Hanging Basket Flowers: A Burst of Beauty
Are you fond of a particular type of garden flower that frequently droops and touches the ground, particularly after heavy rainfall? If so, you may want to consider planting it in a hanging basket. Hanging basket flowers are a great way to add a pop of color and beauty to any outdoor space, whether it is a balcony, porch, or garden.
There are many varieties of flowers that are suitable for hanging baskets, including those that have pendulous, top-heavy, or creeping growth patterns that can be challenging to grow in a garden but ideal for decorating a container at eye level or higher. With so many different varieties of hanging basket flowers, you can choose the perfect combination of colors and textures to create a stunning display in your home.
Plants with small or fragrant flowers can also benefit from being elevated since it brings them closer to our senses. Additionally, some hanging basket flowers have the added benefit of attracting butterflies or hummingbirds, providing you with an up-close view of these captivating creatures in action on your porch, deck, or patio.
Whether you prefer petunias, million bells, or geraniums, there are flowers for hanging baskets with different taste and style, making a versatile and attractive addition to any landscape. Here are 10 flowers for hanging baskets.
Begonia (Begonia boliviensis)
For individuals who reside in a climate that is not conducive to growing delicate fuchsias, begonias may be an ideal alternative. The Begonia boliviensis, which is semi-hardy, boasts tubular, drooping flowers similar to those of fuchsias but can withstand the heat and humidity of summers in southern regions. Hanging baskets can also be adorned with other types of tuberous begonias, such as the Nonstop Mocca series, which have double blooms that resemble roses.
When it comes to growing these plants, it’s important to note that the USDA Growing Zones suitable for begonias range from 9 to 11. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, pink, white, and orange. Begonias thrive in areas with full sun to partial shade and require soil that is rich, light, moist, and well-drained.
Fuchsia
For gardeners residing in regions that experience cool, damp summers, growing fuchsias is a must. This extraordinary, shade-loving tender perennial may wilt in the summer heat, but heat-tolerant varieties such as ‘Astoria’, ‘Jupiter’, or ‘Surprise’ can be sought out. Proper care is essential to extend the life of fuchsias grown in hanging baskets. Consistent misting, frequent fertilizing, and meticulous deadheading can help keep the plants healthy and vibrant.
Fuchsias thrive in USDA Growing Zones 10 to 11 and are available in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and multicolored. These plants prefer partial sun exposure and require moist, fertile, and loamy soil.
Lantana is a popular choice for those living in frost-free areas as it produces vibrant flower clusters that offer tropical colors throughout the growing season. However, in certain regions, common lantana can become invasive, growing into a woody shrub that overruns flowerbeds and fences. In hanging baskets, it’s recommended to select a small, weeping variety, such as ‘Patriot Popcorn’ or ‘Patriot Rainbow,’ which still attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while preventing the plant from becoming too aggressive.
For gardeners looking to control the spread of lantana, it’s best to choose a sterile variety like ‘Gold Mound’ or ‘Patriot,’ as these do not produce seed-filled berries. The USDA Growing Zones suitable for lantana range from 8 to 11, and the flowers come in various combinations of red, orange, yellow, white, and pink. Lantana prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil, but can also tolerate poor soil conditions.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Lobelia erinus is a stunning seasonal plant that performs best in moderate temperatures, making it a perfect choice for early spring hanging baskets. The plants produce a profusion of electric-blue flowers with contrasting white throats that are highly attractive to butterflies. However, as the end of June approaches, it’s recommended to replace Lobelia erinus with heat-loving plants such as million bells or lantana, as they are more suited to withstand high temperatures.
Lobelia erinus thrives in USDA Growing Zones 10 to 11 and is available in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, red, pink, and violet. These plants prefer full sun to part shade exposure and require organically rich, well-drained, and evenly moist soil.
Lotus Vine (Lotus berthelotii)
Lotus berthelotii, also known as lotus vine or parrot’s beak vine, is a unique plant that is native to the Canary Islands. It is easy to cultivate and propagate from seed and cuttings, making it a great addition to any garden. The plant has greenish-gray, needle-like leaves that are surprisingly soft to the touch, giving it a unique texture. Its flame-like flowers are a vibrant orange, red, or yellow, and they bloom all season long when grown in a sunny spot. However, the plant requires daily moisture, which can be provided by using a special cactus or orchid potting mix that has excellent drainage. It is worth noting that Lotus berthelotii is in decline in its native habitat, so growing it in your garden is a great way to help preserve this beautiful plant.
Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
Million bells, a relative of the petunia, is a hardy plant that can withstand high temperatures without losing its vibrancy. Unlike other plants, Million bells produce minimal to no seeds and do not require deadheading to maintain their blooming. They only need moist soil and a full day of sun to thrive and keep your hanging baskets looking lively.
These plants grow best in USDA Growing Zones 9 to 11 and are available in a wide range of colors, including shades and combinations of pink, yellow, red, violet, white, blue, magenta, and bronze. Million bells thrive in full sun exposure and require rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil to thrive.
Pelargonium (Pelargonium domesticum)
Pelargoniums, also known as geraniums, are grown as annuals in areas north of their hardiness zones, unlike true geraniums that are hardy perennials. Pelargoniums have a trailing habit, bold texture, and come in bright colors, making them perfect for hanging baskets. Deadheading is essential to prolong the blooming of the plants until the frost. Pelargoniums require well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is not too rich. They can thrive in full sun to part shade.
The color varieties of pelargoniums include shades of red, lavender, purple, pink, and white. They are ideal for adding a pop of color to any hanging basket. Whether you want to create a stunning centerpiece or add color to your balcony or porch, pelargoniums are an excellent choice. However, it is essential to note that these plants prefer soil that is not too rich, so avoid adding too much fertilizer. Overall, pelargoniums are a perfect choice for a vibrant hanging basket with their bright blooms and trailing habit.
Petunia (Petunia)
Petunias are a beloved and classic choice for hanging baskets, but some gardeners may face challenges with petal blight in rainy and highly humid weather. One alternative is to try the milliflora variety, which blooms continuously without the need for pinching, or the multiflora variety, which performs well in hot and wet summers. If you’re looking to add an extra allure to your garden, consider a white petunia variety for a moon garden, as petunias are at their most fragrant in the evening. When planting petunia, make sure to choose a location with full sun exposure and light, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. With proper care, petunias come in many shades and combinations of colors such as purple, lavender, yellow, blue magenta, maroon, pink, red, white, and bi-colored, making them a versatile and attractive choice for hanging baskets.
Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)
Moss rose, also known as portulaca, is a plant that thrives in full sun. If the plant is placed in a shady area, its flowers will close up. This makes it essential to plant it in an area where it will receive sunlight for most of the day. Moss rose can be paired with other heat-loving and drought-tolerant plants like spiderwort, which will provide color in between blooming cycles. Moss rose comes in different colors such as orange, white, rose, yellow, and red. It grows best in sandy, well-drained soil and is capable of tolerating moist to dry soil. The plant is suitable for USDA growing zones ranging from 2 to 11.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
The sweet alyssum hanging basket can create a sweet-smelling atmosphere with its strong honey fragrance that is attractive to bees and butterflies. These plants have a trailing habit that can become shaggy with time, but can be pruned in the summer to give it a fresh look. Sweet alyssum does well in moderate temperatures, and can handle both full sun and part shade. It thrives in rich, loamy soil with a neutral pHs
Sweet alyssum grows best in USDA growing zones 7 to 11, and is available in white, pink, and purple varieties. When planted in a hanging basket, it can create a beautiful and fragrant display that can enhance the look of any garden or outdoor space.
How flowers hanging baskets enhance the beauty?
Flowers in hanging baskets can add a beautiful and vibrant touch to any outdoor space. By suspending flowers in the air, it creates an eye-catching display that can be seen at eye level. This can help to highlight the colors and unique features of the flowers.
Additionally, hanging baskets can create vertical interest, adding dimension to a garden or patio. Flowers with a trailing or cascading habit can add an extra layer of beauty, as the blooms spill over the edges of the basket. Hanging baskets are also versatile, and can be hung from trees, pergolas, or any other structure that can support the weight of the basket
Here are some more ways that hanging baskets can enhance the beauty of a space:
Height and dimension
Hanging baskets add height and dimension to a garden or outdoor space. They draw the eye upward, creating a vertical element that can add interest and depth to an otherwise flat area.
Color and texture
Hanging baskets can provide a pop of color and texture to a space. With so many different plant options available, from lush foliage to delicate flowers, there’s no shortage of ways to add visual interest to a hanging basket.
Flexibility
Hanging baskets can be placed in a variety of locations, from porches and balconies to trees and pergolas. This versatility means that they can be used to enhance the beauty of nearly any outdoor space.
Low maintenance
Many plants that do well in hanging baskets are relatively low maintenance, making them a great option for those who want to add some beauty to their outdoor space without spending a lot of time on upkeep.
Easy to change
Hanging baskets are relatively easy to swap out, allowing you to change up the look of your outdoor space with the seasons or whenever you want a new look. This flexibility can be especially appealing to those who like to switch things up frequently.
