Best plants for hanging baskets in texas
Best plants for hanging baskets: 17 stunning ideas
(Image credit: Suntory Flowers)
When choosing the best plants for hanging baskets, embrace the opportunity to get creative with color and texture.
Hanging baskets are some of the most eye-catching garden ideas, and are vital for adding interest to the vertical plane as part of your container gardening ideas.
As well as brightening up walls and fences, they make fantastic pergola ideas, and create a striking first impression at the front of a house, so be sure to include them in your front garden ideas too.
'In outdoor spaces, hanging baskets can add to a welcoming curb appeal or beautify a patio or entertaining area. Indoors, they can even improve the air quality and step up your home décor by bringing the outdoors in,' says Rebecca Sears, chief gardening guru for heritage seed and plant brand Ferry Morse .
'One of the many delightful characteristics of hanging baskets is that you can move them around, playing with sun exposure and balancing the different colors and décor in your space.
'Many of the options out there will have a long season of bloom, ensuring vibrant color for several months of the year.'
Make sure you know how to plant a hanging basket to get the best out of them.
(Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe)
How to choose the best plants for hanging baskets
'A good rule of thumb when selecting the best plants for hanging baskets is to include a thriller, a filler, and a spiller,' says Lisa Whittlesey, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist for horticulture.
'Finding plants that fall into these three categories will create lovely hanging baskets that are sure to be the envy of all your neighbors.'
Thriller plants are the real standouts of your hanging baskets, often adding height and drawing the eye. 'Think about large and colorful blooms,' says Whittlesey.
As their name suggests, filler plants will help to fill in your hanging basket, and are often more low-key. Go for foliage plants, or mists of dainty blooms.
Finally, spiller plants such as vines trail or tumble over the edge of the hanging basket. 'The spillers add drama and size to the basket,' adds Whittlsey. Choose the best trailing plants for hanging baskets.
'It is good to consider plants that are adapted to your climate and have similar light and water requirements. This will ensure that your thrillers, fillers, and spillers will be happy together in their hanging basket home.'
However, don't be afraid to plant up a hanging basket with just one beautiful variety, which can make a striking feature.
Bear in mind that hanging baskets need not just be reserved for the summer. As well as evergreen plants, there are some beautiful winter hanging basket ideas to add vibrancy in the darkest months of the year.
Perennial plants for hanging baskets
Perennials are the best plants for hanging baskets if you want containers that will last for several years, rather than having to plant up new ones every year.
Bear in mind that some perennials will not cope with frost, so you will need to bring these varieties indoors over winter if you want them to keep coming back.
1. Geraniums
(Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe)
Geraniums are hugely popular hanging basket plants, and for good reason.
‘Available in a wide variety of colors to satisfy any palette, they are go-to plants for adding vibrancy and are capable of providing multi-season blooms when given enough sun, water and fertilizer,’ says Ryan Benoit, founder of hanging basket system SkyPots .
Geraniums are hardy perennials, and are a good choice for low-maintenance hanging baskets. They are closely related to pelargoniums, which are also popular for hanging baskets, although they are more tender, so grown as annuals.
Sears particularly favors ivy leaf geraniums for hanging baskets.
‘The Mini Cascade ivy geranium is an easy-to-grow option that requires minimal work and boasts a stunning display of bright color,’ she says.
‘These ivy leaf geraniums grow best in full sun and feature an abundance of single flowers with small green leaves that gently cascade over the edge of hanging baskets, filling them out beautifully.
’
If you have a sunny window that receives plenty of light, geraniums also make wonderful indoor plants.
Learn how to overwinter geraniums to keep them blooming year after year.
2. Fuchsias
(Image credit: Future)
‘Fuchsias make excellent hanging flower baskets,’ says Marjory Wildcraft, founder of The Grow Network .
‘They are tough, not requiring much attention at all to grow to their full potential and easily fill a basket. They’re also beautiful, exotic-looking flowers that can brighten up any room or balcony.’
One of the main benefits of fuchsias is that they are perennials, meaning they will last for multiple seasons.
However, they are only half-hardy, so in cold climates will need you will need to know how to overwinter fuchsias. ’As long as you keep them out of frost during the offseason, they will grow back again the following year,’ says Wildcraft.
3. Erigeron karvinskianus
(Image credit: Sarah Raven)
A daisy-like perennial flower, erigeron karvinskianus is also a prolific self-seeder – but this is rarely a problem, as plantswoman Sarah Raven explains: ‘It just behaves in a really lovely discreet and pretty way, and you get these clouds of daisy flowers.
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The plant makes a charming addition to pots and borders – perfect for your cottage garden ideas – and makes for the most romantic hanging baskets.
‘If it gets a bit tired, give it a haircut and it springs back into life and flowers immediately again,’ adds Raven.
4. Calibrachoa
(Image credit: Suntory Flowers)
‘A miniature variety of petunia often known as million bells, these lush flowering basket plants are very much in vogue,’ says Nikita, founder of Mit City Farm .
‘Calibrachoa endure summer drizzles easily and grow well in both sun and shade, hence they are ideal for livening up dull areas.’
While Calibrachoa are perennials, they are tender, so you will need to overwinter them in a greenhouse or conservatory unless you live in a warmer area. However, they are hardy in USDA zones 9-11, and often survive cutting back and mulching to overwinter them in zones 7 and 8.
'Mini Rosebud Romantic Peachy is a variety with exquisite flowers of peach and pink, or for a multi-hued splash of colors, Minitunia Kabloom Mixed is also a great choice, bursting with colors during the summer,’ adds Nikita.
5. Dianthus
(Image credit: Future)
Also known as pinks, these blousy flowers are surprisingly hardy perennials – though they are short-lived, needing replacing after a few years. Luckily, they are easy to propagate from cuttings.
Perhaps what is most appealing about dianthus is its delightful scent. ‘The extremely fragrant dainty dianthus is reminiscent of spicy cloves and vanilla,’ says Period Living’s gardening expert Leigh Clapp.
Grow dianthus in full sun or partial shade, and cut back in the fall.
Best plants for hanging baskets in full sun
'One important point to consider is how much sun your hanging basket will receive as some plants will grow best in full sun, while others may still be able to thrive in partial sun,' says Spears.
Sun-loving hanging basket plants are often particularly vibrant, and many are tolerant of heat and drought.
1. Petunias
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‘Petunias are a great choice for hanging baskets,’ says Wildcraft.
‘Aesthetically, they offer simple, minimalist beauty, normally available in only single or double color schemes. The way the plant hangs keeps tons of flowers on display – there's no wasted flora here.’
Sears especially rates Easy Wave spreading petunias. 'They offer eye-catching color in a full, lush and mound-forming display. ‘Spreading’ is in its name for good reason too – these petunias spread and trail very fast in baskets and landscapes that receive full sun, creating that ‘wave’ effect of showstopping color.’
Petunias are fairly easy to care for, but they really do need lots of sun in order to thrive. They do well in periods of heat and drought.
Make sure you know how to deadhead petunias to maximize blooms.
2. Osteospermum
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Offering colorful daisy-like blooms from summer through fall, osteospermums make a fantastic addition to hanging baskets. They come in a wide range of colors, and are also attractive to pollinators.
As tender perennials native to Africa and the Middle East, osteospermums will die over winter in colder climates, but you can take cuttings to grow them on the following year.
Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering time.
3. Verbena
(Image credit: Alamy)
Verbena is a classic choice for hanging baskets, and comes in a range of colors, most notably pinks and purples.
Choose from upright verbenas to make an impactful ‘thriller’ plant in your hanging basket display, or choose a trailing variety to spill over the sides.
Bear in mind that verbena needs full sun for much of the day in order to thrive.
4. Begonias
(Image credit: Alamy)
Available in a wide choice of colors, begonias are popular flowers for hanging baskets, and they will bloom all season long.
‘Begonias give a full, drooping effect to your hanging baskets,’ says Nikita. ‘With big blousy blooms that trail from the thick stems, begonia x tuberhybrida are one of the most popular hanging plants.
Easy to grow, they will provide you a full season of color.
‘I really like Apricot Shades Improved, a variety of begonia that trails down over 18 inches and will keep on blooming in any weather so that shades of apricot and lemon are always there, even on cloudy days.’
If you know how to overwinter begonias, they will flower again next year.
5. Sweet alyssum
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Used on its own, sweet alyssum creates a frothy, romantic cloud in a hanging basket, but it can also be used to soften the edges of other plants in a mixed display.
‘Sweet alyssum has lovely small white or purple tiny blooms and is extremely fragrant,’ says Whittlesey.
Though the plants are generally tough and easy to grow, they are not frost hardy, so are usually grown as an annual.
Best plants for hanging baskets in shade
Often seen as a negative, shade actually presents a wonderful opportunity to plant more unusual varieties that would not thrive in full sun.
Many shade-loving plants are also evergreen, and provide interest and texture through their foliage year round.
1. Ferns
(Image credit: Future)
‘Most fern species feel right at home in a hanging basket,’ says Victoria Kuchinskaya, resident plant physiologist for leading plant identification app NatureID .
‘These plants are a great option for shaded and indirectly lit locations, as they don’t need much sunlight to thrive.’
Ferns make for lovely outdoor hanging baskets, but can also make lush houseplants too. ‘Make sure to mist them generously or place them in a kitchen or bathroom to keep their foliage healthy.’
Benoit particularly favors Boston ferns. ‘They provide punches of green beneath your eaves or along edges of your patio,’ he says.
’To keep your Boston ferns happy and green, hang them out of direct sunlight and keep soil moist with regular waterings.’
2. Heuchera
(Image credit: Getty Images)
As an evergreen perennial foliage plant, heuchera adds vibrancy and texture to hanging baskets year round, and makes a wonderful foil for flowers.
Native to woodlands, heuchera thrives in light shade, and its foliage comes in a huge range of colors, from silver to deepest bronze. The plants also produce small flowers in the summer.
Remove spent leaves in the fall to keep them looking their best, and water and feed regularly during the summer.
3. Bacopa
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Bacopa is a dainty flower that thrives in part shade – and dislikes strong afternoon sun.
The plants have a gentle trailing effect, and from summer to fall will be covered with blooms.
They are generally low-maintenance – deadheading isn't necessary but will help improve flowering.
Keep the soil moist, but don't overwater.
4. Kokedama orchid
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you’re after more unusual plants for hanging baskets, then consider the traditional Japanese art of kokedama, which is making a resurgence.
‘Kokedama is the practice of taking the roots of the plant and suspending them in a ball of sphagnum moss, which is then wrapped with a soft moss such as sheet moss,’ says Paige Harmon of Westerlay Orchids .
‘It is a living planter that has a very natural feel to it. It makes a distinctive display piece which can be hung either indoors or outdoors, depending on the plant.
‘Orchids make the most beautiful kokedama but there are many plants that can be used and look amazing as well.’
Best low maintenance outdoor hanging plants
'When you’re choosing what to put in hanging baskets, consider how much effort you are willing to put into maintaining the plant you choose – some are more finicky than others,' says Wildcraft.
Happily, there are several standout choices for hanging baskets that will thrive even if you only have minimal time to spend on them.
1. Pansies
(Image credit: Future)
'Pansies are tried and true hanging basket favorites that come in both solid colors or multi color blooms, ranging from yellow, white, burgundy, blues and purple,' says Whittlesey.
These cheerful blooms provide color in some of the bleakest months of the year, when there is often little joy to be found elsewhere in the garden.
This makes them one of the best plants for winter pots and borders.
It's a good idea to occasionally deadhead pansies to maximize their flowering period, but they will grow well with very little intervention.
2. Golden pothos
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Also known as devil’s ivy, golden pothos is a low-maintenance foliage plant suitable for either indoor or outdoor hanging baskets.
‘It has low light requirements, and is most known for thriving in conditions other plants wouldn’t survive, making it an especially perfect plant for beginners,’ says Spears.
‘Another remarkable characteristic of this plant is that it defines fast growing as it can grow an astonishing 12 inches a month!’
Founder of Loop Living, Eli Manekin is also a big fan of golden pothos for hanging baskets. ‘I love devil's ivy. It has beautiful white swirls on its bright green leaves, and the more light it's exposed to, the more these white streaks will be noticeable,' he says.
‘It’s really hard to kill – even for those people who are self-proclaimed 'black thumbs.' Don't be tempted to overwater it, instead take your cue from the plant itself. Wait until the leaves are soft and droopy – that's when it needs to be watered.
'If you accidentally kill it, don't worry! Just cut off the stems and keep going. More often than not it will start growing again.’
3. String of pearls
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Though often used as a trailing house plant, string of pearls makes for a striking hanging basket plant outdoors too.
‘For very bright direct light, a string of pearls works wonderfully. These jewel-like plants thrive outside, or for indoors look for a spot in your home where the light casts harsh shadows, as this is the brightest light,’ says Manekin.
A string of pearls does not need a lot of water, so make sure to water them only when they are fully dry.
‘In late spring, the plant will fill the air with the cinnamon-like smell of its delicate white flowers,’ adds Kuchinskaya.
‘Be careful if you have pets or children, however, as this plant’s sap is known to be poisonous.’
What flowers last the longest in a hanging basket?
There are many fabulous flowers that last all summer in a hanging basket, with some enduring into the fall.
Some of the best to consider include calibrachoa, erigeron karvinskianus, fuchsias, geraniums and osteospermums.
When should you start hanging baskets?
When planting summer hanging baskets, start them off early in the spring, to give the plants enough time to establish.
However, you will need to keep them in a greenhouse or conservatory until the frosts have passed.
If you don't have anywhere suitable to keep them undercover, then plant your hanging baskets in mid to late spring, after the frosts have passed.
Winter hanging baskets can be planted early in the fall.
As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties.
I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.
10 Best Flowers for Hanging Baskets
Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds With Hanging Plants
By
Jamie McIntosh
Jamie McIntosh
Jamie McIntosh has written about gardening and special occasion flowers for the Spruce since 2011. She has more than 20 years of experience caring for flowers and plants. She was a feature writer for Organic Gardening at Suite101, where she won awards for her writing.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 05/24/22
Reviewed by
Debra LaGattuta
Reviewed by Debra LaGattuta
Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. She is a Master Gardener and lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.
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The Spruce
Do you have a favorite garden flower that always seems to have its head in the dirt, especially after a heavy rain? This flower may be the perfect candidate for planting in a hanging basket. Many flowers suitable for hanging baskets are pendulous, top-heavy, or creeping—characteristics that can be a challenge in a garden but perfect for decorative display in a container at eye level or higher.
Plants with tiny or fragrant flowers also benefit from a lofty perch because it maximizes their proximity to our senses. Some hanging basket flowers even attract butterflies or hummingbirds, giving you a close-up view of wildlife antics on your porch, deck, or patio.
Tip
Flowers in containers typically need extra feeding because frequent watering washes away the soil's nutrients. For many flowering plants, a weekly feeding with half-strength liquid fertilizer keeps them blooming their best.
10 Best Flowers for Hanging Baskets
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01 of 10
strathroy / Getty ImagesFor those who do not have the right climate to grow fussy fuchsias, begonias can act as a plant double.
The half-hardy Begonia boliviensis has the same tubular, pendulous flowers as fuchsias, but can handle the heat and humidity of southern summers. Other tuberous begonias that look great in hanging baskets include the Nonstop Mocca series, which are fully double and resemble roses. - USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: Yellow, red, pink, white, orange
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, light, moist, well-drained
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02 of 10
elenaleonova / Getty ImagesGardeners living in areas with cool, wet summers cannot pass up the opportunity to grow this amazing, shade-loving tender perennial. Although the plants do tend to wither in summer weather, you can look for one of the more heat-tolerant varieties, like 'Astoria', 'Jupiter', or 'Surprise'. A little fuss will prolong the beauty of fuchsias in hanging baskets. The plants respond well to daily misting, regular fertilizing, and diligent deadheading.
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
- Color Varieties: White, pink, red, purple, multicolored
- Sun Exposure: Part sun
- Soil Needs: Moist, fertile, loamy
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03 of 10
stockcam / Getty Images
In frost-free areas, common lantana can become somewhat of a thug, growing into a wild woody shrub that scrambles through fences and overtakes flowerbeds. However, the vibrant flower clusters of lantana provide reliable tropical color for a long growing season, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Choose a small weeping variety for your hanging baskets, such as 'Patriot Popcorn' or 'Patriot Rainbow.' If lantana is overly vigorous in your area, choose a sterile variety (like 'Gold Mound' or 'Patriot') that does not grow seed-filled berries.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 11
- Color Varieties: Combinations of red, orange, yellow, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained; will tolerate poor soils
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04 of 10
bob davis photography / Getty ImagesIt is best to think of Lobelia erinus as a spilling seasonal plant for early spring, as it thrives in moderate temperatures.
Your hanging basket will be covered with a mass of electric-blue flowers with contrasting white throats that appeal to butterflies. At the end of June, do not waste any time trying to coddle the plants; replace them with million bells, lantana, or another heat-loving plant. - USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
- Color Varieties: Purple, blue, red, pink, violet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Organically rich, well-drained, evenly moist
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05 of 10
Mark R Coons / Getty ImagesThis cousin of the petunia will not tucker out when the temperatures rise. Million bells produce little or no seed and don’t require deadheading to stay in bloom. All they need is moist soil and a full day of sun to keep your hanging baskets vibrant.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: Many shades and combinations of pink, yellow, red, violet, white, blue, magenta, bronze
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained, slightly acid
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06 of 10
brytta / Getty Images
You may know these plants by the more common name of geranium, but pelargoniums are grown as annuals north of their hardiness zones, while true geraniums are hardy perennials.
The bold texture, bright colors, and trailing habit of pelargoniums make them ideal for hanging baskets. Deadheading is necessary to keep the plants blooming until frost. - USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
- Color Varieties: Red, lavender, purple, pink, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acid, not too rich
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07 of 10
ANDREA RAPISARDA PHOTOGRAPHY/Getty ImagesPetunias have always been a classic favorite for hanging baskets, but some gardeners are challenged by petal blight in rainy and very humid weather. Try the milliflora variety, which blooms continuously without the need for pinching, or multiflora, which performs in hot, wet summers. Petunias are at their most fragrant in the evening, so add a white variety to a moon garden for extra allure.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: Many shades and combinations of purple, lavender, yellow, blue magenta, maroon, pink, red, white, bi-colored
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Light, fertile, well-drained, slightly acid
11 Top Varieties of Petunias
How to Care for Planting Petunias in a Hanging Basket
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08 of 10
PeterEtchells / Getty Images
Place portulaca, or moss rose, in a site where it will receive sun for most of the day.
When the plant sits in shade, its flowers close up. Pair moss rose with other heat-loving, drought-tolerant plants, like spiderwort, which will provide color between blooming cycles. - USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11
- Color Varieties: Orange, white, rose, yellow, red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Sandy, well-drained, tolerates moist to dry soil
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09 of 10
karayuschij / Getty Images
Sitting near a sweet alyssum hanging basket is like being in the presence of a fragrant cloud. These flowers have a strong honey scent that attracts butterflies and bees. The appealing trailing habit of sweet alyssum can turn shaggy as the season progresses, so do not be afraid to reinvigorate it with a summer haircut.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11
- Color Varieties: White, pink, purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, loamy, neutral pH
Growing Sweet Alyssum Flowers
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10 of 10
Lotus Vine (Lotus berthelotii)
AnjaCibej/Getty ImagesImpress your gardening friends by telling them your garden includes a plant endemic to the Canary Islands.
Lotus berthelotii, also known as lotus vine or parrot's beak vine, is in decline in its native habitat, but it is easy to cultivate and propagate from seed and cuttings. Its greenish-gray, needle-like leaves are, in fact, as soft as a feather. Joyful flame-like flowers dot the plant all season when grown in a sunny spot. The Jedi secret to growing this quirky plant is to provide it with daily moisture in a special cactus or orchid potting mix with excellent drainage. - USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Color Varieties: Orange, red, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Light, well-drained or orchid potting mix
The Best Spiller Plants for Container Gardens
selection of plants and flowers for the balcony, their location
Plants grown in a hanging container - pots, are called ampelous. German Ampel means hanging vase. Increasingly, this method of gardening is found on balconies, verandas, and gardens.
A hanging basket with flowers saves space, makes the flower arrangement noticeable from any angle and just looks very beautiful and festive.
Contents
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1 Which plants are suitable for ampel cultivation
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2 How to choose the right plants for the garden
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3 Plants for the balcony
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4 Plants for suspended pot
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5 How to arrange ampelous plants
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6 ampelous nasturge about hanging floriculture
Which plants are suitable for hanging growing
Colorful plants are chosen for hanging growing , beautifully flowering, or with long shoots hanging from the pot. Nasturtium or petunias have this property to some extent. And viola, snapdragon and pelargonium (geranium) are not curly or drooping, but colorful and meet all the requirements of ampelous floriculture. Either way, all varieties are very suitable for decorative purposes when grown in hanging baskets.
Nowadays, even small shrubs are used for planting in a hanging vase.
Most popular and well-known pot plants are listed in the following list.
- Petunia is distinguished by a variety of colors, long flowering throughout the summer, and ease of care.
- Pelargonium (geranium) is a popular plant. Its conditions are warm and sunny, watering is not too plentiful, it tolerates drought.
- Ampel begonia prefers a sunny place. In such conditions, it is most beautiful, blooming red flowers on long stems. The rest is not very demanding to care.
- Verbena is also easy to care for and blooms for a long time. It grows well on loosened fertile soil, loves the sun.
- Campanula belongs to the Campanula family, has stems over 20 centimeters, hanging down. The flowers are white, light blue or slightly purple in color. The plant blooms very profusely and looks beautiful at the same time. A composition of two flowerpots with white and blue flowers is called "bride and groom".
Hang on the window - as close as possible to natural light. But it does not tolerate strong sunlight. - Ampel fuchsia is an indoor beautiful flowering perennial plant. Graceful white-pink or purple flowers appear in autumn. Prefers moist soil, but not excessively. It is not recommended to expose it to direct sunlight.
- Viola - "pansies" is distinguished by pleasant-looking flowers with rich and varied colors, very decorative. There are special ampel varieties of this plant.
In addition to the above, in this type of floral design, hanging flowers for planters are widely used, the names of which are less known.
- Surfinia , characterized by various shades of flowers and abundant flowering. It grows rapidly, reproduces vegetatively
- Lubelia with shoots hanging like a waterfall, flowers of various colors: white, blue, pink. Blooms in June if sown on time.
- Bacopa is common in America and Europe, but it is still not popular enough in our country.
Loves warmth, sun, which ensures flowering. - Dichondra complements other plants, combining with them, forming hanging cascades.
The fact that some ampelous plants are not known to everyone does not diminish the importance of such a culture in decoration.
How to choose the right plants for your garden
Flowers or plants of the same species look great in a hanging planter. But you can plant two or more species in one basket. Then it will be possible to combine plants and make whole compositions. Plants are distinguished by species and growing conditions.
We list the ampelous plants for the garden. Their names, depending on the method of cultivation, are as follows.
If they were transferred to the garden for the summer period, and usually winter in a room, then these are perennials: pelargonium, begonia.
- Pelargonium is suitable for the case when it is not possible to regularly water the plants. It tolerates heat, heat, drought, being an unpretentious culture.
- Begonias and lubelias, on the other hand, cannot stand the heat and require regular watering and care.
Both plants can or should be placed in shaded areas.
Orchard annuals should be sown in early spring or take ready-made seedlings.
- Ampel petunia suitable for multicolor combinations. Blooming balls and cascades are made from it, and vertical structures are decorated. Likes sun, good soil and regular watering. Petunia, as well as bagopa, are distinguished by long flowering, right up to the cold autumn.
- Lubelia tolerates the sun, but it also needs a constantly moist and fertile soil.
- Ampelous dichondra is still new in everyday life, not a well-known plant. Differs in long shoots more than a meter in length. Small leaves sometimes have a silvery color. Suitable for vertical gardening.
Ampelous flowers for the garden, the names of which were not listed, these are also viola, nasturtium, balsam, nolana, diasia, bindweed, scaevola.
Hanging flower vases are easy to move to a new place, creating a new look for an old garden landscape. Dull or boring areas are enlivened with planters. When used outdoors, annual flowering plants are often used. They grow quickly, requiring only the simplest rules of care. So, for example, plants that love moisture and are resistant to drought are not planted in one pot. And also light-loving and shade-loving.
Balcony plants
In the interior, indoor plant species are used for ampel cultivation. In the summer, they can be moved to the balcony, veranda. These are begonia, fuchsia, campanula, geranium, the perennials listed earlier. For a colorful and colorful decoration of the balcony, petunia, nasturtium and other annuals are sown. Sowing is done in a pot with soil or a balcony box. A hanging vase is convenient in that it can be moved from place to place, changing the look of the veranda. Just like in the garden, from petunia, lubelia and surfinia, they make flowering balls or cascades on terraces and balconies.
Balcony boxes should be well fixed or stably placed.
Plants for hanging pots
Equal-leaved campanula, fuchsia, ampelous begonia are well known to lovers of indoor plants. When hung in the summer on balconies and verandas, these chic representatives should still receive appropriate care . It is necessary to loosen and moisten the soil, protect from direct sunlight, acting for a long time. For long-term flowering of Campanula, wilted flowers are removed in time.
Outdoors in summer, annuals are used: petunia, snapdragon, viola, especially climbing varieties, nasturtium. These plants can be planted without being combined with other plants. The compositions are made up of geraniums and petunias. Begonia and fuchsia are combined with lubelia. Petunia is complemented by verbena or dichondra.
How to arrange hanging plants
Ways to decorate the area with hanging plants and flowers are subject to the rules of .
- The location of the vases should not interfere with movement.
- The interior or space of the garden is updated by changing the positions of the pots.
- Hanging plant container can be placed on stands or fixed on a balcony, but in a stable manner, using a secure fit.
- Old things are used to create compositions: movable or broken carts, bicycles, hanging kettles. It gives things a second life and makes the garden interesting.
Following the general rules, you need to consider where this or that crop grows best: in the light or in the shade. Consider drought tolerance when regular maintenance is not possible, wind resistance . First of all, you should be interested in these parameters in order to extend the life of the ampel "masterpieces".
Ampelous nasturtium
Nasturtium is distinguished by its decorative originality, having flowers of the original form with red and yellow colors. Flowering is pleasantly complemented by contrasting leaves.
Nasturtium does not grow in the room and is an annual garden plant . Many flower growers have paid attention to its diversity, willingly cultivate it. Depending on the variety, nasturtium is more or less climbing, often winding, or vice versa, similar to a grassy bush.
Although this flower requires sufficient sun, it can also live in partial shade. Often grown in garden vases, it also looks elegant in hanging vases. Ampelous nasturtium gives rather long shoots, more than a meter. A beautiful view is obtained from a combination of red, orange and yellow flowers. But there are also terry varieties. The plant is easy to sow and sprout, but this should be done in May, when frosts are excluded. To the soil, this culture is unpretentious.
Conclusions about ampelous floriculture
Hanging baskets, flowering balls and cascades decorating interiors, gardens and even city streets have become commonplace. Making life more beautiful, ampelous plants attract with the possibility of convenient hanging with a significant decorative effect.
All they require to maintain their beauty is regular watering and a little care. By choosing this method of plant breeding for landscaping, flower growers will be able not only to impress others, but also to get delighted with the result for themselves.
Ampelous flowers for pots
- Author: Olga Alexandrovna Uglova
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Hanging Plants - Growing Indoor Hanging Plants for Garden and Home
Hanging Plants - branching shrubs with long branches, intended for planting in hanging flowerpots. The word Ampel means hanging flower pot. This method of landscaping is perfect for decorating terraces, loggias, open verandas. The composition significantly saves time, looks aesthetically pleasing from all sides. If you want to bring festivity and bright colors to a simple, everyday interior, the most affordable method is to buy ampelous plants for pots.
Let's see what types of ampelous plants are known, what kind of care they need.
Climbing plants for gardens and indoors
Flowering plants and specimens with long branches are perfect for growing vines and vines. Many specimens are suitable for growing in hanging containers, an important condition is that the branches must be long and curl. However, some specimens with short branches, for example, geranium, snapdragon, viola, are also planted in pots, they decorate the house because of the bright flowers.
Popular climbing plants
| Names of ampelous plants | Key features |
|---|---|
| Petunia | A huge number of varieties have been bred, a large selection of palettes. It blooms from early spring to autumn, easy care (by force for beginners in gardening). |
| Calibrachoa | Variety of petunias. |
| Geranium (pelargonium) | Included in the list of the most popular flowers for ampelous gardening. The main requirements are bright lighting, warmth, moderate watering (pelargonium tolerates drought well). |
| Begonia | Prefers bright areas, sunny places. In such conditions, begonia blooms as long as possible, abundantly, the flowers are large, bright in color. |
| Verbena | Belongs to the most unpretentious climbing specimens, does not need special care, blooms for a long time. Prefers bright lighting, light soil, so the soil must be loosened. |
| Campanula | One of the best plants for ampelous floriculture - the branches curl well, the flowers are small, white or blue, the flowering is plentiful. |
| Fuchsia | Perennial climbing plant with inflorescences of red, pink, purple or white-pink. Blooms from April to October, loves moist soil. Prefers shady areas. |
| Viola | Distinguished by a wide palette, very decorative. For a hanging flowerpot, it is necessary to choose climbing varieties. |
| Surfinia | Blooms for a long time, profusely, stands out with rapid growth, propagates vegetatively. |
| Lobelia | Shoots resemble streams of a waterfall, inflorescences of different colors. If the seeds are sown on time, inflorescences appear at the beginning of summer. |
| Bacopa | Most common in America, in order to achieve the appearance of flowers, it is necessary to provide warmth and good lighting. |
| Dichondra | Unpretentious, easy to care for, branched shrub, branches reach a length of 2 m. An excellent basis for other flowering ampels. |
Differs in smaller inflorescences (up to 3 cm in diameter), shoots grow up to 2 m, quickly lignify and branch strongly. Care is the same as for petunias. 
Does not tolerate open sunlight. 
Some climbing house flowers, mostly ornamental leaves, are used as additions to decorative landscape compositions.
How to choose hanging flowering plants
One species is planted in a hanging pot, but you can choose several varieties for one basket to form an arrangement. Gardeners arrange ampelous flowers according to several criteria:
- growing conditions;
- colors.
Garden ampelous flowers are annual and perennial. In the first case, the seeds are planted in the first half of spring or they buy seedlings prepared for planting in the ground. In the second case, the seeds are planted on a plot in the garden, at the end of the season the bushes are dug up and stored in the house.
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- Pelargonium is an excellent choice for areas where there is no regular watering;
- Begonia, lobelia - quite whimsical specimens, demanding on water and temperature conditions;
- Dichondra is a fairly new culture, the branches reach two meters, the leaves are small, silvery in color, an excellent solution for landscaping walls.
Important! It is not recommended to plant flowers in one flowerpot that require radically different care.
A few recommendations for gardeners
- With the onset of heat, containers with flowers must be taken out to the balcony (open terrace).
- Sow crops with the same care conditions in the same container.
- If you take indoor climbing crops outside, shade from the sun, loosen the soil regularly.
- Cut dried flowers in a timely manner, so you can prolong the flowering period and increase the number of inflorescences.
- Garden crops grown in outdoor tubs and shrubs in hanging pots are combined to form a hedge. This technique is used when you need to fence off a corner for relaxing in the garden.
- Cultures that bloom profusely are used as an independent decor. We are talking about Diascia, Petunia, Verbena, Series, Calibrachou, Fuchsia, Balsam.
- Some ground cover crops are used as climbers, such as Scaevola.
- Many gardeners refuse to grow flowers with long branches due to problems with watering - hanging pots, water flows to the floor. In specialized stores, flowerpots for ampelous crops are presented - a reservoir where water flows, a fitting designed for irrigation.
- It is possible to achieve abundant flowering of ampelous plants for a balcony, provided that top dressing is applied. The best choice is liquid fertilizers for ampels, they are applied once a week during the flowering period.
- For breeding ampels, choose ceramic containers.
Plastic pots hold little soil, the roots dry out quickly. - Any bushes with long shoots should not be planted in windy areas. Gusts of wind and leaves lose their appeal. The best place for ampels is near the wall of the house.
- Choose a planter of such a size that the branches do not interfere with people and do not break with bags, clothes.
Choice of ampels with different endurance conditions
- Shade-tolerant ampelous plants: Begonia, Balsam, Nolan.
- Love the open sun: Verbena, Petunia, Ageratum and Brakihoma.
- Prefer frequent watering: Balsam, Dichondra.
- Carry gusts of wind: Fortunya, Euphorbia.
- Drought tolerant: Verbena, Pelargonium.
When choosing ampelous crops, you must create the appropriate conditions. First of all, you need to learn how to grow selected specimens. Some prefer the shade, others will need a sunny site. This is necessary in order to provide the flowers with proper care, to correctly form the composition.
Good to know! Among the ampels, the petunia is considered the most versatile specimen. It is planted in the sun, in the shade, in addition, the flower is suitable for landscaping walls.
Begonia is called the Queen of Ampels, a bush with large, decorative leaves, luxurious inflorescences will decorate any part of the garden. Begonia grows well in hanging pots, tall flowerpots.
How to arrange bushes and form a crown
- Containers must not interfere with free movement.
- Change the arrangement of flowerpots to change the interior.
- To fix the flowerpot, use special supports, the container with flowers can be fixed on the wall.
- Wooden carts, bicycles, old teapots look original in floral arrangements.
Growing an ampelous crop requires the formation of a bush. If only 2 or 3 long branches grow, it will not be aesthetically pleasing.
One of the conditions for a beautiful ampel is a lush bush, and all branches should be approximately the same length. Young shoots, of course, will have different lengths, but as they grow, they need to be given the correct shape. To do this, the shoots pinch or cut. As a result, the branches will hang beautifully from the pots, and form a cascade.
What problems do ampelle owners face? In the case of bushes that have long shoots and grow in a hanging pot, it is important to ensure an optimal water regime - do not flood or overdry. This can cause water to spill onto the floor.
Tip! Choose special flowerpots for ampels - with a tray to collect excess water, as well as a hole where you can pour water. In addition, be sure to provide good drainage in the pot.
The next problem that many ampule owners write about is lighting. Most plants are photophilous. If it is not possible to place the flowerpot in a lighted area, additional lighting will be required.
If the flower is too dark, it sheds its leaves.
Tip! If you plan to mount the flowerpot to the wall, pay attention to the material from which it is made. Clay and ceramic pots filled with earth are too heavy, so you need to provide reliable fastenings or choose a lighter flowerpot.
The next problem is whiskers and new shoots. Sometimes they do not want to hang beautifully from the flowerpot, but cling to any supports and climb in different directions. Passionflower and ivy have this property. In order not to start the plant and prevent the shoots from wrapping around the adjacent area, cut off the mustache in time and form a dense bush. Point your mustache in the right direction.
Summary
Hanging planters and baskets are now a common sight in gardens, balconies, loggias and terraces. With proper care, the flowers form a beautiful cascade and delight the eye throughout the summer and autumn.
