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Plants for winter hanging basket


pretty winter hanging baskets |

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Winter hanging baskets are a brilliant way to bring color and interest into your garden during the colder months. Getting a glimpse of them as you gaze out of the winter is guaranteed to lift spirits and they will give your home winter curb appeal. They’re also an easy and manageable way to keep gardening throughout the winter months. 

There’s a wealth of hardy plants to choose from and the combinations for winter hanging baskets are endless, so we’ve asked the experts for some advice to help you with winter garden ideas, including which winter plants to choose and which work well together in winter hanging baskets.

Winter hanging basket ideas

Planning a winter garden should mean leaving space for winter hanging baskets. 

‘Winter hanging baskets are a great way to express your creativity and add some color to your outside space, no matter the size,’ says Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director of Dobbies .  

‘A color theme is a great starting place, where you can consider a wide range of different plants to create a mix of lush foliage, big blooms and delicate flowers as part of your arrangement. Choosing blooms of similar shades can create an impressive design that is guaranteed to wow your visitors.’

Below, we turn our usual obsession with container gardening ideas towards winter hanging baskets.=.

1. Think: thriller, spiller, filler for bountiful winter hanging baskets

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If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to planting up a hanging basket or container a good way to approach one is to combine three different types of plant: thriller plants – showy centerpiece plants; spiller plants – trailing plants that bring structure and add another dimension; and filler plants to plug the gaps.

‘The key to beautiful hanging baskets is a mix of one to two tall plants, one to two spiller plants, and several filler options, grounded by a striking evergreen plant option. Adding in an unexpected element – such as a unique plant or solar garden lighting ideas – creates a delightful feature element to the display’ says Ashley Irene, garden designer at Heirloom Potager . 

2. Choose winter pansies and violas for color 

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A popular go-to plant for a winter hanging basket, hardy pansies and violas are guaranteed to bring cheerful pops of color right through winter into spring. They are available in a huge array of shades so are the perfect antidote to grey winter days. 

‘Winter violas are a pretty site, so many colors to choose from, plant up with skimmia Kew White or green and a clump of trailing ivy,’ says Amanda Brame, horticultural director of Petersham Nurseries . 

Sarah Raven suggests Viola cornuta 'Phantom' F1 – a beautiful purple viola which has a lovely fragrance. Or try Viola F1 ‘Rose Blotch’ grown above with Heuchera ‘Sugar Frosting' for warm, seasonal color.

3.

Use hardy perennials with colorful foliage 

(Image credit: Tim Gainey / Alamy Stock Photo)

As herbaceous perennials die off, evergreen perennials are a reliable way to bring year-round structure and color  and there are plenty suitable for winter hanging baskets and containers.

Plants such as Heuchera and Ajuga are both low-growing evergreens loved for their beautiful foliage. The leaves of Heucheras can range from greens and silvers to russet, red and purple, while Ajuga offers beautiful purple and burgundy foliage.

‘With frilly leaves in bronze, lime and green, Heucheras are an asset in any hanging basket, which you can then plant in the garden afterwards,’ says Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director of Dobbies.

Heuchera is also a winter favorite of garden expert Sarah Raven who advises: 'consider the structure as this is where the interest will be coming from through the colder months – for hanging baskets, think about young evergreen shrubs, Hellebores and Heuchera, that can then be transplanted in the spring or even evergreen ferns for a verdant winter display. ’

4. Choose evergreen shrubs with berries

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Evergreens that are bushy and that bear berries such as 'Skimmia Rubella', 'Pernettya' and 'Gaultheria Procumbens' make a beautiful centerpiece plants for a hanging basket in winter when the show-stopping flowers of summer baskets are unavailable, plus they are particularly popular with the experts.

‘Their vibrant jewels a visual delight as well as providing a valuable and reliable food source for visiting birds to forage,’ says Leigh Clapp.

‘Skimmias are brilliant for evergreen color and lots of berries. Use them in the center of hanging baskets,’  says Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director of Dobbies.

‘For a winter look fill the container with hellebores, red berried Gaultheria and the dark trailing leaves of Meuhlenbeckia. Pop in a few miniature narcissus or snowdrops to pop through later in the winter,’ says Amanda Brame, horticultural director of Petersham Nurseries.  

5. Choose trailing evergreens 

(Image credit: Mint Images/Helen Norman )

Structure is important when thinking about winter hanging basket ideas. Plants that spill over the edge of a hanging container such as ivy and vinca bring brilliant architectural interest. 

Ivy is a classic trailing evergreen that comes in an array of leaf shapes with colors ranging from the deepest green to beautiful variegated varieties that incorporate light green and yellow. Ivy ‘Cockle Shell’ is a popular choice for hanging baskets which has deep glossy green leaves or for variegated varieties try ‘Midas Touch’ and ‘Goldfinch’.  

Sarah Raven suggests coupling grasses and ferns ‘with trailing evergreens like muehlenbekia, vinca and even erigeron karvinskianus which can be used in milder areas.’

6. Add color to winter hanging baskets with cyclamen 

(Image credit: Alamy)

Available in white, pinks and reds, cyclamen are a delicate winter flowering plant perfect for winter hanging baskets as they are able to keep flowering through freezing temperatures. Cyclamen hederifolium also known as the ivy-leaved cyclamen are a good go-to. 

7. Bring height and evergreen interest with ferns

(Image credit: Sarah Raven )

With their soaring fronds of lacy leaves ferns can make lovely thriller plants in winter hanging baskets bringing height and evergreen color across winter, plus are a good backdrop for colorful blooms – as shown in this cute container. 

Plant expert Jayne at Burford Garden Company suggests using small ferns such as ‘Asplenium’. The more delicate ‘Athyrium niponicum f. metallicum’ frosted variety looks brilliant paired with viola. 

(Image credit: Brent Waltermire / Alamy Stock Photo)

You can use larger ferns on their own for a verdant, and more contemporary architectural showstopper of a winter hanging baskets. Ferns love shade, so will thrive in dark corners of your garden in summer, too.

9. Opt for winter-flowering heathers

(Image credit: Minna Waring/Alamy Stock Photo)

While they are often seen growing wild over moorland and known to provide great ground cover – heathers are compact plants that can be brilliant for winter hanging baskets and containers too.  

Their flowers range from whites through to purples and are full of nectar so are great pollinators for bees over winter. For winter hanging baskets try the 'Ghost Hills' variety – a vigorous dwarf variety with an RHS Award of Garden Merit that will bring pretty purple flowers from late winter to early spring.  

10. Create structure with sedge and ornamental grasses 

(Image credit: Future)

Grasses aren't just for meadows and borders, they can work well  for bringing height and form to winter hanging baskets, too. ‘Consider grasses that keep their form through the coldest months,’ says Sarah Raven, ‘these can be found in an array of colors and combine well with any other component to create a naturalistic feel.’

‘Grasses are perfect for adding texture and movement to a display,’ adds Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director of Dobbies.

11. Give it an edge with winter veg

(Image credit: Martina Hanakova / Alamy Stock Photo)

For something a bit different, consider using winter brassicas such as kale and cabbages with frilly leaves that range from deep green to purple – they can make beautiful decorative plants for hanging baskets in winter, suggests Sarah Raven.  

‘Take a note of inspiration from Scandi gardens and use kale for winter interest in containers – it’s a great centerpiece with superb foliage interest that stands up against the toughest of frosty nights.’ 

12. Get creative with winter hanging baskets

(Image credit: Heirloom Potager)

Hanging planters don’t just have to be baskets; consider different materials and think outside the box for interesting things you could reuse or upcycle to create attractive hanging displays with character such hanging wooden crates – just make sure any container you use has sufficient drainage holes.

‘Let’s not use plastic-coated wire hanging baskets lined with moss anymore, adorn your garden as we do here at Petersham Nurseries,’ says Amanda Brame, horticultural director. ‘We love to use zinc, terracotta or beautiful lightweight creations our global buyer brings back from afar.’

What can I put in a winter hanging basket?

Any plants you put in a winter hanging basket must be frost hardy to stay looking their best and for display with variety, consider a mix of tall plants, trailing plants and filler plants. Choose from evergreen shrubs such as box, trailing evergreens, ornamental grasses, winter-flowering heathers and flowers such as hellebore, cyclamen, violas and pansies.

‘When preparing your winter hanging baskets there are some tips and tricks to get you off to a good start. We suggest using a wicker hanging basket (12in/30cm wide) and I would recommend seven plants, to ensure each and every plant gets enough light, soil and space to flourish,’ suggests Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director of Dobbies.

When to plant a winter hanging basket

Winter hanging baskets should be planted in September or October so that they can get established ready for the winter months.

How to care for a winter hanging basket?

Winter hanging baskets are fairly easy to maintain, but be sure to deadhead flowers to keep them looking their best. Be mindful of watering in the winter and ensure you have good drainage holes. There's no need to feed them, if you do this will encourage new soft growth which will not do well in the frosts.

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

Best plants for winter hanging baskets: 16 seasonal picks

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By Rob Dwiar

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The idea of choosing the best plants for winter hanging baskets might raise an eyebrow or two at first. After all, we tend to think of them as summertime features. But a vibrant cold-season display is the perfect way to bring good cheer to your garden when the temperatures drop and other blooms fade. 

In fact, winter hanging baskets are, arguably, a bit more interesting than the warm-weather versions. As a result of a bit more thought and research, you might find plants that offer more than just flowers and color, with specimens that provide eye-catching forms, wonderful foliage, or excellent textures. All of this is welcome in the winter garden, when there's not much else on show.

There are other benefits to winter displays positioned up high, too. 'Using hanging baskets is a great way to get around any restrictions which soil or sunlight may have put on your garden,' explains the team at Squire's Garden Centres . You can, in effect, use whatever soil and compost necessary, and they can be placed wherever is most optimal for what you want to grow. What's more, 'they offer protection from slugs and can accommodate a variety of different plants,' they continue. And of course, they're great for small plots where floor space is at a premium. 

Feeling tempted for your own? We've picked some of the best plants to include in your winter hanging baskets so you can create a seasonal and colorful display. Some will be familiar, and some might surprise, but there's plenty to choose from. 

Create a vibrant display with the best plants for winter hanging baskets

Whether you prefer a modern display or something more traditional for your seasonal hanging basket ideas, you'll find just what you need in our edit.

1. Primulas

A long-flowering favorite

(Image credit: Ian Grainger/Alamy Stock Photo)

Primulas come in a rainbow of colors – from the classic butter-yellow to raspberry pink, deep indigo, and blazing orange. Planted in a basket, these beauties are a surefire way to brighten up the garden throughout the colder seasons. Some varieties, such as 'Everlast', will bloom all the way from autumn through to early spring. 

Easy to look after, these winter garden plants are a winning pick for your displays. As they're perennials, you can move them to your borders once they've finished doing their thing, to make space for new plants in your containers.

2. Gaultheria

Jolly berries give this plant a festive feel

(Image credit: Dorling Kindersley ltd/Alamy Stock Photo)

The RHS agrees that gaultheria is one of the best plants for winter hanging baskets, as suggested on their website. Otherwise known as checkerberry, this jolly, evergreen plant will bring a festive feel to any scheme.

As a shade-loving plant, it's valuable in brightening up the gloomiest corners in your garden with its red berries and glossy leaves. If you choose to replace it in a few months' time, use it as ground cover in the garden. Its thick growth habit can help to suppress weeds, says Thompson & Morgan , and in summer, it will flower with white blooms.

3. Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'

An early-flowering daffodil to bring cheer to the garden

(Image credit: Jane Tregelles/Alamy Stock Photo)

The miniature Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête' brings delight to every gardener with its sunshine-yellow blooms. One of the earliest-flowering daffodils, it will provide color and interest towards the end of the coldest season.

Planting bulbs should be done in autumn, or buy potted plants when they appear in garden centers for instant impact.

4.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen hederifolium is a pretty addition to winter hanging baskets

(Image credit: Clare Gainey/Alamy Stock Photo)

A popular go-to plant for winter hanging baskets is cyclamen. While they're known to naturalize, looking very at home at the base of trees or in shadier areas, these perennials can provide excellent color for containers. 

The specimens of Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium are your best bets for easy winners. They both have flowers in the pink area of the color spectrum, but C. coum will provide them for you in the early months of the year, while C. hederifolium will have you covered for pre-Christmas color and has pretty, blotched foliage.

Cyclamen are great plants for winter pots on the ground, too, so you can add some to your patio displays as well as your hanging baskets. 

5. Skimmia

Skimmia japonica 'Nymans' with its bright clusters of berries

(Image credit: GKSFlorapics/Alamy Stock Photo)

Another attractive evergreen shrub, skimmia is a useful plant for shaded winter hanging baskets and winter planters. Avoid planting these anywhere too sunny, as this can cause the foliage to turn yellow.

It's one of the best plants with winter berries, but bear in mind that only the hermaphrodite and female forms (such as Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana) produce them – and females need a male variety nearby to do so. 

In spring, fragrant white flowers will appear.

6. Violas and pansies

A selection of winter violas will delight any onlooker

(Image credit: amomentintime/Alamy Stock Photo)

A forever favorite in terms of winter-flowering plants, the vast range of winter pansies and violas are a great source of hanging basket potential. 

If you're after jewel-like colors and shades then these are an easy first port of call for the best plants for winter hanging baskets. Plus they are readily available too – there are almost too many cultivars and varieties to choose from. The Amateur Gardening team particularly suggests 'Sorbet Yellow Frost' (Sorbet Series), a compact viola that gives a long show of fragrant yellow and purple flowers during winter and spring.

They're also really easy to plant and look after, making them a great option if you're learning how to make a hanging basket for the first time. Just make sure to grow them in moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade.

7. Ivy

Variegated ivy adds visual interest

(Image credit: Helen Guest/Alamy Stock Photo)

Trailing foliage is a wonderful addition to any hanging basket. But, using ivy in winter schemes is a particularly good use of such a plant due to its attractive form and evergreen structure.

You won't go too far wrong with any of the available cultivars of Hedera helix but the variegated ones are especially lovely for offering a bit more interest. Having said that, a 'normal' ivy with its dark green, glossy leaves is just as good an accompaniment for other, more colorful plants.

8. Heucheras

'Silver Gumdrop' has a pretty appearance

(Image credit: John Richmond/Alamy Stock Photo)

In summer, 'heuchera are great plants for hanging baskets as they create a striking two-tier effect between their flowers and foliage,' says the team at Squire's Garden Centres. And although the flowers die back when temperatures drop, their vibrant, semi-evergreen leaves make them one of the best plants for winter color. They're definitely not one to overlook for displays if you live in a milder region.

'Their low mounding habit means they work brilliantly in any container,' says Squire's. They suggest 'Appletini' which has vibrant lime-green leaves. If you prefer a warmer tone, 'Paprika' sports a festive red hue, whilst 'Silver Gumdrop' has an elegant, frosty appearance.

9. Hellebores

The 'Double Ellen Purple' hellebore

(Image credit: Lesia Chuprynska/Alamy Stock Photo)

Hellebores are a fabulous winter bloom and come in a spectrum of shades – from bright white to soft greens and blush. They're good for pollinators, too, once spring rolls around.

Try Helleborus niger, otherwise known as the Christmas rose, which produces white saucer flowers and has big, dark-green semi-evergreen leaves, explains the team at Amateur Gardening. Grow in moist, well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with semi-shade.

Alternatively, opt for 'Winterbells' – a subtly pink-flushed bloom. It looks lovely planted alongside heather. If you want something more dramatic, the deep-toned 'Double Ellen Purple' makes a good pick – try planting alongside snowdrops or silvery foliage for a striking contrast.

Whichever you choose, plant it out into your borders once flowering has finished to enjoy the display the following year.

10. Ornamental cabbage

Ornamental cabbage looks lovely alongside purple heather

(Image credit: Martina Hanakova/Alamy Stock Photo)

With their frilly leaves and eye-catching colors of purple, deep green and snowy white, ornamental cabbages are easily one of the best plants for winter hanging baskets. You can grow these plants from seed in early summer in pots before hardening off and planting up – the pink pigment will begin to develop when temperatures reach below 50˚F (10˚C).

They can survive most winters without trouble, right down to temperatures of around 5˚F (-15˚C). Hang the baskets in a sunny spot if you can.

11.

Snowdrops

Snowdrops are well-loved by many gardeners

(Image credit: Clare Gainey/Alamy Stock Photo)

The genus of Galanthus is a tremendous one to consider for winter hanging baskets. Now with a bigger range than ever before, you can get hold of snowdrops that can bloom as early as autumn, but also throughout the winter months, and into spring, too. 

Galanthus woronowii is a good one for a display just after Christmas, sporting solitary flowers that often have a distinct green spot on the inner tepals. 

12. Ferns

Ferns add texture and structure

(Image credit: Jacek Nowak/Alamy Stock Photo)

Ferns are a wonderful foliage option to plant alongside flowers, or to provide a bold winter hanging basket display in their own right. Specimens such as hart's tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) and soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) are your go-to species to keep things safe.  

The evergreen leaves can provide a great backdrop to colorful blooms. Plus, the sword-like fronds and overall form of the plants make them a great structural addition to the winter garden, as many are easily hardy enough to survive the coldest of conditions. 

13. Heather

Winter flowering heathers add a burst of vibrant color to the garden

(Image credit: Minna Waring/Alamy Stock Photo)

The winter-flowering specimens of the Erica carnea species, in particular, are excellent picks for winter hanging baskets. These low-growing, tough and hardy plants can provide textural mats of foliage while flowering in a variety of colors from pinks to whites to purples. 

If you have time to search for particular plants, 'Ann Sparkes' is a lovely choice for rose- and purple-pinks, 'Challenger' is a vivid magenta-flowering variety, and 'Golden Starlet' is a terrific white-flowered choice.  

What's more, heathers are also one of the best bee-friendly plants come springtime, but, importantly, you'll have to remember some ericaceous compost to get the best out of them.

14. Sedges

Carex comans 'Bronze' alongside primulas and ivy

(Image credit: mike jarman/Alamy Stock Photo)

A wonderful type of ornamental grass, sedges (Carex) plants can offer a range of colors but the real magic to be gained by adding them to winter hanging baskets is in their texture and form. 

One of my personal favorites – and one that is easy to get hold of – is Carex testacea, the orange New Zealand sedge. However, the Japanese sedge selections, such as 'Fiwhite', are almost even better as they stay slightly smaller, perfect for hanging basket displays. 

Each sword of a sedge plant offers the opportunity for great textural contrast against 'softer' or more traditional plants and the evergreen nature means that form and texture will be there to stay, all year round.  

15. Crocuses

Early crocuses will tolerate harsh winter weather

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No list of the best plants for winter hanging baskets would be complete without crocuses – and these will keep coming up every year by being reliable perennials. 

There are plenty of purple-pink specimens to choose from, but also some striking yellow ones that can add pops of bright color. 

Really early winter flowering plants are a bit more tricky to come by but the 'Mount Athos' crocus gives it a good go, and something like 'Romance' will bring you late winter color (and into spring) with its bright yellow bursts.

16. Winter irises

The 'Harmony' winter iris offers eye-catching color

(Image credit: iBulb)

There are several winter irises that will provide you with excellent color year on year in your winter hanging baskets. The reticulata cultivars are particularly good ones to search for as they are reliable late-winter color providers. 

Like the crocuses, they span a few color ranges but your best bet for winter hanging baskets are going to be ones that provide blue and purple shades, like Iris reticulata itself, or 'Blue Note' which is more of a dark purple kind of affair. 'Harmony', shown above, is also a lovely choice. 

Planting ideas for winter hanging baskets

Some of the best plants for winter hanging baskets look especially fabulous when combined. It's a simple duo – but cyclamen and variegated ivy has to be one of our favorites. The deep green foliage and vivid pink petals are lifted by the trailing pale-hued leaves, and the overall look feels structural yet romantic. Choose a basket where you can plant up the sides as well as the top, for a fuller display.  

If just two varieties feels a little too minimal, an ornamental grass in the center will add height and additional visual interest.

A colorful display featuring Cyclamen hederifolium

(Image credit: Avalon.red/Alamy Stock Photo)

There are so many beautiful foliage plants you can use in winter hanging baskets as well as ivy. Hebes, hardy sedums, and the silvery Calocephalus brownii are some of the best, or choose winter plants with frosted foliage for an elegant look.

Try combining a selection with heather (either pink or white) for an eye-catching result, whilst lining the basket itself with moss will give an organic feel.

This display combines heather with textural foliage

(Image credit: Dorling Kindersley ltd/Alamy Stock Photo)

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When should you plant a winter hanging basket?

'To ensure your flowers bloom in good time, we advise planting before winter arrives,' says the team at Squire's Garden Centres. Ideally, you want to get planting in early fall to give your flowers the best time to bloom, they advise, 'this will ensure your hard work and investment pays off.'

Winter irises and pansies make a gorgeous duo

(Image credit: Clare Gainey/Alamy Stock Photo)

How often should you water a winter hanging basket?

In general, you'll need to spend less time watering plants in winter as their growth rate is slower and there tends to be more rain. However, hanging baskets dry out quicker than other types of containers (especially if they're under cover), so you will still need to water them now and again to keep them looking their best. Once a week should be enough, but check the soil first – too much can lead to waterlogging. Use rainwater if possible as it's better for the plants.

If you're short on time, the RHS suggests using self-watering baskets. They still need watering now and again, but less frequently. The water then goes into a separate reservoir that gradually supplies the plants' roots when needed. 

These Nido planters from Lechuza are self-watering and look fantastic

(Image credit: Lechuza)

How do you make a winter hanging basket?

Planting a winter hanging basket is super easy and a fun job to while away an autumn afternoon. Squire's Garden Centres shares their top tips on how to do it:

  1. Place your basket on a bucket to keep it steady whilst you plant.
  2. Line your basket. Some baskets have a ready-made liner or if you need to line, you can do so with materials such as plastic or moss.
  3. Once lined, snip a few drainage holes into the lining (if plastic). Then fill the basket two-thirds full with compost. It is advisable to add a handful of controlled-release fertilizer granules and water-retaining gel to your mix.
  4. Use one plant for every inch (2.5–3cm) of basket diameter when constructing your hanging basket. Start with a central plant to create structure and impact.
  5. Plant trailing plants, such as ivy, around the edge. Angle them slightly but ensure that their roots are still covered by the compost. A nice touch is to plant some ivy near the chain and weave it around – this will make it look like the ivy is supporting the basket.
  6. Once you've finished positioning your plants, fill the gaps with compost and firm in gently.
  7. Hang the basket somewhere that's sheltered from the wind and water well.

Looking for more advice for pepping up your backyard through the colder months? Our guide on how to plant a winter container is well worth a look.

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Rob Dwiar has qualifications in, and professional experience as both a landscape and garden designer. He has also won an RHS gold medal. He has contributed to a wide range of gardening publications, including the Royal Horticultural Society's magazine, and is also a garden contributor for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine and Gardeningetc. 

With contributions from

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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Garden plants on the open balcony in winter: mission possible?

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29.01.2018

Landscape design

Russian winter leaves little space for gardeners to express themselves. Of course, during this period, it remains possible to temporarily switch to indoor floriculture, in particular, the creation of plant compositions in flowerpots on city balconies and loggias.

Let's say right away - there are few solutions for the cold season, many difficulties. Even if you manage to choose frost-resistant plants that can grow well in pots in winter, alternating snowfalls and heavy rains threaten to negate the entire decorative effect of landscaping an open balcony.



Yet true gardening enthusiasts are up for the challenge! We have selected plants that can decorate an unglazed balcony in winter. So it is quite possible to create a frosty oasis that will not lose its charm even under a layer of snow.

Important! The vast majority of winter hardy plants do not tolerate stagnant water in the ground. Therefore, task number 1 is to choose the right pots for the balcony. It should have thick walls and good water and air permeability characteristics. Additional insulation of the pot inside will not hurt either. Terracotta and ceramic pots and planters are best suited, but glass and metal are best left until warmer times.

Heather

Of course, heat-loving indoor flowers on the balcony will not survive, but some types of plants tolerate winter conditions well, retaining their beauty and decorative effect. For example, heather is an evergreen perennial with a lilac-purple color that contrasts beautifully with white snow. In a garden in winter, heather requires shelter, as it is adversely affected by excessive moisture during thaws. But the atmosphere of the city balcony is quite to his liking - it is enough to transplant a heather bush into a planter and provide a "roof over his head."

Ornamental cabbage

Ornamental cabbage is a new favorite of landscape designers and gardeners in Russia. Unpretentiousness, frost resistance and expressive leaves that become brighter with the onset of cold weather make it an excellent solution for decorating a balcony. Ornamental cabbage easily tolerates transplanting into a container, winters well outdoors without additional insulation and is an excellent "companion" for decorative compositions in flowerpots.

Conifers and evergreens

The classics of winter gardening of a balcony in our latitudes are evergreen trees and shrubs. Dwarf spruce, pine, thuja, cedar in large pots will not only improve your view from the window, but will also become the basis for stunning Christmas compositions. Conifers in flowerpots, some snow and a couple of garlands are a traditional recipe for a good mood in winter.


Euonymus

Euonymus is an evergreen shrub or tree, the main decoration of which is bright leaves that turn into various variations of pink, crimson and purple. Pleasing with unusual shades and fruits-boxes, which sometimes persist until the very frost. Many varieties of euonymus feel comfortable at a temperature of -35 0 C - however, only in the garden. When planted in a flower pot, the frost resistance of the plant decreases, although they are still able to withstand a small minus.


Hellebore

A beautiful winter flower that can live in a pot on a balcony up to -10 0 C. Its natural flowering begins in November and ends in spring. Expressive snow-white flowers look spectacular in flowerpots, as well as in bouquets and decorative compositions with dried flowers and moss. In severe frosts, the plant "hibernates" and looks frozen, but this impression is deceptive - the hellebore simply draws moisture from the buds to prevent them from freezing. To protect the flower from frost and temperature changes, it is recommended to cover the plant with coniferous spruce branches.



Outdoor balcony garden in summer

It is not a problem to decorate a balcony with plants in the spring and summer period - many plants grow well on an open balcony in the warm season. Dwarf trees in large pots, flower arrangements on the windowsill, climbing and liana-like plants falling from the brackets for hanging planters - the balcony can be turned into an urban “garden branch” (and we will definitely devote a separate article to this issue!).



If you are lucky enough to be the owner of an openwork balcony with a wrought iron railing (the so-called "French balcony"), you can place hanging flower pots outside.

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