The Best Flowers for Hanging Baskets
Share
Choosing flowers for hanging baskets is difficult, only because there are so many great choices. Any of the following blooming plants will tumble and cascade over the side of the hanging basket from spring until the first freeze in autumn.
Lobelia is a low-maintenance plant that produces masses of tiny electric-blue, purple or white flowers all summer long. Lobelia is well-suited for a hanging basket in full sunlight. Water the plant moderately but don’t worry about deadheading.
Calibrachoa is a prolific, sun-loving bloomer that produces masses of colorful, long-lasting blooms that resemble tiny petunias. Also known as million bells, calibrachoa is available in nearly every color imaginable, including purple, red, rose, pink, white and salmon, to name just a few.
Wave petunia is a newer variety of petunia that produces loads of bright flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, red, apricot, white and even stripes. Wave petunias need plenty of sunlight, otherwise, the plant is likely to be spindly with fewer blooms. No deadheading required.
Verbena is a sweet, old-fashioned plant that produces cascading clusters of purple, pink, red, blue or white blooms. Verbena appreciates warmth, sunlight and relatively dry soil.
Fuchsia is an excellent choice if you can provide a location out of direct afternoon sunlight. The dangling, jewel-like blooms, available in more than 100 varieties, attract hordes of hummingbirds all season long. Water as needed to keep the soil moist, but never soggy or bone dry.
Ivy geranium is appreciated not only for the colorful blooms, but for the attractive foliage. This plant prefers sunlight, but benefits from afternoon shade in climates with hot summer. Keep the potting mix moderately moist. Remove blossoms as they wilt.
Bacopa, also known as water hyssop, is a perky little plant that thrives in full sun, although partial shade is best in hot summer climates. Bacopa rewards you with tiny white, lavender, blue or pink flowers from mid-summer to fall.
