14 Best Plants For Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are a simple and effective way to add beauty to your home or garden. With the right plants, these baskets can become a focal point, showcasing vibrant colors and lush greenery. Certain plants are particularly well-suited for hanging baskets, thriving in their unique environment. If you are looking for the perfect plants for your hanging baskets, these options will provide stunning results. Keep reading to find out which plants will work best for your space.

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Petunias

Petunias are a popular choice for hanging baskets due to their vibrant colors and easy care. These plants come in a variety of shades, including pink, purple, white, and red, providing a burst of color wherever they are placed. Petunias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for bright spots in your garden. They are also known for attracting pollinators, adding extra life to your outdoor space.

Petunias need regular watering and occasional deadheading to keep them blooming all season. They are versatile and can be used in both traditional and modern hanging baskets. Their cascading growth habit makes them perfect for adding texture and volume. With their long blooming period, petunias are a great option for keeping your hanging baskets colorful throughout the summer.

Fuchsias

Fuchsias are known for their striking, pendulous flowers and their ability to thrive in shaded areas. These plants are perfect for hanging baskets that are placed in spots with partial to full shade. Fuchsias bloom in an array of colors, from vibrant pinks to purples and whites, adding a delicate touch to any hanging display. They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for gardeners who want beautiful plants with minimal effort.

These plants require regular watering and should be protected from strong winds, which can damage their fragile flowers. Fuchsias benefit from well-drained, rich soil, and will reward you with continuous blooms when cared for properly. Their cascading nature makes them ideal for creating a lush, flowing effect in hanging baskets. Fuchsias are perfect for adding an elegant, colorful accent to shaded gardens or patios.

Lobelia

Lobelia is a great choice for hanging baskets due to its trailing nature and vibrant colors. It produces delicate, small flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white, creating a waterfall effect as it cascades down from the basket. Lobelia thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to a variety of environments. It also does well in hanging baskets because of its low-growing, spreading habit.

Lobelia requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but well-drained. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate different weather conditions, though it does prefer cooler temperatures. Deadheading spent flowers will help encourage more blooms throughout the season. This plant is an excellent choice for creating a colorful, lively display in your hanging baskets.

Begonias

Begonias are versatile plants known for their beautiful foliage and vibrant flowers, making them a great choice for hanging baskets. They come in many colors, including red, pink, and white, and their flowers can add a bold touch to any space. Begonias thrive in partial to full shade, which makes them a perfect option for shaded balconies or patios. They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.

These plants need moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during the hotter months. Begonias are great at tolerating humid environments, making them perfect for hanging baskets in warm, tropical climates. Their cascading growth habit adds volume and beauty to hanging displays. With their continuous blooms and hardy nature, begonias are a favorite for many gardeners.

Trailing Ivy

Trailing ivy is a classic choice for hanging baskets because of its lush, cascading growth. It thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it perfect for various outdoor spaces. Ivy’s dark green, glossy leaves add a touch of elegance and texture to hanging baskets. The plant grows quickly and can easily fill the basket, creating a dense, vibrant display.

Ivy is extremely low-maintenance and requires little care once established. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is known for its ability to thrive in both dry and moist conditions. Although it grows well in many environments, it is important to ensure that the soil remains well-drained to avoid root rot. This versatile and hardy plant makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets, adding a natural, relaxed feel to any space.

Geraniums

Geraniums are classic, colorful flowers that work well in hanging baskets. Known for their bright hues, they come in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, making them perfect for adding color to your outdoor decor. Geraniums thrive in full sun and are great at tolerating heat, making them ideal for sunny spots. Their upright growth habit also allows them to stand out in hanging baskets.

These plants require regular watering, especially during hot weather, but they do not like soggy soil. Geraniums benefit from being fertilized every few weeks to encourage continued blooming. Pruning spent flowers can help them last longer and maintain their shape. Geraniums are a great choice for those who want low-maintenance, high-impact plants for hanging baskets.

Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet Potato Vine is an excellent option for hanging baskets due to its trailing growth and vibrant colors. The plant’s leaves come in shades of purple, green, and bronze, adding a bold statement to any hanging display. Sweet Potato Vine thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for various outdoor settings. Its fast-growing nature ensures that it fills up a hanging basket quickly, offering lush foliage throughout the season.

This plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand heat, making it perfect for hanging baskets in sunny areas. It requires regular watering but should not be overwatered, as this can lead to root rot. The plant is also resistant to most pests, making it easy to maintain. With its colorful leaves and vigorous growth, Sweet Potato Vine adds an exciting element to hanging baskets.

Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, is a vibrant, compact plant that thrives in hanging baskets. Its small flowers, which come in a variety of colors like purple, pink, and yellow, create a colorful display. This plant is similar to petunias but is more compact, making it a great option for smaller baskets. Calibrachoa enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, providing a bright and cheerful touch to any outdoor space.

Million Bells is known for its long-lasting blooms, which continue through the entire growing season. The plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring regular watering and occasional feeding. It has a trailing habit, allowing it to spill gracefully over the edges of hanging baskets. With its low-maintenance nature and abundant flowers, Calibrachoa is a great choice for a colorful hanging basket.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a tropical vine that can thrive in hanging baskets, offering bold, vibrant color with its stunning bracts in shades of purple, pink, and red. This plant loves full sun and requires a lot of warmth to bloom, making it perfect for sunny patios and gardens. Bougainvillea’s cascading nature makes it a striking addition to hanging baskets, with its vibrant colors and rich foliage. The plant can grow vigorously, creating a stunning display of color.

Bougainvillea is a drought-tolerant plant, but it needs regular watering to maintain its beauty. It thrives in well-drained soil and is best grown in a location with good air circulation. While it is easy to care for once established, it may need occasional pruning to maintain its shape. Bougainvillea can be a fantastic addition to your hanging baskets for a splash of color and texture.

Impatiens

Impatiens are shade-loving plants that thrive in hanging baskets placed in low-light areas. These plants bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple, making them perfect for adding color to shady spots. Impatiens are easy to grow, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those with limited sunlight. They prefer moist, well-drained soil, making them suitable for areas that are kept cool and humid.

The plant’s trailing nature makes it a great option for creating a full, lush hanging basket display. Impatiens need regular watering, especially in hot weather, but they do not like to be waterlogged. These plants can also benefit from occasional feeding to keep their blooms vibrant throughout the season. Impatiens are an excellent choice for filling shady spaces with beautiful colors and soft foliage.

Verbena

Verbena is a sun-loving plant that thrives in hanging baskets, offering clusters of colorful flowers in shades of purple, pink, and red. This plant is known for its ability to withstand heat, making it ideal for sunny patios and balconies. Verbena’s trailing growth habit allows it to spill gracefully over the edge of the basket, creating a stunning effect. It is easy to grow and continues to bloom from spring to fall.

Verbena thrives in well-drained soil and needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. This plant attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding life to your hanging baskets. Its resilience and ability to handle heat make it a great choice for hot summer months. With its continuous blooms and low-maintenance care, Verbena is a top option for hanging baskets.

Coleus

Coleus is a colorful, foliage-rich plant known for its vibrant leaves in shades of red, orange, purple, and green. These plants do well in both sun and partial shade, making them a flexible choice for hanging baskets. Coleus grows quickly, adding lush color and volume to baskets in a short amount of time. It is perfect for gardeners who want an easy-to-care-for plant with vibrant, non-stop color.

Coleus requires moist, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering to keep its foliage fresh and vibrant. The plant is also known for its ability to grow in a variety of conditions, making it adaptable. Deadheading spent flowers can help the plant maintain its appearance and encourage new growth. With its bold colors and ease of care, Coleus makes a great choice for hanging baskets.

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum is a fragrant, low-growing plant that blooms profusely in hanging baskets. Its tiny flowers come in shades of white, purple, and pink, creating a delicate, carpet-like effect. Sweet Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows well in well-drained soil. The plant’s sweet fragrance and compact size make it perfect for adding beauty and charm to any hanging basket.

This plant is known for its ability to attract pollinators, making it a great addition to any garden. Sweet Alyssum needs regular watering, but it is drought-tolerant once established. It also works well as a ground cover or in containers, making it versatile in the garden. Its sweet scent and cascading growth habit make it a lovely addition to hanging baskets.

Caladium

Caladium is a tropical plant that thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets placed in shadier spots. Known for its colorful, heart-shaped leaves in shades of red, pink, and white, it adds vibrant foliage to any hanging display. Caladium thrives in well-drained, moist soil, making it perfect for humid environments. It is often used for its striking appearance and the bold contrast it provides against other plants in the basket.

This plant is best grown in warm temperatures and requires regular watering to keep its leaves looking their best. Caladiums are known for their dramatic foliage, which can last throughout the summer months. While the plant does not bloom, its colorful leaves offer plenty of visual interest. For a lush, tropical feel in hanging baskets, Caladium is an excellent choice.

Transform your garden or balcony into a vibrant retreat by choosing the perfect plants for hanging baskets. These plants provide not only aesthetic beauty but also easy-care solutions for busy gardeners. Adding these colorful options to your home will keep your space flourishing and full of life.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.