Winter hanging basket plants
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Whether planted for summer or winter interest, hanging baskets provide valuable colour at eye level. Choose vibrant bedding plants for a short-term show or herbs, shrubs and evergreens for a long-lasting display.
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Hanging baskets
Quick facts
Suitable for: Many annual and perennial plants
Timing: April/May and September/October
Difficulty: Easy
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- What to plant
- When to plant a hanging basket
- How to plant a hanging basket
- Aftercare
- Problems
What to plant
Plants for summer baskets:
Argyranthemum, Lysimachia (creeping jenny), Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, Fuchsia, Pelargonium (geraniums), Lobelia, Viola (pansies), Petunia, Salvia and Nicotiana (tobacco plants).
Plants for winter baskets:
Buxus (Box), Crocus, Gaultheria, Iris reticulata cultivars, Hedera (ivy) – either variegated or plain, Carex (ornamental sedge), Primula (primulas and polyanthus), Cyclamen (small-flowered cyclamen), Viola (winter pansies and viola) and Erica carnea (winter-flowering heathers).
Plants for perennial baskets:
Buxus (Box), Cordyline, Gaultheria, Hedera (ivy), Carex (ornamental sedge) and Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ (purple-leaved sage).
For general ideas on plants in containers for seasonal interest see our pages on summer and winter pots.
When to plant a hanging basket
Plant summer hanging baskets from April onwards, but they will need protection from frost until the middle or end of May. If you do not have a greenhouse, it is usually easier to plant in situ once the frosts have passed.
Plant winter hanging baskets between September and October, and it doesn’t matter if they are frosted as the plants are should be hardy.
You would normally plant up a long-lasting perennial hanging basket from April onwards, depending on the types of plants being used.
How to plant a hanging basket
The basic principles of creating a hanging basket for winter and summer are the same.
Lining
First of all, if you are using a standard wire basket, it will need to be lined. You can buy readymade cardboard liners and fibrous materials sold for the purpose, but a thrifty option is to collect moss from the lawn. Avoid sphagnum moss as it may not be harvested from sustainable sources.
Aim to cover the inside with about a 1.5cm (½in) thick layer of the material.
Watering systems
Before you fill your basket with compost consider how you will water it. Hanging baskets tend to dry out more quickly than other types of container and water can easily be wasted from them. Plants grow better with rain water, especially if you plan to use soluble feed so avoid using mains tap water if you can.
Tips for watering baskets manually:
- Place a small circle of plastic (cut from a margarine tub or similar) in the bottom of the basket before filling with compost to create a saucer that will help stop water running straight out of the bottom
- Once the basket is filled, place a small empty flowerpot in the centre to take the water and allow it time to to soak in rather than running off the surface of the compost
- Use 'self-watering' baskets. They still need watering but they have a separate reservoir that holds water away from the roots and delivers it back to the rootzone through a wick.
Self-watering baskets will need less frequent watering than traditional baskets as they can also collect and store water when it rains. It is best to add water to the reservoir rather than the surface of the compost to keep the plant foliage dry and the water and the wick clean
Things to consider if using automated watering systems:
- Drip irrigation systems deliver water slowly and directly to the roots so there is less risk of wasting water. They can be used with timers but still need to be adjusted as the plants grow bigger and the weather changes
- Most drip irrigation is made from plastic and designed for mains tap water use as they need very clean and pressurised water for the drippers to operate correctly and avoid blockages
Compost
A good quality, peat-free multipurpose is fine for a display that only has to last for one year. And if you want to grow plants such as winter flowering heathers, it is best to go for ericaeous compost, although Erica carnea and E.
× darleyensis cultivars are tolerant of other composts that contain lime.
Choosing and arranging the plants
- When you begin to arrange the plants in the basket, it is usually easiest to start with one, central plant (or an empty small flower pot if you decide to water it manually that way). This can be used to create structure and impact, which is particularly important in winter if its other companions fail to flower in cold snaps
- Around this, position some trailing plants to cover the sides of the basket, particularly if it is made from wire. However, using a more decorative basket is best where it will be easily seen
- Along with this selection, it is worth considering carefully the flowering plants. Choose colours that work well together and plants that flower reliably. For example, winter-flowering pansies, petunias, lobelia and geraniums are always winners
Finishing touches
Once all the plants are in, fill around the rootballs carefully with more compost, firming gently, so that you don't leave any large air gaps.
Then water well, but slowly, so that the water doesn't run out of the bottom of the basket. Depending on the type of plants and compost that you have used, the plants may need feeding.
Aftercare
Once the basket is planted, what else is needed?
Watering frequency
Check baskets every day in summer, watering always unless the compost is wet. Drying out is an increasing risk as the plants grow and days remain warm or windy. An easy way to check if they need water is to gently lift or nudge the baskets to gauge how heavy they are. If they are really light weight, they need more frequent watering. Try to avoid them drying out to the point where plants start to droop ('wilting point'), but if they do wilt, you can place a bucket underneath to capture the water that runs off the surface as you water them and return it to the basket. This will also save losing soluble nutrients that are needed for flowering.
Although baskets don’t dry out as quickly in winter, they still need regular checking.
Aim to keep the compost moist but not soggy, and avoid wetting the foliage and flowers.
Feeding
In spring, summer and early autumn (April to September), apply a liquid fertiliser, preferably after normal watering.
Deadheading
Deadhead regularly to prevent the plants’ energy going into seed production, rather than more flowers.
Problems
Most problems with hanging baskets are related to watering. If they are not flowering well it could be one of these causes:
- Underwatering. If compost becomes very dry, it is difficult to rewet, tends to run off the sides and dry areas may be left in the compost even after a thorough watering. Keep the compost just moist by frequent but small amounts of water
- Overwatering. If you water until it runs out of the bottom of the basket, soluble nutrients that the plants need to flower will be washed out of the compost as well as waste water
- Feeding without sufficient watering.
Plants roots can be damaged by liquid feed that is not diluted correctly, always follow the instructions on the pack. Water the basket first before using diluted feed - Insufficient feed. Feed once a week with a liquid fertiliser, although not all composts need feed, check the bag for instructions.
Winter hanging baskets benefit greatly from a sheltered, sunny spot. If the position is exposed, consider giving the basket some protection in the coldest weather. Use either a layer of fleece, or sit the basket on a bucket in a cool greenhouse for just the worst days.
Watch out for common pests such as aphids, slugs, snails and vine weevil. Diseases that may be troublesome include powdery mildew, pelargonium rust, fuchsia rust and impatiens downy mildew.
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13 Plants For Winter Hanging Baskets
Despite winter being a favorite time of year for many, the doom and gloom of it all can be quite depressing. Many plants struggle to do well or simply just die back, leaving us with colorless gardens.
But there is one sure-fire way to add a splash of color and uniqueness to your space – hanging baskets filled with winter plants.
Hanging baskets are great ways to grow plants in small spaces, indoors or on patios and balconies.
There are several winter plants out there that spread touches of summer during colder months. Many can survive the harshness of winter and some even have winter-busting superpowers.
This list is filled with plants that not only look great in hanging baskets but can break through the winter gloom with their colored foliage or brilliant flowers.
1. Pansies/Violas
The perfect plants for colorful hanging plants are pansies and violas. Both these plants are amongst the easiest plants to grow and are often planted as filler plants in beds or containers. But their brightly colored flowers can stand out on their own, making them wonderful basket plants.
Pansies and violas are very similar, both thriving in full sun, and barely tolerating the shade. The main difference has got to do with their flowers. Violas have smaller flowers than pansies, but a lot more of them. Their colors are very similar too, ranging from blues to purples and even whites and creams.
To get the most out of these annuals (or short-lived perennials) plant them in compost-enriched potting soil and water frequently. They’re hungry plants, needing fertilizer at least once every four weeks. A balanced fertilizer ensures the most blooms, and if you want even more splashes of colorful flowers, opt for a low nitrogen mix.
Pansies and violas are also edible.
Not only will you be adding warm summer colors to your hanging baskets, but also to delicious winter dishes.
Approximate size: 4 – 8 inches
USDA hardiness zone: 7 – 11
2. Cyclamens
These little tuberous perennials are a go-to for small containers and shadier spots under trees because they add splashes of summer in even the dullest winters.
Cyclamens’ sweet flowers come in an array of colors, including red, white, pink, and even salmon. Newer varieties come in even more colors like purple and yellow-green and are showcased as ruffled double flowers. The flowers are perched on stalks that grow to about 12-16 inches tall which are surrounded by deep green, heart-shaped leaves.
Cyclamens are popular small houseplants, namely because they’re not fans of the heat and much prefer the shade. Their unusual trait of blooming during winter makes them a wonderful choice to warm up your indoor space or shaded balcony during the gloomiest of winter days.
With this cool characteristic though, they do unfortunately die back during summer.
But you can simply cut away all the foliage and pop your baskets in a cool dry place and pay them no mind. Come the cooler months, your cyclamens will start regrowing and be ready for some water and a bit of fertilizer.
Cyclamens thrive in potting soil rich in compost that drains well. Root rot is a concern with these plants so water just below the leaves and allow all the water to drain thoroughly. Only water when the soil feels dry and don’t get any water on the foliage.
Approximate size: 6 – 16 inches
USDA hardiness zone: 5 – 9
3. Ivy
Ivy is usually seen as a run-away creeper that’s left to trail wherever it wants to go. Depending on where you live, it may be considered an invasive plant that needs getting rid of in beds. But, their creeping nature is what makes them such alluring basket plants. Their long vines flow over the edges of baskets, adding a waterfall of green throughout the year, even in the middle of winter.
There are several varieties of ivy to grow in your hanging baskets, including English ivy and Swedish ivy.
The former has lobed leaves that range from light green to dark green. Swedish ivy on the other hand has quaint green leaves with white borders. English ivy is usually grown outdoors, but in shaded areas, while Swedish is predominantly a house plant. Either way, they’re both perfect for your winter hanging basket.
Plant your ivy in a good potting mix with good aeration and that drains well. Keep your basket in a shaded area that gets dappled light as these plants thrive in the shade. They’re also not fans of fluctuating temperatures and prefer a steady temperature range between 45-80F.
You’ll only need to fertilize your ivy twice a month (once every two weeks or so) during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, adjusting only if you want your ivy to bloom. If that’s the case, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
The only other maintenance you’ll need to worry about is pruning if you want to control the flowing vines. Always use clean, sharp pruning scissors when trimming away any excess length.
Approximate size: Up to 15ft long, depending on the variety
USDA hardiness zone: 4 – 9
4. Ferns
Ferns have grown in popularity over the years, especially as indoor plants. Interestingly, they make charming hanging basket plants, thriving indoors, even during winter where they’re protected from the cold. They’ll keep your space bright and green in the dead of winter.
Most fern varieties have similar needs, including their love for a tiny bit of morning sun, and afternoon shade. They also love high humidity environments, so if you’re hanging your fern indoors, pop a humidifier on. Or, you could make a statement and let your indoor garden flow into the bathroom, where humidity is at its highest.
Ferns need to be planted in a decent potting mix that drains well. Watering requirements depend on the variety of ferns. Most enjoy constantly moist soil, while some prefer soil that dries out before the next watering. No matter the type, good drainage is important as fern roots don’t like to sit in water.
Hanging ferns need to be fertilized once a month during summer and spring with a water-soluble fertilizer. For a healthy fern, opt for a balanced fertilizer.
Approximate size: differs per species
USDA hardiness zone: differs per species
5. Carex
When thinking of hanging plants, flowy, flowering plants come to mind. But a unique take on hanging baskets is to plant ornamental grass. As in gardens, ornamental grasses add a good texture change with their sharp-edged leaves.
Carex is the perfect sweeping grass for your winter hanging basket extravaganza. It’s often used as a filler plant, but their thin leaves arch over the edges of baskets, making them a true standalone plant. During fall, these sharp leaves turn a handsome golden brown, adding a unique break from the greens and summer colors of other plants.
Carex does need a helping hand during winter however, needing some added protection from the cold. Bring your basket indoors and add a layer of mulch as good protection.
This grass prefers constantly moist soil. So, either keep this as a stand-alone hanging basket plant or pair it with plants with the same water needs. Carex thrives in either full sun or shade.
Approximate size: 12 – 16 inches
USDA hardiness zone: 5 – 11
6. Heucheras
Heucheras, or coral bells as they’re more commonly known, are the perfect plant for those wanting to add color and texture to their space. They’re also low maintenance, making them an even better hanging basket plant.
Coral bells come in a multitude of colors. Their interesting evergreen leaves can either be gold, rose, purple, yellow, or traditional green. Plant coral bells on their own for a striking leafy look, or with other flowering hanging plants.
Heucheras are truly the ideal plant, tolerating most climates. They don’t mind drought, humidity, cold, or heat.
Plant your coral bells in rich, well-draining soil and water frequently during hot, dry spells, otherwise, they’re medium water users.
Approximate size: 6 – 8 inches
USDA hardiness zone: 4 – 9
7. Primulas
Sometimes simplicity is all you need for a hanging basket display, and primulas offer exactly that. Primulas or primroses aren’t very tall flowering plants, but their colors make up for what they lack. You can get primroses in a multitude of colors, all except green. Over the years, many hybrids have been established, each with its own unique traits and hardiness.
Get the right primula and you’ll be treated with a rainbow of colors during fall and winter. Their shortness allows them to be planted with other plants in your basket. But you can create a ball of color by planting many in one basket.
Primulas prefer partial shade, like morning sun and afternoon shade. They need well-draining moist organic-enriched soil that’s slightly acidic. Primulas are also very thirsty plants, needing water regularly. Be careful not to let the soil get too soggy though. You can add some mulch to help the soil retain moisture.
Approximate size: 6 – 20 inches
USDA hardiness zone: 2 – 8
8. Winter irises
Winter irises offer a flamboyant touch to hanging baskets, no matter where they’re hung. The most sought after is the Algerian iris, which flowers throughout winter. These stout plants have flowers that come in blue, purple, and white – the perfect winter color pallet.
These winter flowers sit amongst the clumps of long slender green leaves. These clumps are generally about 12-18 inches wide, making them perfect for smaller hanging baskets.
Winter irises are easy to care for, needing full sun to really thrive. They’re also relatively drought-tolerant plants, so you won’t be punished for missing a watering or two.
Plant your irises in dry, well-draining soil. Excess moisture in the soil will rot the bulb.
Approximate size: 12 – 18 inches
USDA hardiness zone: 7 – 9
9. Crocus
When it comes to winter plants, no list is complete without the mention of crocus.
This perennial flowering plant can survive the coldest, harshest winters. Their delicate flowers can withstand the biting cold of frost, maintaining stunning color throughout winter.
Crocus flowers bloom in a variety of pretty colors, including pink, white, purple, and even yellow. There’s nothing like having hints of spring in the middle of gloom. While these colors may not be unique, their shape is the true eye-catcher. The petals bow upwards, forming dainty cups that resemble a many-petalled tulip.
Crocuses need at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day, but they can tolerate some shade. They’ll thrive in well-draining soil and don’t need any additional fertilizer. This easy-to-care-for plant doesn’t need too much water either, enjoying a moderate moisture level. Soggy soil causes rot, while excessively dry soil can cause the plant to die back. A healthy, weekly watering will suit this plant just fine.
Approximate size: 6 – 9 inches
USDA hardiness zone: 4 – 8
10.
SnowdropsOne of the most interesting winter bulbs out there has to be snowdrops. They can bloom as early as fall and through winter. Snowdrops have an interesting superpower, in that they have hard tips, which can push through frozen soil. Their plant cells even have an ‘anti-freeze’ ability where they stay intact no matter how cold it gets. Snowdrops are truly one of the few fantastic winter plants. And, better yet, they look great in hanging baskets.
They make a unique pairing with ivy, where the pretty bulbs won’t be overshadowed. You can also opt to plant many snowdrops in one basket, creating a mini forest of drooping bulbs.
Snowdrops are native to woodland areas and thrive in similar conditions of moistness and dappled light. However, they can grow in bright light. They need organic-enriched soil to flourish and produce winning flowers.
Water your snowdrops well but avoid waterlogging the soil. Ensure your hanging basket has sufficient drainage holes.
Once the bulbs have stopped flowering and the leaves begin to die back, you’ll need to give them a healthy dose of bulb food. This will give them a boost for the next flowering season.
Approximate size: 3 – 6 inches, depending on variety
USDA hardiness zone: 3 – 7
11. Sage
Sage is another unique addition to hanging basket gardens. You can opt for ornamental varieties, whose leaves come in interesting colors and patterns, from dark purple to tricolor. Culinary sage works well in hanging baskets too, plus you get to have fresh sage at your fingertips at all times.
No matter which you choose, you’ll never have to worry about not having color during winter. Sage is an evergreen plant in certain climates, treating your space to its yummy scent, colors, and textures all year round.
Hang your sage in a sunny spot and water it every so often. It’s native to the Mediterranean so it thrives in some of the worst conditions. It’s highly drought tolerant and isn’t fussy about soil as long as it’s well-draining and fast-drying.
Despite its Mediterranian heritage, sage is cold-weather hardy and can survive through the winter. If you experience exceptionally harsh winters, however, it may be a good idea to bring your sage baskets indoors. Keep them near a warm sunny window to keep your sage happy and healthy.
Approximate size: 1 – 3 ft
USDA hardiness zone: 4 – 9
12. Thyme
Thyme is another great herb to have in a hanging basket. There are many varieties of thyme to opt for, each with a different scent and taste profile. Golden lemon thyme has lemony scented leaves and caraway thyme smells just like caraway.
Creeping thyme is the perfect choice for those that want a more aesthetically pleasing plant while still reaping the benefits of growing a herb. It fills hanging baskets, and will quickly spill over their edges. During summer, it produces sweet purple flowers, although that’s not why it’s on this list.
Much like sage, it’ll survive the winter depending on your climate, but it’s probably best to bring your thyme basket indoors for some protection.
Thyme is another Mediterranean herb, so it’s quite easy to care for. As long it gets plenty of sunlight and is planted in well-draining soil, your thyme will thrive.
Approximate size: 2 – 12 inches (depending on variety)
USDA hardiness zone: 4 – 9 (depending on variety)
13. Rosemary
Just like thyme and sage, rosemary makes a different but beneficial hanging plant. Its tall spikiness though makes it an attractive plant while giving you the benefits of growing a herb.
These spikey leaves are evergreen in USDA zones 6-10, so your hanging basket should be brought indoors over winter in colder zones.
Rosemary is also native to the Mediterranean, and so it has very similar needs to both sage and thyme. A normal potting mix that drains well is perfect for rosemary and so long as it receives minimal water and full sun, it’ll thrive.
Related Reading: How To Propagate Rosemary – Step-by-Step with Photos
Approximate size: 2 – 6ft
USDA hardiness zone: 6 – 10
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, there are 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 starts 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. Such balconies are often found in buildings of the 19th century on the old streets of Moscow and other large cities. By planting spectacular fuchsias or decorating the lattice with a winding cascade of ivy, you can create a spectacular accent on the facade and collect a lot of pluses in karma from aesthetes, tourists and connoisseurs of atmospheric urban details.
Note! If you are looking for a gift for home gardeners, take a look at houseplant gift set from the English brand Burgon & Ball in association with the Royal Horticultural Society.
Unsurpassed quality and original design of tools and accessories have been the choice of British aristocratic gardeners since 1730!
Overwintering hanging baskets: How to protect hanging plants from frost or frost - Garden
Video: Winter hanging baskets and frost preventionContents
- How to protect hanging baskets from frost
- Insulation for hanging baskets
Hanging baskets require a little more maintenance than ground plants. This is due to their openness, little root space, and limited moisture and nutrients. Overwintering hanging baskets before cold weather sets in is a necessary step to protect exposed roots from freezing. There are several simple solutions for frost protection for hanging plants, depending on the degree of cold exposure the plant will experience. In regions that experience slight cold snaps, hanging plants may not be as much of a concern as in regions with extreme cold, but delicate plants in any region require special attention.
How to protect hanging baskets from frost
Protecting hanging baskets at the end of the season (or even at the beginning) will help prolong their life. Some of the steps you can take to prevent frost damage to hanging plants are quick and easy, while others require a little more effort and planning. Even the laziest gardener can throw a trash bag over a display case to insulate it and protect it from frost, but only the most dedicated gardener will heal in their pots.
The amount of effort you put in is up to you, but in most cases you can save your delicate hanging basket from inclement weather. A few tips on how to protect your hanging baskets from frost will help you succeed in preserving your beautiful air plants.
Hanging Basket Insulation
If you don't tend to treat your plants like annuals, you probably already know about the need to protect your hanging plants from frost. There are many special covers for protecting plants from freezing temperatures.
They are useful barriers between the outside world and the foliage and roots of plants. They provide a slightly warmer situation and can keep the heart of the plant from freezing and dying. However, some of these professional finishes can be expensive, especially when you consider that they are only used for a short period of time per year.
It is useful to remember that plants hanging in the air are exposed to much more wind and cold temperatures than those that are in the ground. For this reason, when there is a threat of frost, the first thing to do is lower the planter to the ground. The closer to the ground, the more it can share a slightly warmer temperature with it and help protect the roots.
Southern growers still need to worry about short frosts, but Northern growers need to plan ahead for extreme weather and extended periods of snow and ice. In cold snaps, a trash bag can be used to prevent overnight frost damage, but in areas where the cold lasts all season, more serious measures need to be taken to insulate hanging baskets.
Breathable covers are the easiest solution if you don't want to lug heavy containers indoors to protect them from the cold. Companies like Frost Protek offer covers in different sizes that will last for years and don't need to be removed to ventilate the plant and give it light.
Another of the easiest ways to protect hanging plants is to shelter them in a container. No need to take out each plant separately, just dig a hole large enough for the entire pot and bury the container and its inhabitants. Additional protection can be provided by laying soil around the plants in a mound or by adding a thick layer of organic mulch to protect the root zone.
In addition to organic mulch, you can use inorganic protection to keep the root zone warm. Mat is a good material because it is porous, allows plants to breathe, and allows water to seep into the root zone. Fleece, an old blanket, and even a plastic tarp can be used to keep the heat in the soil and reduce root damage.
