When it comes to choosing plants for a hanging basket, there are a few factors to consider. You want plants that have a trailing habit, so they can gracefully cascade over the sides of the basket. These trailing plants not only add visual interest, but they also ensure that the flowers can be easily seen from below. Some of the best plants for hanging baskets include petunias, verbena, and calibrachoa.
Petunias are classic choices for hanging baskets, and for good reason. They come in a wide variety of colors, from vibrant pinks and purples to soft pastels. Their flowers are large and showy, making them quite eye-catching. Petunias are also known for their long bloom period, so you can enjoy their beauty for a good part of the summer. They are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring regular watering and occasional deadheading to promote continuous blooming.
Verbena is another excellent choice for hanging baskets. It is a versatile plant that comes in many different colors, including shades of red, pink, purple, and white. Verbena produces clusters of small, delicate flowers that create a beautiful carpet of color when planted in a hanging basket. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate heat and drought, making it ideal for summer hanging baskets. Regular deadheading will encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking tidy.
Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, is a popular trailing plant that is perfect for hanging baskets. It produces an abundance of small, bell-shaped flowers that resemble miniature petunias. Calibrachoa comes in a wide range of vibrant colors, including orange, yellow, pink, and purple. This plant is known for its long bloom season and is quite low-maintenance. It requires regular watering and occasional fertilizing to keep it blooming profusely.
In addition to these top choices, other trailing plants that work well in hanging baskets include trailing lobelia, bacopa, and ivy geraniums. Trailing lobelia produces delicate, cascading flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white. Bacopa, also known as Sutera, features small, star-shaped flowers in colors like white, pink, or lavender. Ivy geraniums have trailing stems with clusters of colorful flowers and are ideal for hanging baskets.
When selecting plants for your hanging basket, it’s important to consider their light and water requirements. Most trailing plants thrive in full sun or partial shade, so make sure to choose a location that suits their needs. It’s also essential to provide adequate drainage in the hanging basket to prevent waterlogging. Regular watering is crucial for the health and vitality of the plants in the basket.
When it comes to selecting plants for a hanging basket, opt for trailing plants like petunias, verbena, and calibrachoa. These plants not only provide a beautiful cascade of flowers but also add visual interest from below. Consider their light and water requirements, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different varieties to create a stunning display. Hanging baskets filled with these trailing plants will add a touch of beauty to any outdoor space.
