If you want to add intrigue and color to your indoor or outdoor space, having a few hanging baskets floating around will help you achieve that. However, to get the most out of your hanging garden, you need to get creative and experiment with different textures and colors.
Remember that not every flower is made for hanging baskets; the top-heavy varieties with drooping behaviors make the best flowers for this purpose. Fortunately, many flowers meet these qualities. Discover seven options that will bloom into delightful colors during different seasons of the year.
Begonia
Begonia (Begonia spp.), a big family with over 1000 species, fall into three main categories; fibrous-rooted, rhizomatous, and tuberous. This flower is quite popular due to their different shades of colors, including, red, orange, and pink.
Begonias bloom from summer to frost but not all begonias are grown for their showy display; those from the rhizomatous variety have beautiful foliage with impressive colors perfect for hanging baskets. It's important to know your variety of begonia in order to provide it with the proper growing conditions.
Generally, begonias love partial shade or the morning sun for no more than six hours and should be planted in moist, well-draining soil. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely before watering and irrigate with 1 inch of water per week to keep the soil moist. For the best results, grow Begonia flowers in a hanging basket that provides at least 12 inches to 3 feet of space. Begonias do well in USDA zones 9 to 11 depending on the specific variety.
Fuchsia
FuchsiasFuchsia spp.) are quite the charmer. These plants are popular thanks to their bright teardrop-shaped flowers that also attract hummingbirds. Fuchsias will start blooming from summer to early frost, bringing color and tropical vibes to shaded regions of your garden, however, they also need about four hours of morning sun to encourage flowering.
For outdoors, be aware that fuchsias don't do well in the cold; wait until temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit but less than 85 degrees Fahrenheit before putting them outside.
This exotic beauty needs water once a day during full bloom but if temperatures are high, you might need to irrigate twice daily. Ensure the soil is dry before watering again.
For the best results, grow Fuchsias in a light organic planter mix, preferably in a container larger than 10 inches in diameter. The tender varieties thrive in zones 10 to 11, while the semi-hardy alternatives do well in zones 9 to 11.
Lobelia
This beautiful summer bloomer is an excellent addition to most hanging baskets, thanks to its trailing growing habit. Usually, Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) blooms in violet or blue flowers; however, other shades of white, pink, and red are also available.
Despite their dainty appearance, these flowers are low maintenance; they are happy in the sun, preferably in locations where they can receive at least six hours of direct exposure.
Grow lobelia flowers in rich, well-draining soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Generally, a garden pot of 7 to 12 inches will be ideal for this flower. The best way to water this plant is when the soil appears dry. Irrigate, at least 6 inches deep, to ensure the plant gets a proper drink. This flower thrives in zones 10 to 11.
To encourage blooming, cut back the spent blooms after the first flowering.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.), also called garden mums, are quite spectacular when they bloom. Their mellow yellow flowers can be seen from afar, creating visual interest from late summer through fall. One advantage of having this flower as part of your collection is that it will bloom late into the season when others are done.
Mums love the sun so make sure you always position the baskets in areas where this plant will receive at least six hours of sunshine daily.
Chrysanthemums are hardy in USDA zones 3a to 9b and should be grown in rich, well-draining, organic soil for the best results. Grow this flower in spacious pots of at least 12 inches in diameter.
Mums don't require a lot of water to thrive; remember to irrigate once a week only when the top inch of the potting mix is dry.
Million Bells
The million bells, known as Calibrachoa, is a prolific summer performer. This plant is available in a range of bold colors and variegated shades depending on the variety. The million bells is a low-growing plant that gets to a height of 6 to 12 inches. Its trailing growth behavior makes it suitable for hanging baskets.
Grow your million bells in a rich, well-draining, organic potting mix for the best results. Position the baskets where the flower can receive at least eight hours of sunlight daily to facilitate blooming. You can combine three plants in a 12-inch container for a gorgeous hanging display.
Irrigate at least once a week to keep the potting mix moist and not wet; also, it is recommended to apply water-soluble fertilizer every other week. This flower is hardy in zones 9 to 11.
Pansies
Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are popular flowers for hanging baskets because of their color and personality. They bloom for four to six months, allowing you to enjoy the colorful display longer than other flowers. Pansies are cold hardy, and can bloom right up to when frost begins.
Pansies prefer up to six hours of sunlight daily but can also handle part shade. This flower thrives in all types of soil from sand to clay and loam, but it must be well-draining and moist.
For a single plant, use a 6-inch diameter pot; however, if you want to combine three or four plants in a single container, go a larger pot of about 10 to 12 inches.
Irrigate with up to 2 inches of water weekly to prevent the soil from drying. Pansies are hardy in zones 6a to 10b.
Lantana
If you are looking for a hardy flower that will brave the sunny spots in your home, then Lantana (Lantana camara) might be ideal. Besides its toughness, this plant is quite popular among gardeners for its long flowering periods that extend from spring to early frost.
Make sure to expose your beloved plant to at least six hours of sunlight daily. They grow in most soils but prefer the rich and well-draining types.
Grow a single flower in a suitable container of about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Alternatively, you can combine three plants in a bigger container of at least 12 inches in diameter.
While it can withstand dry conditions, irrigate with an inch of water per week, as too much water will reduce blooms. When giving your plants a drink, be careful not to water from the top to discourage disease and root rot. The lantana flower is hardy in USDA zone 7b and 8.
It is common to see pollinators like bees and hummingbirds on Lantana flowers, especially during the flowering stage.
What Are You Growing in Your Hanging Basket?
Hanging a few baskets around your garden, patio, or window sills is a good way of improving the aesthetic appeal of your home. Finding the right flower for your hanging basket will make the process enjoyable and manageable. Also, your hard work will eventually be rewarded with a dazzling display of color when the time is right.
So, what are you growing in your basket this season? Share in the comment section below.
