The Best Flowering Plants for Hanging Baskets

As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, there's nothing quite like the vibrant colors and cascading blooms of flowering plants in hanging baskets to liven up your outdoor space. Whether you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your patio, porch, or balcony, the right flowering plants can transform a plain area into a lush, inviting oasis.

At Idyl, we're passionate about helping our customers create beautiful, thriving gardens, and that includes finding the perfect flowering plants for hanging baskets. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore some of the best options for adding a pop of color and visual interest to your small-space gardening endeavors.

Choosing the Right Flowering Plants for Hanging Baskets

When it comes to selecting the best flowering plants for hanging baskets, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Trailing or Cascading Habit

One of the primary benefits of hanging baskets is their ability to showcase plants with a trailing or cascading habit. These types of plants will spill over the sides of the basket, creating a lush, waterfall-like effect. Some excellent choices for this include:

• Petunias
• Fuchsias
• Ivy Geraniums
• Bacopa
• Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

2. Bloom Size and Frequency

Another important factor is the size and frequency of the blooms. You'll want to choose plants that produce large, showy flowers or a continuous display of smaller blooms throughout the growing season. Some options to consider include:

• Begonias
• Impatiens
• Lobelia
• Verbena
• Lantana

3. Sun Exposure

Different flowering plants have varying light requirements, so it's essential to match the plant to the amount of sun exposure in your hanging basket's location. Some sun-loving options include:

• Geraniums
• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Sunpatiens
• Portulaca

For shadier spots, consider:

• Fuchsias
• Begonias
• Impatiens
• Coleus
• Torenia

4. Trailing or Upright Growth Habit

Depending on the look you're going for, you may want to mix and match plants with different growth habits. Trailing plants can spill over the sides, while upright plants can add height and structure to the arrangement.

5. Complementary Colors

When selecting your flowering plants, think about how the colors will work together. Opt for a harmonious color scheme, or create a bold, contrasting display. Some classic color combinations include:

• Pink and white
• Purple and yellow
• Red and orange
• Blue and white

Top Flowering Plants for Hanging Baskets

Now that you've considered the key factors, let's dive into some of the best flowering plants for hanging baskets:

1. Petunias

Petunias are a classic choice for hanging baskets, with their abundant, trumpet-shaped blooms and trailing growth habit. They come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant reds and pinks to soft pastels and deep purples. Petunias thrive in full sun and require regular deadheading to encourage continuous flowering.

2. Fuchsias

Fuchsias are known for their unique, pendulous flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red, purple, pink, and white. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Fuchsias are excellent for creating a lush, romantic look in hanging baskets.

3. Ivy Geraniums

Ivy geraniums are a fantastic option for hanging baskets, with their trailing, cascading growth habit and vibrant, long-lasting blooms. They come in a range of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white, and prefer full sun to partial shade.

4. Bacopa

Bacopa, also known as "trailing bacopa" or "sutera," is a delicate, trailing plant with small, white or lavender flowers. It's an excellent choice for adding a soft, airy touch to hanging baskets and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

5. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

Calibrachoa, often referred to as "million bells," is a close relative of the petunia with a similar trailing habit and abundant, bell-shaped blooms. They come in a wide array of colors, including red, yellow, orange, purple, and pink, and prefer full sun.

6. Begonias

Begonias are a versatile choice for hanging baskets, with both trailing and upright varieties available. They come in a range of bloom colors, including red, pink, white, and yellow, and thrive in partial shade to full shade.

7. Impatiens

Impatiens are a classic choice for shady hanging baskets, with their vibrant, long-lasting blooms and lush, trailing foliage. They come in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white, and prefer partial to full shade.

8. Lobelia

Lobelia is a delicate, trailing plant with small, star-shaped flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, and white. It's an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to hanging baskets and prefers partial shade to full sun.

9. Verbena

Verbena is a versatile plant with a trailing habit and clusters of small, fragrant flowers. It comes in a range of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white, and thrives in full sun.

10. Lantana

Lantana is a heat-loving, trailing plant with clusters of brightly colored flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. It comes in a variety of color combinations, including red and yellow, pink and white, and purple and orange, and prefers full sun.

Caring for Hanging Basket Flowering Plants

To ensure your hanging basket flowering plants thrive, it's essential to provide them with the proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips:

Watering

Hanging baskets can dry out quickly, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Check the soil daily and water when the top inch or two becomes dry.

Fertilizing

Feed your hanging basket plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks to keep them healthy and promote continuous blooming.

Deadheading

Regular deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, will encourage your plants to produce more blooms throughout the season.

Pruning

Prune your hanging basket plants as needed to maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming overgrown.

Rotation

To ensure even sun exposure, rotate your hanging baskets periodically, especially if they're in a location that receives direct sunlight for only part of the day.

By following these tips and selecting the best flowering plants for your hanging baskets, you can create a stunning, vibrant display that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Visit Idyl today to browse our selection of high-quality plants and accessories to help you get started on your hanging basket gardening journey.