Displaying plants in hanging containers is a tried-and
Plant Smart
By Kelsey Schirm
Displaying plants in hanging containers is a tried-and-true
10 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets
Create hanging baskets that drip with personality by selecting plants that thrill as they spill.
way to get blossoms up to eye level, no matter the style of your porch, patio, or deck. But whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned green thumb, designing hanging baskets can challenge your horticultural creativity. So we’ve simplified the task of selecting the right plants to ensure easy maintenance and great looks. Many plants grow well in containers, but some seem to outshine others as the season progresses. According to container gardening expert Pamela Crawford, you can create a successful hanging basket by planning thoughtfully and trusting your instincts. A container design, she says, should reflect a part of you. “When I start my container, I look for the big centerpiece first,” Crawford says. “I look for something I respond to emotionally that just absolutely dazzles me, and then I look for something that I can put next to it that I really respond to as well.” Crawford says instinct also can be an excellent guide to selecting a color scheme. “I believe everyone has an inner design instinct that helps them pick throw pillows for their couch or a top to wear with their slacks,” she says. “When it comes to plants, many people have a fear that if they use that same instinct it won’t work. But it really does.”
Petunia
1 2
Light: Sun, partial sun Plant Type: Annual Habit: Trailing Zone: Varies Description: Seemingly
endless color possibilities and the ability to bloom midspring through late fall have made these flowers a favorite. Top Varieties: Cascadias Bicolor Purple, Cascadias Cherry Spark, Cascadias Sunray Tip: Pinch or cut back petunias to create a fuller look.
Salvia
Light: Sun, partial sun Plant Type: Annual, perennial Habit: Centerpiece Zones: 3–10 Description: Salvia, also known as
sage, has tall flower spikes and comes in hundreds of equally beautiful varieties. Top Varieties: Autumn sage, 'Black and Blue', mealycup sage, roseleaf sage Tip: Salvias can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last average frost.
3
Sweet potato vine Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Annual Habit: Trailing Zone: Varies Description: An attractive plant
that varies from light green to purple, it easily accents almost any planter as it cascades down the side. Top Varieties: Sweet Caroline, 'Marguerite', 'Blackie', Illusion Emerald Lace, Illusion Midnight Lace Tip: Check frequently; sweet potato vine can be susceptible to leaf-eating pests.
6
Begonia
Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Annual Habit: Mounding Zones: 6–11 Description: Begonias are one of
the easiest flowering plants to care for. As long as they are given ample water and planted in rich soil, they’ll grow in a variety of conditions. Top Varieties: 'Doublet Rose', 'Bellagio Pink', 'Sprint Scarlet' Tip: Don’t deadhead; begonias are self-cleaning.
5
4
Coleus
Light: Shade Plant Type: Annual Habit: Mounding Zones: 2–11 Description: A colorful foliage plant
that will add mass to any container. Top Varieties: 'Chocolate Bear Paw', 'Flirtin’ Skirts', Kong Red, Kong Rose Tip: Pinch coleus if it gets leggy.
Ivy geranium
Light: Sun Plant Type: Annual, perennial Habit: Trailing Zones: 2–11 Description: These easy-to-grow
flowers are perfect for hanging baskets because they overflow the container, creating a waterfall of color and texture. Top Varieties: Global Merlot, Mini Cascade Pink, Mini Cascade Red, 'Royal Candy Pink', ‘Royal Lavender’ Tip: To increase your ivy geranium’s life span, bring it indoors during winter.
Deck, Patio & Outdoor Living
19
Plant Smart How-To: Plant a Hanging Basket Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a basket to be proud of in no time. When selecting plants for a hanging container, keep in mind a formula Crawford employs that involves three basic plant habits or shapes: centerpiece, mounding, and trailing. She suggests using a taller plant as the centerpiece, surrounding it with an even mix of mounding plants to create fullness, then adding trailing plants that will cascade nicely out of the basket like petticoats. Using a variety of plants ensures an appealing blend of colors and textures. Choose the largest container that’s feasible for you—it will be easier to look after and will dry out less between waterings. For multiple plants in a single basket, combine varieties with similar watering and light needs. Every hanging basket can be unique, so have fun and indulge your creative side. Mix and match from our "Top 10" list to build an arrangement worthy of compliments the entire season.
1
10
1. Gather Materials
Items you will need: a wire or plastic basket, a liner of coconut coir or sphagnum moss, a trowel, potting soil mix with excellent drainage, slowrelease fertilizer, small potted plants, and water.
Fuchsia
Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Annual, perennial Habit: Trailing Zones: 8–10 Description: This unique
hanging flower in pinks, purples, reds, and whites is known for attracting hummingbirds. Top Varieties: 'Harry Gray', 'Indian Maid', 'Marinka', 'Trailblazer' Tip: Keep fuchsias in a warm, semishaded place, out of the wind.
2
Lobelia
7
Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Annual Habit: Trailing, mounding Zones: 2–11 Description: Available in
both mounding and cascading types, lobelia’s intense blues and purples will bring vibrancy to any hanging basket. Top Varieties: 'Blue Wings', Lucia Dark Blue, Magadi Blue, 'Regatta Sapphire' Tip: Trim back the plant if it stops blooming in excessive heat so it can rebloom in the cooler fall months.
2. Fill it
9
8
Caladium
Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Bulb Habit: Centerpiece Zones: 10–11 Description: With colorful,
heart-shape leaves, this plant is a great centerpiece that will catch the eye but won’t overwhelm. Top Varieties: 'Gingerland', 'Marie Moir', 'White Queen', 'Florida Cardinal' Tip: Plant caladiums shallowly and water in moderation until sprouts emerge.
Deck, Patio & Outdoor Living
3
4
5
6
Dracaena
Light: Partial sun, shade Plant Type: Indoor Habit: Centerpiece Zone: Varies Description: With its strong upright,
elongated leaves, this plant will add height to your hanging basket. Top Varieties: 'Compact Janet Craig', 'Lemon Lime', 'Tricolor' Tip: Although it’s commonly known as an indoor plant, dracaena grows just as well outside.
For more information, see Resources on page 122.
20
Place the liner in the basket. With your hands or a trowel, fill the basket about halfway with damp potting soil mix. If the soil does not contain fertilizer, add three to four handfuls per 20-inch width.
3. Dig IN
With a trowel, make a hole for each plant so the soil level will barely cover the root ball. Flip plants upside down and gently tap to free them from their pots.
4. PLant it
If the root ball is tight, make four or more vertical cuts in the ball about ½ inch deep to encourage new growth. Place the plants inside the holes.
5. Pat down
Firm each plant into the potting soil mix with your hands, adding soil around it. If necessary, add more soil to within a half inch of the rim of the basket.
6. Water WELL
Add water until it drips through the basket. Water again to ensure the soil is thoroughly wet. Let any excess water drain out of the planter, then hang it.
By Kelsey Schirm
Displaying plants in hanging containers is a tried-and-true
10 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets
Create hanging baskets that drip with personality by selecting plants that thrill as they spill.
way to get blossoms up to eye level, no matter the style of your porch, patio, or deck. But whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned green thumb, designing hanging baskets can challenge your horticultural creativity. So we’ve simplified the task of selecting the right plants to ensure easy maintenance and great looks. Many plants grow well in containers, but some seem to outshine others as the season progresses. According to container gardening expert Pamela Crawford, you can create a successful hanging basket by planning thoughtfully and trusting your instincts. A container design, she says, should reflect a part of you. “When I start my container, I look for the big centerpiece first,” Crawford says. “I look for something I respond to emotionally that just absolutely dazzles me, and then I look for something that I can put next to it that I really respond to as well.” Crawford says instinct also can be an excellent guide to selecting a color scheme. “I believe everyone has an inner design instinct that helps them pick throw pillows for their couch or a top to wear with their slacks,” she says. “When it comes to plants, many people have a fear that if they use that same instinct it won’t work. But it really does.”
Petunia
1 2
Light: Sun, partial sun Plant Type: Annual Habit: Trailing Zone: Varies Description: Seemingly
endless color possibilities and the ability to bloom midspring through late fall have made these flowers a favorite. Top Varieties: Cascadias Bicolor Purple, Cascadias Cherry Spark, Cascadias Sunray Tip: Pinch or cut back petunias to create a fuller look.
Salvia
Light: Sun, partial sun Plant Type: Annual, perennial Habit: Centerpiece Zones: 3–10 Description: Salvia, also known as
sage, has tall flower spikes and comes in hundreds of equally beautiful varieties. Top Varieties: Autumn sage, 'Black and Blue', mealycup sage, roseleaf sage Tip: Salvias can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last average frost.
3
Sweet potato vine Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Annual Habit: Trailing Zone: Varies Description: An attractive plant
that varies from light green to purple, it easily accents almost any planter as it cascades down the side. Top Varieties: Sweet Caroline, 'Marguerite', 'Blackie', Illusion Emerald Lace, Illusion Midnight Lace Tip: Check frequently; sweet potato vine can be susceptible to leaf-eating pests.
6
Begonia
Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Annual Habit: Mounding Zones: 6–11 Description: Begonias are one of
the easiest flowering plants to care for. As long as they are given ample water and planted in rich soil, they’ll grow in a variety of conditions. Top Varieties: 'Doublet Rose', 'Bellagio Pink', 'Sprint Scarlet' Tip: Don’t deadhead; begonias are self-cleaning.
5
4
Coleus
Light: Shade Plant Type: Annual Habit: Mounding Zones: 2–11 Description: A colorful foliage plant
that will add mass to any container. Top Varieties: 'Chocolate Bear Paw', 'Flirtin’ Skirts', Kong Red, Kong Rose Tip: Pinch coleus if it gets leggy.
Ivy geranium
Light: Sun Plant Type: Annual, perennial Habit: Trailing Zones: 2–11 Description: These easy-to-grow
flowers are perfect for hanging baskets because they overflow the container, creating a waterfall of color and texture. Top Varieties: Global Merlot, Mini Cascade Pink, Mini Cascade Red, 'Royal Candy Pink', ‘Royal Lavender’ Tip: To increase your ivy geranium’s life span, bring it indoors during winter.
Deck, Patio & Outdoor Living
19
Plant Smart How-To: Plant a Hanging Basket Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a basket to be proud of in no time. When selecting plants for a hanging container, keep in mind a formula Crawford employs that involves three basic plant habits or shapes: centerpiece, mounding, and trailing. She suggests using a taller plant as the centerpiece, surrounding it with an even mix of mounding plants to create fullness, then adding trailing plants that will cascade nicely out of the basket like petticoats. Using a variety of plants ensures an appealing blend of colors and textures. Choose the largest container that’s feasible for you—it will be easier to look after and will dry out less between waterings. For multiple plants in a single basket, combine varieties with similar watering and light needs. Every hanging basket can be unique, so have fun and indulge your creative side. Mix and match from our "Top 10" list to build an arrangement worthy of compliments the entire season.
1
10
1. Gather Materials
Items you will need: a wire or plastic basket, a liner of coconut coir or sphagnum moss, a trowel, potting soil mix with excellent drainage, slowrelease fertilizer, small potted plants, and water.
Fuchsia
Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Annual, perennial Habit: Trailing Zones: 8–10 Description: This unique
hanging flower in pinks, purples, reds, and whites is known for attracting hummingbirds. Top Varieties: 'Harry Gray', 'Indian Maid', 'Marinka', 'Trailblazer' Tip: Keep fuchsias in a warm, semishaded place, out of the wind.
2
Lobelia
7
Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Annual Habit: Trailing, mounding Zones: 2–11 Description: Available in
both mounding and cascading types, lobelia’s intense blues and purples will bring vibrancy to any hanging basket. Top Varieties: 'Blue Wings', Lucia Dark Blue, Magadi Blue, 'Regatta Sapphire' Tip: Trim back the plant if it stops blooming in excessive heat so it can rebloom in the cooler fall months.
2. Fill it
9
8
Caladium
Light: Sun, partial sun, shade Plant Type: Bulb Habit: Centerpiece Zones: 10–11 Description: With colorful,
heart-shape leaves, this plant is a great centerpiece that will catch the eye but won’t overwhelm. Top Varieties: 'Gingerland', 'Marie Moir', 'White Queen', 'Florida Cardinal' Tip: Plant caladiums shallowly and water in moderation until sprouts emerge.
Deck, Patio & Outdoor Living
3
4
5
6
Dracaena
Light: Partial sun, shade Plant Type: Indoor Habit: Centerpiece Zone: Varies Description: With its strong upright,
elongated leaves, this plant will add height to your hanging basket. Top Varieties: 'Compact Janet Craig', 'Lemon Lime', 'Tricolor' Tip: Although it’s commonly known as an indoor plant, dracaena grows just as well outside.
For more information, see Resources on page 122.
20
Place the liner in the basket. With your hands or a trowel, fill the basket about halfway with damp potting soil mix. If the soil does not contain fertilizer, add three to four handfuls per 20-inch width.
3. Dig IN
With a trowel, make a hole for each plant so the soil level will barely cover the root ball. Flip plants upside down and gently tap to free them from their pots.
4. PLant it
If the root ball is tight, make four or more vertical cuts in the ball about ½ inch deep to encourage new growth. Place the plants inside the holes.
5. Pat down
Firm each plant into the potting soil mix with your hands, adding soil around it. If necessary, add more soil to within a half inch of the rim of the basket.
6. Water WELL
Add water until it drips through the basket. Water again to ensure the soil is thoroughly wet. Let any excess water drain out of the planter, then hang it.
