Outdoor hanging plants bring texture, color, and greenery to otherwise unused vertical spaces. Whether you’re sprucing up a balcony in the city, adding charm to a backyard patio, or enhancing a garden pergola, hanging plants are versatile additions that elevate the ambiance of any outdoor space.
Their cascading foliage and vibrant blooms create stunning focal points while making the most of limited areas.
Beyond aesthetics, hanging plants offer practical benefits—they improve air circulation, provide shade, and can even serve as natural privacy screens. Many varieties attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping to support local ecosystems.
If you enjoy edible gardening, options like strawberries and trailing herbs bring both beauty and function to your outdoor setup.
This guide provides a curated list of the 15 best outdoor hanging plants, perfect for gardeners, plant enthusiasts, and apartment dwellers alike. These selections range from lush foliage plants to colorful, blooming varieties, and many are low-maintenance—making them ideal for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.
Let’s explore the top choices and how to keep them thriving.
Why Choose Outdoor Hanging Plants?
Outdoor hanging plants aren’t just visually appealing; they also serve practical purposes. They save space, offer privacy, and even help cool down outdoor areas by reducing heat retention. Their cascading foliage and vibrant blooms can transform patios, balconies, and gardens into lush, inviting retreats.
Additionally, many outdoor hanging plants attract beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing biodiversity in your garden. Some varieties, such as trailing herbs, strawberries, and nasturtiums, offer both beauty and functionality, providing fresh ingredients for cooking while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing space.
With options ranging from colorful flowers to hardy succulents and lush foliage plants, outdoor hanging baskets allow you to create vertical interest and maximize limited gardening space. To help you pick the perfect plants for your outdoor space, here’s our curated list of the 15 Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, along with essential care tips to keep them thriving.
1. Boston Fern
Boston ferns are among the most popular Best Outdoor Hanging Plants for shaded porches or balconies. Their long, arching fronds add an elegant drape to any space, creating a soft, natural curtain effect. These ferns not only enhance aesthetics but also improve air quality by filtering toxins.
They thrive in humid environments, making them perfect for covered patios or garden nooks.
Care Tip: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mist the plant regularly in drier climates. Use well-draining soil and fertilize monthly during the growing season for lush, vibrant growth.
Highlights:
- Lush foliage creates a tropical vibe.
- Thrives in indirect light with moderate humidity.
- Excellent air-purifying plant for outdoor spaces.
2. String of Pearls
String of Pearls is a standout among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, thanks to its unique bead-like leaves that resemble a cascading string of green pearls. This quirky succulent is a favorite among plant lovers who appreciate something unconventional.
Its trailing stems create a striking visual effect, making it an eye-catching addition to hanging baskets on patios, balconies, or pergolas.
Care Tip: Water sparingly and make sure to use well-draining soil to avoid root rot. Provide bright, indirect sunlight or morning sun for optimal growth.
Highlights:
- Unique bead-like leaves.
- Perfect for sunlit outdoor spaces.
- Stunning cascading effect for visual appeal.
3. Petunias
Petunias are among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants for adding a cheerful burst of color to patios, balconies, and gardens. Available in a wide range of hues, including pinks, purples, blues, and even bi-color varieties, they offer endless possibilities for creating stunning floral displays.
Whether you opt for a monochrome palette or a mix of vibrant shades, petunias will brighten any space with their abundant blooms. These hardy flowers thrive in full sun and can withstand warm temperatures, making them a great choice for long-lasting outdoor beauty.
Care Tip: Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooms and feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for the best results.
Highlights:
- Wide range of colors, including pinks, purples, and blues.
- Blooms prolifically throughout the season.
- Ideal for adding color and vibrancy to hanging baskets.
4. Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants for those looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish addition to their space. Their long, arching green-and-white striped leaves create a lush, flowing effect, while their small offshoots, or ‘babies,’ add extra visual interest.
Known for their air-purifying properties, spider plants help improve air quality while adding greenery to patios, balconies, or shaded garden areas. They adapt well to various conditions, making them a resilient and versatile choice.
Care Tip: Water weekly and place in a spot with indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Avoid overwatering, as spider plants prefer slightly dry soil between waterings.
Highlights:
- Low-maintenance and hardy.
- Air-purifying properties.
- Graceful, arching leaves with charming ‘baby’ offshoots.
5. Trailing Ivy
Trailing ivy is a timeless favorite among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, offering iconic cascading vines that add a lush, elegant touch to any space. English ivy, in particular, is perfect for creating a classic, green curtain effect in hanging baskets or draping beautifully over fences, pergolas, and trellises.
Its fast-growing nature makes it an excellent choice for those looking to add instant greenery to their outdoor areas.
Care Tip: Ensure regular watering but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Provide partial to full shade for best results, and trim as needed to maintain its shape.
Highlights:
- Iconic cascading vines.
- Ideal for creating a lush, outdoorsy look.
- Perfect for hanging baskets, fences, and pergolas.
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6. Lobelia
Lobelia is a stunning choice among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, known for its delicate trailing growth and vibrant blooms in shades of blue, white, and purple. This dainty ornamental plant thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall displays.
Its lush, cascading flowers add a soft yet striking pop of color to hanging baskets, window boxes, and patio containers, creating a charming, cottage-garden feel.
Care Tip: Water frequently, as Lobelia prefers consistently moist soil. Place in partial shade to full sun, and trim spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Highlights:
- Vibrant blue, white, or purple flowers.
- Delicate trailing growth pattern.
- Thrives in cooler temperatures and adds a pop of color.
7. Begonias
Begonias are among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants for those seeking a combination of rich, vivid hues and beautifully textured foliage. These elegant flowers thrive in partial shade, making them perfect for covered patios, balconies, and garden nooks.
With their intricate blooms and lush leaves, begonias bring sophistication to any outdoor setting. Available in a variety of colors, from deep reds to soft pinks and bright oranges, they create a striking visual impact in hanging baskets.
Care Tip: Use well-draining soil and protect the plant from heavy rain. Water consistently but avoid soggy soil, and remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Highlights:
- Rich, vivid hues and textured leaves.
- Thrives in partial shade.
- Adds elegance and sophistication to outdoor settings.
8. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is one of the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, admired for its vibrant, pendulous flowers that often feature stunning two-tone color combinations. These delicate, teardrop-shaped blooms create an elegant, eye-catching display, making them perfect for adding drama to patios, balconies, and garden spaces.
Fuchsias are also a favorite among hummingbirds, attracting these delightful pollinators with their nectar-rich flowers.
Care Tip: Keep them in partial shade and water frequently to maintain consistently moist but well-drained soil. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Highlights:
- Vibrant, pendulous flowers in two-tone colors.
- Hummingbird magnet.
- Perfect for adding drama to your outdoor space.
9. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Portulaca, also known as Moss Rose, is one of the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants for sunny spaces, thanks to its drought-tolerant nature and bold, bright flowers. This low-maintenance succulent spreads beautifully in hanging baskets, creating a lush carpet of greenery adorned with vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white.
Its resilience and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions make it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Care Tip: Avoid overwatering and place them in direct sunlight. Use well-draining soil and allow it to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Highlights:
- Drought-tolerant succulent.
- Bold, bright flowers.
- Thrives in the sunniest spots and is easy to care for.
10. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a delightful choice among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, known for its compact growth, cascading habit, and honey-like fragrance. Its delicate blooms appear in clusters of white, purple, or pink, creating a soft, romantic look in hanging baskets.
This charming plant not only enhances outdoor spaces but also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. With its long blooming season, Sweet Alyssum brings continuous beauty to patios, balconies, and garden edges.
Care Tip: Water regularly and trim back faded blooms to encourage new growth. Provide full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering.
Highlights:
- Compact with a honey-like fragrance.
- Blooms white, purple, or pink flowers in profusion.
- Charming trailing stems perfect for hanging baskets.
11. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, loved for their bright, cheerful blooms and unique, peppery leaves. Not only do they add a pop of color to outdoor spaces, but their flowers and leaves are also edible, making them a great addition to salads and garnishes.
These hardy plants are naturally resistant to pests, making them a low-maintenance choice for hanging baskets. Their trailing vines spill beautifully over the edges, creating a lush, cascading effect in gardens, patios, and balconies.
Care Tip: Plant nasturtiums in well-drained soil and full to partial sun for best results. Water moderately, but avoid excessive fertilization, as it can lead to more leaves and fewer blooms.
Highlights:
- Edible flowers and unique peppery leaves.
- Resilient against pests.
- Cheerful, colorful flowers that add personality to outdoor spaces.
12. Tradescantia (Wandering Jew)
Tradescantia is one of the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, prized for its fast-growing, trailing vines and striking foliage in shades of purple, green, and silver. Its cascading stems create a lush, dramatic effect, making it a standout choice for hanging baskets on patios, balconies, and shaded garden spaces.
Beyond its beauty, Tradescantia is also easy to care for, thriving in various conditions with minimal maintenance.
Care Tip: Water moderately and keep the plant out of harsh, direct sunlight to maintain vivid colors. Provide bright, indirect light and pinch back stems occasionally to encourage bushy growth.
Highlights:
- Striking purple, green, and silver foliage.
- Grows quickly, adding instant impact.
- Colorful, trailing vines inject a dramatic flair to hanging arrangements.
13. Strawberries
Strawberries are a perfect choice among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, combining beauty and function in a single plant. Their cascading growth habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets, where their lush green leaves, delicate white flowers, and bright red berries create a visually stunning display.
Not only do they look beautiful, but they also provide a delicious homegrown harvest, making them a favorite for edible gardening enthusiasts.
Care Tip: Plant them in full sun and ensure consistent watering for sweet, juicy fruits. Use well-draining soil and fertilize regularly to promote healthy growth and abundant berry production.
Highlights:
- Delicious and beautiful.
- Perfect combination of edible and decorative.
- Trailing habit works wonderfully in hanging baskets.
14. Dichondra Silver Falls
Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is a standout among the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, known for its stunning, silvery cascading leaves that add a unique, shimmering touch to any space. This trailing beauty is perfect for minimalist landscapes, modern garden designs, or as a complement to vibrant flowering plants.
Its delicate, flowing stems create a dramatic waterfall effect, making it a striking addition to hanging baskets, window boxes, or mixed container arrangements. Plus, it’s highly heat and drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care once established.
Care Tip: Water sparingly and provide plenty of sunlight. This plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an excellent low-maintenance option for warm climates.
Highlights:
- Stunning, silvery cascading leaves.
- Heat and drought-tolerant.
- Creates a beautiful, shimmering cascading effect in any basket.
15. Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
Million Bells, or Calibrachoa, is one of the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants, loved for its profusion of tiny, petunia-like flowers that bloom non-stop throughout the season. This vigorous trailing plant spills beautifully over the edges of hanging baskets, adding a burst of color to patios, balconies, and garden spaces.
Available in a wide range of shades—including pink, red, yellow, purple, and bi-color varieties—Million Bells instantly brightens up any outdoor area with minimal maintenance.
Care Tip: Feed regularly with a liquid fertilizer and keep the soil slightly moist. Provide full sun for the best flowering performance and deadhead as needed to encourage continuous blooms.
Highlights:
- Resembles tiny petunias.
- Offers hundreds of blooms in a single plant.
- Brings vibrancy to any empty corner with its diverse color range and trailing habit.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Hanging Plants:
Proper maintenance ensures that your outdoor hanging plants remain lush, healthy, and thriving throughout the season. Follow these essential care tips to maximize their beauty and longevity:
- Watering: Ensure the soil remains moderately moist, as hanging plants dry out faster. Check soil moisture regularly and water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain to prevent root rot.
- Pruning: Remove dead, damaged, or overgrown foliage regularly to encourage healthy new growth and maintain the plant’s shape.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to provide essential nutrients for continuous blooming and foliage growth.
- Lighting: Position plants according to their light requirements, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight without excessive direct exposure that may scorch the leaves.
- Pest Inspection: Check for signs of pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. If detected, treat the plant immediately with appropriate pesticides, neem oil, or natural remedies like insecticidal soap.
- Rotating: Rotate the pots periodically to encourage even growth by exposing all sides of the plant to sunlight. This prevents leggy growth and uneven development.
- Re-potting: Assess the root system annually and re-pot if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its current container. Use fresh, well-draining soil to promote continued growth.
- Cleaning Leaves: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, allowing efficient photosynthesis and promoting a healthier appearance. For finer foliage, gently rinse under a light spray of water.
- Wind Protection: If your hanging plants are in an open area, secure them properly and consider placing them in a sheltered location during strong winds to prevent damage.
- Support & Hooks: Ensure hanging baskets are securely fastened with sturdy hooks or brackets to prevent accidents and ensure long-term stability.
- Soil Refreshing: Replace or top up the soil annually to replenish nutrients and maintain good aeration for root health.
- Seasonal Care: Move temperature-sensitive plants indoors or to a protected area during extreme weather conditions like frost or intense heat waves.
By following these maintenance practices, your outdoor hanging plants will flourish, adding beauty and greenery to your space all season long.
Adding the Best Outdoor Hanging Plants to your space is an easy way to bring color, texture, and beauty to patios, balconies, and gardens.
Whether you prefer the cascading elegance of Boston Ferns and Trailing Ivy, the vibrant blooms of Petunias and Million Bells, or the unique foliage of Tradescantia and Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, there’s a perfect hanging plant for every outdoor setting.
Many of these plants are also low-maintenance, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
By choosing the right combination of flowering, trailing, and foliage plants, you can create stunning hanging displays that thrive in various conditions. Just remember to match your plants to their preferred light, water, and soil requirements for the best results.
With proper care, these gorgeous hanging plants will transform your outdoor space into a lush, inviting retreat.
FAQs:
1. What are the easiest outdoor hanging plants to maintain?
If you’re looking for low-maintenance options, Spider Plants, Tradescantia (Wandering Jew), and Portulaca (Moss Rose) are excellent choices. These plants are drought-tolerant, require minimal watering, and thrive in various light conditions.
2. Which outdoor hanging plants can handle full sun?
Petunias, Million Bells (Calibrachoa), and Portulaca (Moss Rose) are some of the best hanging plants for full sun. They can tolerate direct sunlight and bloom profusely throughout the growing season.
3. How do I keep my outdoor hanging plants looking healthy?
Regular watering, proper drainage, and occasional feeding with liquid fertilizer will help keep your hanging plants thriving. Deadheading spent flowers and trimming trailing stems can also encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
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