enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature in your home or outdoor space?