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Hanging baskets for part sun


8 Best Hanging Basket Plants & Flowers for Shade

Growing plants and flowers in hanging baskets can brighten up an area and create more structure to the garden by lifting plants up off the ground.

When you are a plant addict like I am, being able to hang plants up in baskets not only creates interest in the backyard, but also makes extra special areas for more plants when all the ground and patio planters are full.

Using hanging baskets in the shade can be a huge advantage. We have seen it before, that once beautiful hanging basket that was lush and colorful that has been overexposed to the sun, wind, and weather. Shade can provide protection and help hanging baskets retain moisture.

Hanging baskets that aren’t protected from the heat and brightness of the sun can quickly dry up and wilt.

Hanging baskets thrive in the shade for good reason.

Hanging baskets in the shade gives many kinds of plants and flowers a fighting chance of retaining much needed moisture. A great way to take advantage of this is to explore using living baskets such as baskets made of moss. These are gorgeous and envelope your hanging basket plants in a wonderfully rich, moist backdrop.

Plants that thrive in shade often also require excellent drainage. This means they can be susceptible to problems such as root rot, fungi, and mildews. These problems can occur when planted in poor-draining soils. Putting them up in the air can make sure they get the air circulation and drainage they need.

Shaded areas may provide extra protection from wind and weather that can cause havoc on hanging baskets, drying them out, and damaging precious flowers and foliage.

It is true, shade-loving plants may come with their own set of challenges, but I can promise you; it is worth the challenge!

Another great perk to many shade loving plants and flowers is their unique leaf shapes, colors, and bright, glowing, almost iridescent flowers.

Hanging Baskets in the Shade: Best Practices

Your hanging plants and flowers are completely dependent on you. As the plants are far from the ground and may be exposed to dry, windy conditions, providing moisture-retaining soil, extra nutrition, and consistent water are of the upmost importance.

Plants growing in the ground might be able to source water from the surrounding area but hanging basket plants are completely dependent on us. We must always be kind, and ensure they have everything they need.

A quick note on shade

In areas of high humidity, a “shade plant” may tolerate full sun. Similarly, the same plant in dry conditions may become a shade-only plant. Finding ways to create extra humidity by using tools such as automatic irrigation can provide the extra moisture that some of the following plants may love, particularly if they are exposed to more than partial sun and/or dry and windy conditions.

1.

Fuchsia (Fuchsia ‘Tom Thumb’)

Stand Out Feature: Prolific, tear-drop shaped, vibrant fuchsia pink and purple flowers.

Description: Tom Thumb Fuchsia is the classic compact weeping shrub that is perfect for hanging baskets. The pendulous form is covered in unique blooms from late spring to frost. Fuchsia can be used as a stand alone focal point or combined with other shade-loving plants. Keep in mind, there are thousands of fuchsia cultivars to consider with diverse forms, sizes, shapes, and flower colors and styles.

Hardiness: Zone 8, 9, and 10.

Height and Spread: 2 1/2 feet tall by 2 1/2 feet wide.

Care: Moist, warm conditions protected from wind in shade or dappled sunlight. Fuchsias do not like being dried out or direct, hot sunlight.

2.

Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra Formosa)

Stand Out Feature: Gorgeous pink/red, heart-shaped flowers dangling in rows from pendulous branches.

Description: The lacy foliage makes a fine backdrop to the arching stems from which heart-shaped blooms dangle for several weeks in late spring to early summer.

Hardiness: Zones 4 to 8.

Height and Spread: 6 to 12 inches tall and 1 to 3 feet wide.

Care: Partial shade to dappled sunlight. Rich, high-quality potting soil. Western bleeding heart is of the more drought-tolerant bleeding heart cultivars, making it a safe choice for hanging in a basket. Spring is its time to shine so group it with other plants that can take over the show through summer and into autumn.

3.

Begonia (Begonia ‘Pendula White’)

Stand Out Feature: Clusters of large pendulous fragrant white flowers.

Description: Bring a bright white glow into the shade with this gorgeous white flowering showstopper. Flowers bloom from July to first frost with blossoms arising in clusters and hanging above deep green, waxy leaves.

Hardiness: Zone 11. Not frost hardy. Bulbs can be lifted and stored to replant the following year.

Height and Spread: 10 to 14 inches tall and wide.

Care: Plant in rich, high-quality potting soil and keep moist. Protect from hot sun and wind.

4.

Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)

Stand Out Feature: Delicate trailing annual with fan-shaped flowers available in many shades of blue.

Description: A prolific bloomer April through June with more blooms in the autumn. This compact annual is an excellent companion plant in the hanging basket and can fill in space while other summer and fall performing plants grow to their full size.

Hardiness: Zone 10 to 11.

Height and Spread: 6 to 10 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide.

Care: Loves rich, moist, organic soils. Lobelia may give an extra fall bloom if it is cut back after its spring show.

5.

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

Stand Out Feature: Incredible vibrant color choices.

Description: Small, compact plants of glossy green foliage covered in a plethora of vibrant flowers in ranges of pink, purple, lilac, red, orange, rose, white, and bicolors. They are continuous bloomers with a spectacular bright show from June to frost.

Hardiness: A tender perennial. Zone 10 to 11.

Height and Spread: 6 to 24 inches tall and wide.

Care: Generally low maintenance. Loves nutrient-rich soil and being consistently moist. Cutting back young plants will encourage bushier plants with more flowers.

6.

Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens)

Stand Out Feature: Unusual, sometimes spotted, monkey-face, or snapdragon-like flower.

Description: Blooming from June to September in a range of colors, often in yellows, oranges and reds but can be found in lilac and purple colors also. Some varieties are upright, but some are trailing varieties perfect for hanging baskets.

Hardiness: Zones 3 to 9.

Height and Spread: They grow 1 to 3 feet in height and spread up to a foot wide.

Care: Monkey flowers are wildflowers native to North America and found in bog-type environments. They will thrive in moist soil in the shade and do not like to dry out.

7.

Trailing Bacopa ‘Giant Snowflake’ (Sutera cordata)

Stand Out Feature: Overflowing trailing habit.

Description: The ultimate shade hanging basket companion. The giant white blooms begin in spring and keep coming on a beautiful backdrop of its own blue/green foliage.

Hardiness: Zones 9, 10, and 11.

Height and Spread: Grows under 6 inches high but spreads 2 to 4 feet.

Care: Loves extra nutrition due to its vigorous nature and prolific, long bloom time. No need to deadhead but trim any damaged stems.

8.

Coleus ‘Red Trailing Queen’ (Coleus scutellarioides)

Stand Out Feature: Dramatic bicolor foliage with contrasting borders and centers.

Description: Compact plants that are all about their foliage. Heart-shaped leaves are velvety. They are rose burgundy with white to green margins with a small light rose center. There are many color and shape varieties of coleus to choose from. This is just one example of an excellent shade-loving plant that makes an outstanding softened backdrop or spectacular center piece on its own.

Hardiness: Zone 11

Height and Spread: 1 to 1 ½ feet tall, spreading 1 to 3 feet.

Care: Plant in rich, moisture-retaining soil. Keep coleus evenly moist, pinching back young plants to encourage compact lush habit. Flower stalks can be trimmed to retain focus on the gorgeous foliage.

What are you putting in your basket?

Finding shade-loving plants that thrive in hanging baskets might seem like a challenge at first. The planning, planting, and maintaining of hanging baskets is ultimately a fulfilling experience in and of itself. Exploring the amazing options available and learning the special tricks to helping shade plants thrive in hanging baskets can create even more beautiful spaces in the backyard.

Top 10 Plants for Hanging Baskets in Shade

Last Updated on September 2, 2022

Looking for plants to grow in a hanging basket that will be hung in a shady location?

Whether you’re purchasing a hanging basket with plants already in it or putting together your own hanging basket, choosing plants for your hanging basket can be difficult — especially if the hanging basket will get little to no sunlight exposure.

In this article, we put together a list of some popular shade-loving plants that we have found to grow great in hanging baskets.

Keep in mind, this is just a sample of plants that work well for hanging baskets in shade. You have other options when it comes to shade-loving plants for your hanging basket; hopefully, this helps you get started.

Top 10 hanging basket plants for shade

Many plants will be able to survive in a hanging basket getting a lot of shade, but the below plants are especially likely to thrive in a shady environment.

To jump to a specific plant on this list, click a link below:

  1. Begonias
  2. Fuchsia
  3. Coral Bells
  4. Ferns
  5. Hosta
  6. Creeping Jenny
  7. Coleus
  8. Impatiens
  9. Vinca
  10. Bacopa

1. Begonias

With the proper begonia plant care, these plants grow great in full shade (and full sun as well), making begonias a great choice for your hanging basket, no matter where it’ll be placed.

Certain varieties of begonias, such as Dragon Wing Begonias or BIG Begonias, grow to be very busy, making them great fillers for your pot. In fact, just 3 plants of these large begonia varieties will fill up the hanging basket.

Add in some vines or draping plants that can handle the shade and you’ll have a beautiful arrangement for your shade.

There are many advantages to growing begonia plants, especially in a hanging basket.

If you do choose to plant begonias in your hanging basket, you can check out our post on how often to water begonia plants.

2. Fuchsia

Fuchsia plants have beautiful and unique blooms that can droop over the side of the container they are planted in, making them a popular choice for hanging baskets.

These plants will need a lot of shade in order to keep from wilting or needing to be watered frequently. For this reason, they are great for a hanging basket that won’t get too much hot afternoon sun.

Looking for a plant to go with your fuchsia in a hanging basket? Try New Guinea impatiens as a companion plant.

Fuchsia plants branch out with vines and pretty blooms. For a 12″ hanging basket, we typically plant 3 trailing fuchsia plants for each pot.

Our top varieties for hanging baskets are:

3. Coral Bells

Coral Bells, also known as heucheras, are beautiful shade-loving plants.

Their bright foliage and unique leaves make them a great option for filling your hanging baskets in a shady spot.

4. Ferns

Ferns are a classic shade-loving plant that look stunning when grown in a hanging basket.

Many times these plants are grown under a porch or other shady area to add some style with their distinct green foliage.

Ferns are also easy-care. They typically don’t need to be trimmed and won’t need a lot of watering.

5. Hosta

Hosta is often grown in shady flower beds but can also grow well in a hanging basket for the shade.

6. Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny plants grow great in full sun or full shade.

These plants act as a “spiller” for your hanging basket. They are a popular choice for shade-loving hanging plants since they are easy-care, add color to the arrangement, and drape over the side of the basket.

Creeping jenny plants grow like a weed when planted in the landscape; however, in a hanging basket, other plants competing for the same soil typically help contain these plants.

Water Creepy Jenny plants moderately when growing them in a hanging basket.

7. Coleus

A coleus‘ bright foliage can make any shade hanging basket a beautiful display. Plant coleus with different varieties to really get a unique look.

Water coleus moderately when growing them in a hanging basket.

8. Impatiens

Impatiens are the ultimate shade plant.

Their bright flowers lighten up darker areas and they thrive with little sun. These plants will really branch out with the right growing conditions, including an adequate amount of watering.

New Guinea impatiens are another great plant (and cousin of impatiens) that can be used for shade-loving hanging baskets.

9. Vinca

While vinca is drought-resistant, it can also grow well in part to full shade.

With the proper watering, vinca plants are sure to brighten up your hanging basket in the shade with their colorful blooms.

10. Bacopa

Bacopa plants don’t mind some shade so they are great for shade hanging baskets.

With adequate watering, bacopa plants will produce beautiful little blooms that attract bumblebees and butterflies.

Conclusion

Whether you are sourcing plants for your own hanging basket or looking to buy a hanging basket, we hope this post was helpful.

There are many plants that will grow great in a hanging basket placed in a shady location. This list is a starting point to help you put together your perfect hanging basket:

  1. Begonias
  2. Fuchsia
  3. Coral Bells
  4. Ferns
  5. Hosta
  6. Creeping Jenny
  7. Coleus
  8. Impatiens
  9. Vinca
  10. Bacopa

If you live in Lancaster County, PA, or the surrounding areas, you can purchase shade-loving hanging plants from our greenhouses. Stop by from mid-March through May to browse our selection.

What plants to plant in hanging baskets? » Inventions and crafts

Time to think about the best plants for hanging baskets. They not only add beauty, but also color and texture as the plants go down. If the thought of hanging basket plants scares you, you're not alone.

The good news is that there are many colors for hanging baskets to choose from.

Contents

Choosing the Best Plants for Hanging Baskets

Before you start choosing plants for hanging baskets, you need to figure out where you plan to hang your basket. Location plays a vital role in plant selection as different plants have different lighting requirements. Keep in mind that the position of the sun changes with the season, so something shaded and cool in the winter will be sunny and hot in the summer. Consider your growing area when choosing plants for your hanging basket. You can find lists of the best hanging basket plants all over the internet, but just because they aren't listed doesn't mean they won't grow in your area. Find your growing region on the plant hardiness zone map. Along with the growing area, think about the care requirements of each plant. Group plants with similar care requirements as this makes plant care easier. When choosing plants for hanging baskets, you should also think about the variety of plants. Just because one type of plant won't work well in a hanging basket doesn't mean you should skip the plant altogether. See what another plant variety of this species has to offer. An excellent example is the plants that usually grow in mounds; many of them provide a hanging variety that is perfect for hanging baskets.

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How to Plant Hanging Plants

Before you can start planting hanging baskets, you need to find a hanging basket. The best hanging baskets are 14 to 16 inches wide, as this gives you plenty of room for a variety of plants. If you go to the garden center of local home improvement stores or a few large retail stores, you will find a large selection of hanging baskets to choose from.

Some are simple plastic hanging baskets, while others offer intricate designs. Choose any style of hanging basket you like, but if it doesn't come with a liner, buy one separately or create your own lining with a coconut coir bag. The coconut coir liners that come with the hanging baskets are the best choice for the interior lining of the baskets. When buying soil for hanging baskets, don't buy the cheapest dirt you can find. Choose good quality planting soil. The best planting soil for hanging baskets is soil containing a mixture of perlite and peat.

Hanging basket flower care

Caring for your hanging baskets includes fertilizing, watering and dampening your flowers inside your hanging baskets. How often you feed your plants depends on the plant as they each have their own unique fertilizer requirements. In general, add a slow release fertilizer to the soil before planting and then apply fertilizer according to the needs of the plants. Hanging baskets require more water than regular container plants. Remember to keep the soil from drying out, so check the dirt and water daily. A good rule of thumb for hanging baskets is to water every day in the sun, or every other day if you're in the shade. Outside temperature also affects the frequency of watering. During extreme heat, hanging baskets require more water, even if they are in the shade.

17 Mandatory Hanging Baskets

Tuberous Begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida) - Flowers for Hanging Baskets

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Tuberous begonias offer colorful flowers and are the perfect choice if you are looking for something showy in your hanging baskets. With tuberous begonias you have the choice between upright or hanging plants with tousled, double or single flowers in different colors with green or burgundy leaves. In container gardens, tuberous begonias can reach three feet in height. Plant tuberous begonias when the temperature is consistently above 10 degrees Celsius, as anything lower can damage the plant. These flowers require partial shade or filtered sunlight, and they thrive when they receive afternoon shade and morning sun.

They die off every year, so reduce the amount of water in late summer until early autumn. When the foliage starts to turn yellow, cut it back and dig up the tubers before the first frost sets in. Clean and dry the tubers within a week and store the tubers in newspaper or paper bags for the next year.

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum Majus)

One of the best insect repellents for hanging baskets are nasturtiums. Besides keeping flies, these plants thrive in poor soil with plenty of sunlight and very little maintenance. These are annual plants, so you will need to repot them every year. During flowering (six to eight weeks after planting) they produce many flowers and require minimal watering.

Trailer nasturtiums are ideal for hanging baskets, but other options such as dwarf nasturtiums and climbing nasturtiums are excellent choices for window boxes. When adding potting soil to your nasturtium hanging basket, avoid using any rich potting mixes or soil with added fertilizer as this will limit flowering. When watering, water only when the top three inches of soil are dry and there is enough water until the water drains from the drain hole. Let the soil dry out again before watering.

Best hanging basket plants - Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)

Fuchsias are shade loving plants that add a splash of color to your hanging baskets. Fuchsias are often grown as annuals in hanging baskets, so they require fertile soil that provides excellent moisture retention. Never put fuchsias in full sun and make sure you water them constantly. If not watered regularly, they will begin to wilt. Hot spells may require more frequent watering. For best planting results, use either nursery starts or cuttings, or you can also create your own cuttings using two to three inch long pieces from the end of the branch. As for hanging plants, fuchsias can be placed four inches apart in baskets or containers. Bring these cold-sensitive plants indoors for the winter, but only after you cut all the leaves back so they are no longer than six inches. Store the basket in a dark place and water it three times and take it outside four weeks before the last frost.

Petunias

For a hanging flower, Grandiflora is the best choice as it offers more abundant flowers than the other group of petunias. This group is better suited for containers and baskets because the flowers can be damaged by rain. When planting petunias, it is best to transplant. These flowers require full sun and well-draining soil. If you plant in areas that receive even partial shade, you will notice fewer blooms. In baskets and containers, use potting mix that does not contain soil. Although petunias are heat tolerant when planted in baskets or containers, they require frequent watering. To ensure optimal growth, fertilize the flowers once a month. To encourage longer flowering periods, remove any wilted or dead flowers as they appear. Due to their many colors, choosing petunias is an excellent choice for plants that filter the air.

Bacopa (Bacopa monniera) - hanging basket plant

Many people use Bacopa as hanging basket filler because it grows beautifully and is easy to grow. Bacopa offers exquisite blue or white flowers set against green foliage. Don't let your gentle appearance fool you; it is one of the toughest plants you can add to your hanging baskets. Not a tall plant, the foliage tends to creep along the sides of the planters or along the edges of the beds and does well in zones with 9to 11. An easy-to-grow perennial, you will notice flowering from spring until the first frost. This flowering plant requires full sun to part shade and does best in soil that stays moist.

Bacopa is an herb commonly used to treat anxiety and memory disorders. As an herb, the plant does well when planted in baskets with other herbs.

Geranium (Pelargonium)

An excellent addition to any hanging basket is the ease of cultivation, pleasant smell and colorful geranium. By planting them in a hanging basket, you can easily bring the plant out in the winter in climates that don't get enough sunlight to continue to thrive. Your healthy plants will not discolour on the leaves and will have strong stems.

These plants require baskets or containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot from forming. Baskets should be placed where they receive up to six hours of sunlight per day. Geraniums require regular watering but allow the soil to dry out between each watering. Reduce the amount of water during the winter months, but never let the roots dry out completely. Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms. In the spring, you can repot as needed. When bringing the plant in for the winter, cut the stems into a good shape where they are no longer than eight inches, and water only when the leaves begin to fall in winter.

Best Hanging Basket Plant - Lotus Vine (lotus berthelotti)

Lotus vine can shrink naturally but are so easy to grow from seeds or cuttings that they are a popular choice in hanging baskets. The Lotus Vine features greenish-gray needle-style leaves that are deceptive. The leaves are not gourd like one might assume; instead, they are soft to the touch. What catches the eye are the flowers, which resemble flames in color and shape. When caring for these plants, it is helpful to know that aphids, meal bugs, and spider mites are known pests to watch out for. Other than that, normal plant care includes soil, location, and watering. Plant these beauties in potting or garden soil that provides good drainage. When using potting soil, add a small amount of sand to improve drainage. Keep the soil moist and avoid over or under watering. Place the plant in full sun for best results.

Ivy

Ivy is an evergreen perennial that is great for hanging baskets as it requires minimal maintenance. This is one of the best plants to grow and (almost) forget about.

The best part of growing outdoors is that it doesn't need direct sunlight and thrives in full or partial shade. Ivy is perfect for hanging baskets as it provides the perfect green backdrop for each flower color. It is important to note that you will need to trim and shape your ivy vines regularly, as woody vines can stretch up to 7 meters or more if left unattended. Ivy needs protection from hot weather and winter winds, so consider where you plan to hang your basket or move it around as needed. Always test the soil before watering your ivy, as ivy prefers partially dry soil over moist soil. Use well-drained soil when planting ivy in containers and plant periodically depending on the size of the plant.

Vervain - Best hanging basket plant

Vervain, also known as Tears of Isis, works great in hanging baskets as it is a spill type plant. For Verbena to thrive, give it at least six hours of sun a day and plant it in well-draining soil. The plant does well in a variety of soil conditions as long as it is well drained. The only downside to Verbana is that if you neglect her, there is usually no hope of saving her. The plant requires regular care and attention to prevent it from dying off; hanging baskets and containers require more attention than plants in the ground. The most tricky party in caring for Verbena is watering it.

Excess water or soil that does not drain well increases the likelihood that the plant will fall prey to stem rot. Not enough water, and the plant quickly dries up and dies.

During the hot months, check the basket daily to see if the plant needs water. Look for wilted foliage as a sign that it's time to water along with dry soil. Trim excess foliage once a month to keep the plant looking its best.

New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri)

New Guinea Impatiens is an excellent plant for hanging baskets as it has a long flowering time and grows well in full sun. These plants have very few pest problems, but it's still a good idea to keep a household wasp killer on hand. The colorful flowers have five thick petals and sit above glossy variegated, burgundy or dark green leaves. New Guinea Impatiens, a renowned nectar grower, attracts butterflies and requires little maintenance. They will bloom all season without any dullness; all they need is the right amount of sun and water. These plants require full sun for at least half of the day and in hot temperatures, the other half of the day is best spent in the shade. Water these plants regularly; they are not drought tolerant but should not be kept in damp soil as this encourages crown rot. Avoid watering from above as much as possible.

Flowering Hanging Basket Plant - Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)

When choosing Lobelia, it is best to consider the plant as a seasonal plant. Lobelia does best in moderate temperatures, so you'll notice it flourishes in early spring. In these colder temperatures, you'll see hanging baskets covered in tiny blue flowers with white throats just flowing down the sides. By the time summer temperatures hit in early June, the plant will have flowered. Instead of wasting time saving, consider adding something else to your cart to take its place. Lobelia can grow almost anywhere, and once established, it requires minimal care. The main problem with hanging baskets is making sure the plant gets enough water, so water frequently. Keep the soil moist, not soggy, and never let the roots in the soil dry out. To keep the plant looking its best, the dead spent the flowers as needed.

Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

Black Eye Susan's easy care ensures vibrant color in hanging baskets. Flowers have a solid central part surrounded by almost transparent petals. From a distance, the flowers look very similar to daisies, but as you get closer, you will notice their tubular shape. The center of each flower is purplish brown, mimicking the central disk you see with the perennial black-eyed Susan. The flowers are seated among coarse green leaves in the shape of a heart or spear. If there is no support in the basket, the vines will flow over the edges of the container. Since these vines will take over the basket, plant it alone or with another vine that it can intertwine with. Place your basket of Black Eye Susan Vine in full sun for the healthiest plant with the most flowers. If you have a hotter climate, it may be helpful to place the basket in midday shade.

These vines need organically rich, neutral pH soil and do not like soil that is too wet or too dry. To keep the soil evenly moist and prevent root rot, mulch around the base of the plant.

Vine Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) - Hanging Basket

If you want to add some interesting foliage to your hanging basket, consider Sweet Potato Vine with its hanging stems up to ten feet long. The plant offers foliage in a variety of colors including black, brown, red, bronze, gold, greenish yellow, green and purple. What makes the foliage of this vine plant so attractive is the heart-shaped leaves.

Older varieties sometimes sprout lavender or pink tubular flowers, but the attraction lies not in the flowers, but in the leaves themselves. Sweet potato vines require a sunny spot and well-draining soil. These plants thrive in desert climates as their natural habitat offers hot and humid conditions. You will need to lightly trim and shape the vines as they can quickly outgrow their space. Use a quality potting mix in hanging baskets or containers and use a water soluble fertilizer once a month. The sweet potato vine requires weekly watering, but may need more water during hot spells.

Lantana (Lantana Camara)

If you want to add broadleaf evergreens to hanging baskets, Lantanas is a great choice. Although these plants are classified as shrubs, they are very similar to vines. This behavior makes them a great option for hanging baskets as it gives their branches plenty of room to spill. The most striking thing about Lantans is the round clusters of small, bright flowers. Most people don't like the way the flowers smell, but the citrus leaves make up for it. Drought tolerant plants tolerate salt spray well, making them a popular choice in coastal areas. In the northern United States, this common perennial is considered an annual and offers fluorescent petal colors with different colored petals on the same flower. You can bring baskets inside for the winter, but these plants don't work well as houseplants. Although they will grow in a variety of soils, they prefer slightly acidic soil that provides excellent drainage.

Flower Hanging Basket - Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritime)

If you are looking for a drought and heat tolerant plant for your hanging basket, choose Sweet Alyssum. As a naturalized plant in the United States, Sweet Alyssum thrives in a variety of growing regions. The plant belongs to the mustard family but is named for its sweet and pleasant aroma. While the plant is self-healing, it is not frost hardy, so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy your next years. These little plants grow to about six inches tall and provide hanging baskets with clusters of tiny flowers that bloom white, purple, yellow, salmon and pink, depending on the variety. Flowering begins in June and will last until October if you remember to cut off dead flowers. Sweet Alyssum requires moderate moisture and well-draining soil and should not be transplanted outside unless there is a risk of frost. These low maintenance plants need full sunlight and are prone to rot and leaf rot if the solar requirements are not met.

Million Bells (Calibrachoa)

Millions Bells is one of the best flowering plants for hanging baskets as it blooms continuously from spring until the first frost. The plant grows on the sides of hanging baskets, but it offers a dense trail of foliage rather than a thin one. The one inch flowers at the Million Bells plant offer a variety of primary throated petal colors that contrast beautifully with this color. The flowers, which attract bees and hummingbirds, sit among compact, bright green foliage. Plant your Million Bells in a place that receives full sun. Shaded areas with little sunlight or daylight shade areas should be avoided as this will limit the amount of flowers your plant produces.

In hanging baskets, use an airtight soil-free mix supplemented with compost for optimum drainage. Never let the soil dry out; it requires even moisture.

Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora) - the best plants for hanging baskets

The vibrant colors and habit make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets. Moss Rose grows up to eight inches tall with a 24-inch spread. The plant has a low water requirement. As a minimum, this plant requires six hours of direct sunlight; the shaded areas will make it close its flowers.

Colorful flowers will close every night. Unlike other hanging plants, Moss Rose is self-paced and doesn't outgrow its space, so it's also an excellent ground cover. Although it requires well-drained soil. Although the plant is considered sympathetic and drought tolerant, it is not too cacti related and needs regular watering, but will tolerate occasional dry spells. Drip irrigation is best for delicate flowers.

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DIY hanging basket

The advantage of a wire hanging basket is that it can be placed on any side wall and is attractive from above as well as from below.

Wire baskets are light and fun.

They produce a great effect for a long time - from the moment they are placed after the end of spring frosts until the onset of autumn cooling.

Tools and materials: wire basket, long-stemmed sphagnum moss, fertile soil, perlite, peat and plants.

The first step is to line the inside of the basket with sphagnum moss. Moisten the moss until completely wet with water and then wring it out. It should be damp, but not wet. With handfuls of this mass, stuff the spaces between the basket wire to create a flower vase and substrate container.

Second step - mix fertile soil, perlite and peat mass. Make a mixture of two parts fertile earth, one part perlite and one part peat. Perlite reduces weight, peat increases the ability to retain water. Fill the basket with the prepared mixture.

The third step is to push the bundle of root system through the moss. Using your fingers, spread the moss apart, creating a hole in the moss and soil large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. Insert the root bundle into the prepared area so that the top of the plant is on the surface. Firmly stabilize the moss and soil on the sides of the planting site.

Fourth step - Moisten plantings with water. After the plants have established themselves in the free places, you can add a few more plants to the top of the container. Water generously. Basket plantings need to be kept moist every day. Fertilizers and top dressing are necessary to support plants in a flowering state.

Growing flowers in hanging baskets is an easy and affordable way to enhance and complement your artistic options.

The proposed method of growing flowers in baskets is available to every amateur grower. It does not require special knowledge, as well as large material and physical costs. It is only necessary to purchase baskets that can be woven from vines or metal wire.

Hanging baskets look especially good hanging plants, the shoots of which hang over the edge: a variety of lovely petunias, especially miniature hanging ones of two varieties - Million Wells and Carillow. They do not form very long, densely growing shoots, like Surfinia petunias. Their shoots 25-30 cm long are abundantly covered with bright pink or blue-violet flowers and easily take a hanging form. Ornamental beans, kosmeya, nasturtium, hybrid verbena with different colors, ampelous begonia, tradescantia, lobelia, ivy-like and hop-like geranium and other equally interesting plants are also used.

You can replace one faded crop with another or biennials with annuals. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the biological characteristics of crops.

Remember that the same plants cannot grow equally well in a north-facing site as in a south-facing site.
Plants in hanging containers are planted more closely than in open ground. Many plants planted along the edge of the container will begin to bend over the edge and even hang down, taking the form of ampelous ones. For example, penstemon, multi-stemmed chrysanthemum.

Baskets with flowers look very decorative when planting windows, along with balcony liana-like plants.

Baskets are fixed on the outer side of the wall on special brackets at the required level.

When placing baskets, take into account that the sun is high in summer. A roof canopy can not only save them from the scorching sun, but also create unwanted long-term shading. Hang containers on chains so that the plants receive more light and heat.
Experienced flower growers start preparing for growing flowers in autumn. After the plants have finished flowering, the baskets are freed from wilted plants. The substrate remaining in them is thoroughly mixed with fertilizers - organic and mineral at the rate of one tablespoon of complete fertilizer with trace elements per bucket of substrate.

This decoration is used on terraces, porches, gazebos, summer kitchens and dining rooms.

At the beginning of August, the shoots are cut halfway so that the plant retains a bushy, compact form.

Baskets need to be protected from the rain to keep them looking neat. For this reason, they should be shaded if necessary.

Hanging baskets with flowers are a great addition to the usual assortment of plants.

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