Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to add vertical beauty and lush greenery to your garden, balcony, or indoor space. Whether you’re looking to create a cascading floral display, fill your space with trailing vines, or bring color to a shaded corner, hanging basket plants offer endless possibilities.
However, not all plants thrive in hanging baskets—some require specific conditions, care, and growing habits to truly shine.
To help you make the best choice, we’ve curated a list of the 14 best plants for hanging baskets. These selections will bring stunning foliage, vibrant blooms, and effortless charm to your home, making your hanging baskets a striking focal point. Whether you prefer sun-loving flowers, shade-tolerant greens, or easy-care options, there’s a perfect plant for every space!
1. Petunias
Petunias are a classic and popular choice for hanging basket plants—and for good reason. Known for their trumpet-shaped blooms and an array of vibrant colors, they provide a burst of beauty throughout spring and summer. These sun-loving flowers flourish in hanging baskets, offering continuous blooms with proper care. Regular deadheading helps encourage more flowers, keeping your display vibrant all season long.
For an even more eye-catching effect, opt for trailing varieties like Wave Petunias, Supertunias, or Cascadia Petunias, which create a gorgeous waterfall of color. Their ability to spill over the edges makes them one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, bringing long-lasting color and charm to patios, balconies, and garden spaces. Whether you choose soft pastels or bold, striking hues, petunias will add an elegant, floral touch to any hanging basket display.
To keep petunias thriving, ensure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and water them consistently, allowing the soil to stay moist but not soggy. Feeding them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks will also enhance their growth and encourage abundant blooming. With proper care, petunias can be the star of your hanging basket arrangement, brightening up your space with their stunning color and trailing beauty.
2. Fuchsias
Fuchsias are an excellent choice for hanging basket plants, especially if you have a shaded or partially shaded area. Their elegant, drooping flowers come in stunning two-toned shades of pink, purple, red, and white, adding a touch of charm and sophistication to any hanging basket display.
These plants thrive in cooler conditions and prefer indirect sunlight, making them perfect for covered patios, porches, and balconies. Regular watering is essential, as fuchsias like moist but well-draining soil. To encourage continuous blooming, be sure to remove spent flowers and fertilize every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
With their graceful, trailing growth habit, fuchsias are undoubtedly one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets. Their striking shape and cascading beauty create a breathtaking visual effect, making them a standout choice for those who love elegant, flowing displays in their garden.
3. Begonias
Begonias are one of the most versatile hanging basket plants, thriving in both sun and shade depending on the variety. Their lush foliage and vibrant flowers make them a popular choice for creating stunning hanging basket displays. With their ability to bloom continuously from spring through fall, begonias add a long-lasting touch of beauty to any space.
For the best cascading effect, choose trailing varieties such as Dragon Wing Begonias, Million Kisses Begonias, or Illumination Begonias. These varieties gracefully spill over the edges of hanging baskets, creating a full, overflowing look with minimal effort. Their delicate yet bold blooms come in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow, providing a striking contrast against their rich green foliage.
Begonias prefer well-draining soil and should be watered consistently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. They also benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage continuous blooms. Thanks to their adaptability and low-maintenance care, begonias deserve a spot on the list of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, offering a gorgeous, effortless way to brighten up patios, balconies, and shaded garden areas.
4. Trailing Ivy Geraniums
Trailing Ivy Geraniums are a must-have for hanging basket plants, combining beauty with easy maintenance. Their lush, cascading vines and vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white make them an eye-catching choice for any hanging basket display. Unlike traditional geraniums, ivy geraniums have smooth, trailing foliage that spills gracefully over the edges, creating a flowing, elegant look.
One of the biggest advantages of trailing ivy geraniums is their drought tolerance. They thrive in full sun, making them perfect for balconies, patios, and garden areas that receive plenty of light. These low-maintenance flowers bloom consistently from spring to fall with minimal care. Regular deadheading will promote continuous flowering, and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer will keep them thriving.
If you’re looking for a hardy, long-lasting option for your hanging baskets, ivy geraniums are an excellent pick. Their vibrant colors and trailing habit earn them a well-deserved spot on the list of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, bringing effortless charm and beauty to any outdoor space.
5. Lobelia
Lobelia is a fast-growing and delicately beautiful plant, making it a perfect choice for hanging basket plants. Its small, dainty flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white create a soft, cascading effect that complements other blooms in a hanging basket display. Known for its trailing habit, lobelia adds a graceful, airy touch that enhances the overall aesthetic of any outdoor space.
This cool-weather lover thrives in spring and early summer, performing best in partial shade or morning sun to extend its blooming season. While it prefers consistently moist soil, lobelia is relatively low-maintenance and requires only occasional deadheading to keep it looking its best.
As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, lobelia is a fantastic addition to mixed arrangements or as a standalone feature for a soft, cascading floral effect. Whether used to complement bold, bright flowers or to create a dreamy, delicate look, lobelia is a stunning choice for hanging basket gardening.
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6. Sweet Alyssum
If you’re looking for hanging basket plants with a heavenly fragrance, Sweet Alyssum should be at the top of your list. This charming, low-maintenance plant produces clusters of tiny flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple, creating a soft, cascading effect that adds elegance to any hanging basket display.
Sweet Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile option for various garden settings. It grows quickly and blooms continuously, filling your outdoor space with its delightful honey-like scent. Not only is it beautiful, but it also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
This resilient plant tolerates drought once established and requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading to encourage more blooms. As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, Sweet Alyssum is an excellent choice for adding both beauty and fragrance to balconies, patios, and garden spaces.
7. Trailing Verbena
Trailing Verbena is a fantastic addition to hanging basket plants, offering non-stop blooms and a beautiful cascading effect. This sun-loving plant thrives in full sunlight, making it an excellent choice for bright patios, balconies, and garden spaces. Its vibrant flowers come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, red, white, and blue, creating a stunning visual display throughout the warmer months.
One of the best features of trailing verbena is its drought tolerance. Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance yet highly rewarding plant. To encourage continuous blooms, provide occasional fertilization and deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth.
With its long-lasting flowers and trailing habit, trailing verbena earns a well-deserved spot on the list of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets. Its vibrant colors and graceful, trailing vines bring energy and charm to any hanging basket display, ensuring your outdoor space remains lively and eye-catching all season long.
8. Boston Fern
For a lush, green hanging basket with a tropical vibe, Boston Fern is an excellent choice. Known for its graceful, cascading fronds, this classic hanging basket plant adds a sense of elegance and texture to both indoor and shaded outdoor spaces. Its rich green foliage creates a full, voluminous display, making it a standout addition to any hanging basket arrangement.
Boston ferns thrive in indirect light and humid conditions, making them perfect for shaded patios, porches, and indoor spaces. To keep their foliage fresh and healthy, they require regular misting and consistent watering, as they prefer moist but well-draining soil. Occasional feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer will also encourage lush growth.
As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, Boston ferns are a fantastic low-maintenance yet visually striking choice. Whether used alone or paired with other shade-loving plants, their feathery fronds bring a timeless elegance that complements any garden or home décor.
9. Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
Often mistaken for petunias, Million Bells (Calibrachoa) are a must-have for hanging basket plants due to their abundant blooms and trailing growth habit. These small, bell-shaped flowers bloom continuously from spring to fall, creating a vibrant, cascading display in shades of pink, red, yellow, purple, orange, and white. Their versatility and wide range of colors make them a staple for sunny hanging baskets.
One of the biggest advantages of Million Bells is their carefree nature. They are self-cleaning, meaning there’s no need for deadheading, and they tolerate heat and drought better than traditional petunias. These plants thrive in full sun and prefer well-draining soil, requiring only regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer to keep them flourishing.
As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, Million Bells offer continuous color, low maintenance, and a stunning trailing effect, making them perfect for brightening up patios, balconies, and garden spaces all season long.
10. Black-Eyed Susan Vine
If you’re looking for a climbing plant that also works beautifully in hanging baskets, the Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) is a perfect choice. This fast-growing vine produces cheerful, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and white, each with a distinctive dark center. Its lush green foliage and vibrant blooms create a stunning trailing effect, making it a standout in any hanging basket display.
Black-Eyed Susan Vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. With regular watering and occasional feeding, it will continue to bloom profusely throughout the warmer months. Unlike traditional trailing plants, this vine has the unique ability to both spill over and climb, adding height and texture to your garden or patio space.
As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, the Black-Eyed Susan Vine is ideal for gardeners who want a dynamic, eye-catching plant that adds a burst of color while gracefully trailing or climbing. Whether spilling over the edges of a basket or weaving through a trellis, this vine brings a lively, tropical feel to any outdoor setting.
11. Chenille Plant
For a bold and exotic addition to your hanging basket plants, the Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida) is an eye-catching choice. Known for its fuzzy, red catkin-like flowers, this tropical plant brings a unique texture and vibrant color to any hanging basket display. Its long, trailing blooms resemble soft chenille yarn, making it a conversation starter in any garden or patio space.
Chenille plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and warm temperatures, making them perfect for tropical and subtropical climates or as a seasonal outdoor plant in cooler regions. They require moist, well-draining soil and benefit from regular watering to keep their lush foliage and striking flowers looking their best. Occasional feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer will promote continuous blooming.
As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, the Chenille Plant adds a touch of drama and tropical flair, making it a standout choice for those looking to create a bold, eye-catching floral display. Its trailing habit and unusual blooms make it a must-have for gardeners who love unique and visually striking plants.
12. English Ivy
For a classic and elegant touch, English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a fantastic choice among hanging basket plants. Its graceful, trailing vines create a natural cascading effect, making it perfect as a standalone greenery or as a complementary plant to mix with flowering varieties in hanging basket displays.
English Ivy thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded patios, balconies, and indoor hanging baskets. It prefers well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Although it’s a low-maintenance plant, occasional trimming helps maintain its shape and encourages fuller growth.
As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, English Ivy adds a timeless, lush appeal with its trailing vines and elegant foliage. Whether used alone for a sophisticated greenery display or paired with vibrant flowers for a dynamic contrast, this ivy is a versatile and visually appealing choice for hanging gardens.
13. Strawberries
Yes, you can grow strawberries in hanging baskets—and they’re both practical and beautiful! The trailing habit of strawberry plants creates a stunning cascading effect, especially when adorned with delicate white blossoms and bright red fruit. This makes them a functional yet decorative addition to any hanging basket display.
Strawberries thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day for optimal fruit production. They prefer well-draining soil and benefit from regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Using a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season encourages more blooms and fruit.
One of the biggest advantages of growing strawberries in hanging baskets is their protection from pests and soil-borne diseases, making them easier to maintain than ground-grown varieties. As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, strawberries offer a unique combination of beauty and function, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit right from your balcony, patio, or garden.
14. Trailing Nasturtiums
For a vibrant and edible addition to your hanging basket plants, trailing nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are a fantastic choice. These fast-growing, cascading flowers produce bright, cheerful blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding a burst of color to any hanging basket display. Their lush, round leaves and trailing vines spill beautifully over the edges, creating a natural, overflowing effect.
One of the most unique benefits of trailing nasturtiums is their edibility—both the leaves and flowers have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor, making them a delightful addition to salads, garnishes, and even herbal butters. This dual-purpose beauty is perfect for those who love both aesthetic appeal and functionality in their plants.
Nasturtiums thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining soil. They are low-maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond occasional watering and feeding. As one of the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, trailing nasturtiums offer a stunning visual impact, easy care, and the added bonus of edible blooms, making them a standout choice for both gardeners and food lovers alike.
Tips for Creating Stunning Hanging Baskets
Creating a beautiful and thriving hanging basket requires more than just picking the right plants. From selecting the best soil to ensuring proper care, these tips will help you design lush, vibrant displays with the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets.
- Mix Different Growth Habits – The key to a full and dynamic hanging basket is to combine trailing plants with bushy fillers and upright growers. This layering effect creates a balanced and visually appealing arrangement that overflows with color and texture.
- Choose the Right Soil – Always use a high-quality potting mix designed for containers, as it ensures optimal drainage and aeration. Adding organic matter or slow-release fertilizers can help boost plant health and promote continuous blooms. Avoid using garden soil, which can compact and prevent proper drainage.
- Water Regularly and Deeply – Hanging baskets tend to dry out faster than ground plants due to increased air circulation. Water your baskets whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure they have proper drainage holes to prevent root rot. For extra moisture retention, consider adding water-retaining crystals or using self-watering baskets.
- Feed Your Plants for Continuous Blooms – The 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets benefit from regular feeding. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks to keep flowers blooming and foliage lush. For heavy feeders like petunias, calibrachoa, and trailing verbena, a bloom-boosting fertilizer with higher phosphorus content encourages prolonged flowering.
- Position Wisely for Sun or Shade Needs – Before choosing plants, assess the amount of sunlight your basket will receive daily.
- Full-sun plants (6+ hours of direct sunlight): Petunias, Million Bells, Black-Eyed Susan Vine, Strawberries
- Partial-shade plants (3–6 hours of filtered light): Fuchsias, Lobelia, Begonias, Nasturtiums
- Shade-loving plants (Less than 3 hours of direct sun): Boston Fern, English Ivy, Chenille Plant
- Prune and Deadhead for a Fresh Look – Keep your hanging baskets looking their best by trimming leggy growth and removing spent flowers regularly. This encourages new blooms and healthy foliage while preventing the plants from looking sparse.
- Rotate Baskets for Even Growth – If your hanging baskets are in a spot that receives uneven sunlight, rotate them every few weeks to ensure all sides get equal exposure. This helps maintain a balanced and symmetrical look.
By following these expert tips, you can create stunning, long-lasting hanging baskets that overflow with lush greenery and vibrant blooms. Whether you’re using sun-loving flowers or shade-tolerant foliage, choosing the right plants and caring for them properly will ensure a breathtaking display all season long!
Adding hanging baskets to your home, garden, or patio is an excellent way to introduce lush greenery and vibrant blooms in a compact, space-saving way. By choosing from the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, you can create stunning, cascading displays that thrive in both sun and shade.
Whether you prefer trailing flowers like petunias and verbena, foliage-rich plants like English ivy and Boston ferns, or edible options like strawberries and nasturtiums, there’s a perfect plant for every setting. Pairing the right plants with proper care—such as regular watering, feeding, and positioning based on light conditions—ensures that your hanging baskets remain lush and colorful all season long.
By following these tips and selecting from the 14 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets, you can transform any space into a breathtaking vertical garden that adds beauty and charm effortlessly. Happy planting!
FAQs:
1. What are the easiest plants to grow in hanging baskets?
Some of the best low-maintenance plants for hanging baskets include petunias, million bells (calibrachoa), and English ivy. These plants thrive with minimal care, require regular watering, and bloom or grow abundantly throughout the season.
2. How often should I water my hanging baskets?
Hanging baskets tend to dry out faster than ground plants due to increased air circulation. In warm weather, they may need daily watering, while in cooler conditions, watering every 2–3 days may be sufficient. Always check the soil moisture and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
3. Can I grow vegetables or edible plants in hanging baskets?
Absolutely! Edible options like strawberries, nasturtiums, and trailing herbs (such as thyme or mint) make excellent choices for hanging baskets. They not only add beauty to your space but also provide fresh ingredients for your kitchen.
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