Hanging baskets really brighten up the patio or front of the house, but how do you know which plants will be most suitable? Here’s my guide on the best plants for hanging baskets, so you can be sure that your planters will look spectacular and last for a long time.
Best Plants for Hanging Baskets
Begonias
Begonias make the list of the best flowers for hanging baskets simply because they are so easy to grow and look absolutely stunning. You can choose trailing varieties that will give a real oomph to your display. The other good thing about Begonias is they will tolerate shady spots, so they really do top the list of best plants for hanging baskets.
Nasturtiums
One of my favourites as there are so many different types. You could add a dwarf variety to your display or perhaps go for one that grows long and will look stunning trailing down from your basket. Whichever you choose, I would add Nasturtiums to the top of my picks of flowers for hanging baskets every single time.
Fuchsias
Fuchsias are another flower that has trailing tendencies so will work well in a basket display. Fuchsias should be included in the list of best plants for hanging baskets as they are semi-hardy plants. Meaning if you keep your display in a frost-free place over winter, they will grow back again the following year.
Verbena
Verbena is a gorgeous plant that is well worth considering for your hanging basket. There are so many different varieties, you’d be hard pushed not to find one that suits your style. They are also incredible butterfly-friendly plants, so if you want to do your bit for encouraging wildlife into your garden, these make a great addition to your display.
Bacopa
When looking at the best flowers for hanging baskets, you may want to consider something that will fill in between the larger plants. Bacopa is a great option for this. They are small, delicate-looking flowers that grow in shades of blue or white. As much as they look delicate, they are quite tough plants and will fill in your basket nicely.
Ivy
Ivy is an evergreen option that you could add to your displays. That way when all the flowers have gone over, you’ll still have something green in your basket.
Osteospermum
Osteospermum is a brilliant choice, as they don’t mind the drier conditions, which can often be an issue with hanging baskets in warm weather. The blooms on these flowers are incredibly pretty and will have people stopping, again and again, to look at your hanging baskets.
Geraniums
Geraniums make the cut as these spectacular trailing flowers are also a variety that will survive if watering is less frequent. There are many different varieties, so you should be able to find one to suit the basket style you are creating.
Flower Alternatives
If you’d like some hanging baskets, but you don’t want flowers or all flowers, you could consider some fruit in your baskets.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, especially the ‘bush’ varieties like cherry tomatoes would do well in this environment and could be considered in your search for the best plants for hanging baskets.
Strawberries
Strawberries will grow nicely in a hanging basket. They’ll also look fantastic too. You won’t suffer problems that you might have if you grow them on the ground, like slugs or snails, but you may still need to net them, to prevent birds from pinching your fruit.
What will you be adding to your baskets this year? What would you say are the best plants for hanging baskets? Is there a trailing plant that you always include or will you be adding some fruit to your baskets?
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