Hanging baskets are more than just a decorative accent; they’re a versatile way to elevate your home, patio, or garden.
Whether you’re looking to add vibrant color, lush greenery, or a touch of elegance to your surroundings, choosing the right plants is key.
With the perfect mix of style, versatility, and low-maintenance care, our selection of the 12 best plants for hanging baskets will inspire your creativity and help you craft stunning displays for any setting.
Read on to discover the must-have plants that will make your hanging baskets the centerpiece of your space!
Fuchsia
Fuchsia captivates with its striking bi-colored blooms that attract hummingbirds. These hanging basket favorites thrive in partial shade, offering continuous color. Opt for a spot sheltered from harsh midday sun for optimal growth.
Fuchsia requires regular watering, but avoid waterlogged roots. Enjoy the cascade of flowers over the edges, ideal for creating a bold visual statement. Deadheading spent blooms encourages new growth and prolongs the flowering season.
Whether in a garden or balcony, fuchsia makes a delightful addition. Its enchanting flowers blend seamlessly with other plants, adding both depth and vibrancy.
Boston Fern
The Boston Fern’s elegant arching fronds bring a touch of greenery and sophistication. Ideal for indoor hanging baskets, they prefer indirect light and a humid environment. Mist the leaves regularly to keep them lush and healthy.
Boston Ferns are low-maintenance and known for their air-purifying properties. They thrive in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity levels are naturally higher. Unlike many plants, they require little feeding.
Position them away from direct sunlight and drafts. Their vibrant green fronds create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for adding life to any room without overwhelming the space.
Petunia
Petunias burst with vibrant colors, making them a favorite for hanging baskets. They flourish in full sun, offering a long blooming season with minimal care. Regular deadheading is essential to maintain a tidy appearance.
Petunias are versatile, complementing a variety of garden styles. They thrive in well-draining soil, which prevents root rot. Choose from an array of colors, from deep purples to soft pinks.
These flowers are drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Their resilience and beauty make petunias a must-have in any vibrant outdoor display.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are adaptable and striking with their arching green and white-striped leaves. Great for beginners, they thrive in various lighting conditions. Each plantlet, or ‘baby’, can be propagated, adding to your collection effortlessly.
They require minimal watering and are known for purifying the air. This makes spider plants not only decorative but also beneficial to indoor environments. Place them where they receive bright, indirect light.
Their cascading growth habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets, adding movement and texture. Watch them flourish with little maintenance while enhancing your living space.
Ivy Geranium
Ivy Geraniums are known for their trailing habit and clusters of vibrant blooms. Preferring full sun, they are perfect for creating hanging displays that overflow with color. Ensure they have well-draining soil to prevent root issues.
These geraniums require moderate watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Their robust nature makes them ideal for exposed areas.
Regularly pinch back spent blooms to encourage more flowers. This low-maintenance beauty brings a classic charm to any outdoor setting, from patios to garden trellises, adding both color and elegance.
String of Pearls
String of Pearls offers a unique, bead-like appearance that’s perfect for modern decor. This succulent thrives in bright light and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for busy schedules. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Its cascading stems make a striking visual in hanging baskets, adding a touch of whimsy to any room. Known for its drought-tolerant nature, it requires little maintenance.
Position it in a spot with indirect sunlight to prevent scorching. Its distinct form makes it a conversation starter, enhancing minimalist or contemporary interiors with subtle elegance.
Lantana
Lantana’s vibrant, multicolored blooms create a lively display in hanging baskets. They thrive in full sun, making them perfect for sunny spots and outdoor areas. Their flowers attract butterflies, adding a dynamic element to gardens.
Known for their hardiness, they require minimal watering once established. Lantanas are drought-tolerant and ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Regular pruning maintains their compact shape.
This versatile plant combines well with others, offering a splash of color. Its easy-care nature suits both novice and experienced gardeners, transforming hanging baskets into cheerful and inviting displays.
Begonia
Begonias are renowned for their stunning blooms and ability to thrive in shade. Their flowers range from bright reds to soft pastels, providing a burst of color in dimly lit areas. Ensure they have rich, well-draining soil.
These plants prefer partial to full shade, making them perfect for shaded gardens or porches. They require regular watering but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent mildew.
Begonias add a touch of elegance and are ideal for creating focal points. With minimal care, they brighten up any hanging basket, offering both beauty and versatility.
Trailing Lobelia
Trailing Lobelia is celebrated for its delicate, cascading blooms. These ethereal blue flowers create a serene atmosphere in hanging baskets, especially in partial shade. They thrive in moist, well-draining soil.
These plants are perfect companions for taller plants, filling in spaces with their gentle charm. Regular deadheading prolongs the flowering period, ensuring a showy display throughout the season.
Lobelias are low-maintenance and ideal for adding texture and color. Their prolific blooms complement various garden styles, from cottage gardens to modern landscapes, enhancing any outdoor space with subtle beauty.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum offers a fragrant, honey-like scent that fills the air. Its clusters of small white flowers create a soft, carpet-like effect, perfect for hanging baskets. They thrive in full sun to partial shade.
These resilient plants require minimal care. Ensure they are planted in well-draining soil and water regularly during dry spells. Their delicate appearance belies their toughness.
Sweet Alyssum is versatile, blending seamlessly into various garden themes. Its sweet fragrance and charming blooms make it a favorite for creating inviting and aromatic outdoor spaces, enhancing any garden with its gentle presence.
Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, often called ‘Million Bells’, boasts a profusion of small, bell-shaped flowers. Flourishing in sunlit spots, they provide continuous color in hanging baskets. Their compact growth habit makes them ideal for limited spaces.
These plants are hardy and low-maintenance, requiring regular watering and occasional feeding. Ensure they have well-draining soil to avoid root rot.
With a wide range of colors from soft pastels to vivid hues, they cater to diverse preferences. Calibrachoa’s charming blooms attract pollinators, making them a vibrant and dynamic choice for any outdoor setting.
Trailing Pansy
Trailing Pansies enchant with their large, velvety flowers. They prefer cool weather, making them ideal for spring and fall displays. Ensure they have rich, well-draining soil to support healthy growth.
These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged blooming and a tidy appearance.
Their vibrant colors range from deep purples to bright yellows, adding drama to any garden. Trailing pansies are perfect for creating layers and depth in hanging baskets, offering a touch of elegance to outdoor spaces with their regal blossoms.