Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to add a splash of color and vibrancy to any outdoor space, be it a garden, balcony, or porch. They make the best use of vertical space and bring plants up to eye level, making them more accessible and enjoyable.
One of the best choices for hanging baskets is perennials, which come back year after year, providing a long-lasting display of beauty. This blog will guide you through the best perennials for hanging baskets, offering scientific insights and practical tips for creating a stunning display.
Perennial hanging baskets are an excellent investment for any gardener. Unlike annuals, which need to be replaced yearly, perennials return stronger each season. They can endure different weather conditions, and many have trailing stems that cascade beautifully over the edges of the baskets, creating a lush, overflowing look.
Understanding the specific needs of these plants, such as light, water, and soil requirements, is key to maintaining healthy and vibrant hanging baskets.
In this article, we shall talk about the best perennials for hanging baskets:
Best Perennials for Hanging Baskets
1. Lobelia
Lobelia is a stunning perennial that is perfect for hanging baskets due to its trailing stems and vibrant flowers. This plant is known for its intense blue flowers, which can add a striking pop of color to any garden. Lobelias thrive in partial shade and require well-drained soil to flourish. They are relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
A fascinating scientific fact about Lobelia is that it contains lobeline, an alkaloid studied for its potential medicinal properties, including respiratory support. This plant’s ability to produce such compounds makes it beautiful and intriguing from a scientific perspective.
2. Geraniums
Geraniums are popular for hanging baskets because of their hardiness and vibrant blooms. These plants can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making them versatile for different garden settings. Geraniums are known for their long flowering period, extending from spring to autumn, providing continuous color and interest.
Geraniums have been studied for their essential oils, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This makes them attractive additions to your hanging baskets and beneficial for their potential health-related uses.
3. Verbena
Verbena is another excellent perennial for hanging baskets. It is known for its cascading growth habit and clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. These drought-tolerant plants thrive in full sun, ideal for hot, sunny locations. Verbena blooms from spring to fall, ensuring a long-lasting display of color.
A fun fact about Verbena is that it contains verbenalin, a compound that has been explored for its potential anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. This adds an extra layer of interest to growing Verbena in your garden, as it has both aesthetic and potential medicinal benefits.
4. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a favorite for hanging baskets due to its unique, pendulous flowers that dangle elegantly from trailing stems. Interestingly, Fuchsia is named after the German botanist Leonhart Fuchs, who contributed significantly to botanical studies in the 16th century. This historical connection makes growing Fuchsia a visual delight and a nod to botanical history.
These plants prefer shaded areas and cooler temperatures, making them ideal for spots that do not receive full sun. Fuchsia blooms come in various colors, including pink, red, purple, and white, providing a vibrant mix for your garden.
5. String of Pearls
String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) is a unique perennial with trailing stems resembling strands of green pearls.
String of Pearls is part of the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. This family is known for its wide variety of flowering plants, many of which have interesting adaptations for survival in various environments.
This succulent is perfect for hanging baskets, especially in dry, sunny locations. It requires minimal watering and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
6. Ivy
Ivy is a classic choice for hanging baskets, known for its lush foliage and trailing growth habit. This highly adaptable plant can thrive in both sunny and shaded areas. Ivy’s evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, making it a reliable choice for perennial hanging baskets.
It thrives in almost any environment, making it a versatile addition to your garden. It looks fantastic cascading over bookshelves in a small basket or planted in a hanging basket. This perennial’s lush foliage adds charm to shaded areas and sunny spots alike. Ivy’s adaptability makes it a perfect choice for baskets, providing year-round beauty in your garden.
It has been used historically in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This adds an interesting dimension to growing Ivy, as it has aesthetic and historical significance.
7. Million Bells
Million Bells (Calibrachoa) is a prolific bloomer that produces small, bell-shaped flowers. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes and potatoes. This family is known for its diverse range of plants, many of which have significant agricultural and ornamental value.
It thrives best in a sheltered spot with full sun or very light shade. Although they can grow in the ground, planting them in containers or hanging baskets is preferable. In a perennial hanging basket, these plants can cascade over the edge, creating a stunning display of flowers. Pairing them with other summer annuals enhances the overall effect. Their vibrant foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to any garden setting.
This perennial is ideal for hanging baskets due to its trailing stems and continuous flowering from spring to fall. Million Bells come in various colors, perfect for creating a vibrant mix in your garden.
8. Bacopa
Bacopa is a charming perennial with small, delicate flowers that bloom profusely throughout the growing season. This plant prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, making it suitable for various garden conditions. Bacopa’s trailing stems make it perfect for hanging baskets, adding a soft, cascading effect.
It is an excellent option for hanging baskets, container gardens, and ground cover. This perennial typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches and thrives in partial shade. Its lush foliage and cascading growth habit add a beautiful touch to any garden, whether in a basket or as a ground cover.
It has been studied for its potential cognitive benefits. Compounds in Bacopa, such as bacosides, are believed to enhance memory and mental performance, making this plant not only beautiful but also potentially beneficial for brain health.
9. Lantana
Lantana is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of brightly colored flowers, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. It contains compounds that have been studied for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This adds an interesting aspect to growing Lantana, as it has both ornamental and potential health-related benefits.
Plant it in full sun for optimal flowering, no matter where your garden is located. While lantana can grow in partially shaded areas, the number of flowers will decrease, and the plants may become more vulnerable to diseases and certain insects. Growing lantana doesn’t demand extensive soil preparation before planting, making it an accessible choice for various garden settings, including pots and other containers.
Lantana’s trailing stems and vibrant flowers make it a perfect choice for hanging baskets.
Conclusion
Creating a beautiful perennial hanging basket involves choosing the right plants that can thrive in the conditions of your garden. From the vibrant blue flowers of Lobelia to the trailing pearls of String of Pearls, each plant brings unique characteristics and benefits. By understanding the needs and attributes of these perennials, you can create stunning, long-lasting displays that enhance your outdoor spaces year after year.
Happy gardening!
