Hanging baskets are a great way to add some colour to your outdoor spaces. In this blog post we outline our top plants for hanging baskets in the UK. When selecting your plants you should consider the location of your hanging basket, how much sunlight will it get each day? Is it sheltered or exposed? Some people recommend choosing 3 types of plants for your hanging baskets, thrillers, fillers, and spillers.
Our top 10 plants for summer hanging baskets in the UK are
- Geraniums
- Petunias
- Creeping Jenny
- Begonias
- Bacopa
- Verbena
- Fuchsia
- Lobelia
- Ivy
- Pansies
1. Geraniums
Geraniums are a popular choice of plant for hanging baskets and their trailing varieties can look very effective. They will add bursts of colour to your baskets and will do well given a sunny position. You should pinch out dying flower heads to encourage more.
2. Petunias
Petunias are a great choice of plant for hanging baskets, they are available in many different colours and interesting patterns. Petunias are long lasting, and the trailing varieties look stunning spilling over the edge of your hanging baskets. Place them in a sunny position but don’t allow them to dry out for long periods.
3. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is an interesting low growing perennial native to the UK which can be included in your hanging baskets to great effect. Its small bright rounded leaves will spread quickly and will trail over the edge and provide a nice contrast to the colourful plants in your basket. Be careful as it can become invasive if it gets the opportunity to root in borders or your lawn.
4. Begonias
Trailing begonias will provide your hanging baskets with months of colour. They have thick stems and their attractive foliage can look stunning in larger hanging baskets. Begonias are easy to care for and will even tolerate some shade.
5. Bacopa
Bacopa consists of masses of tiny flowers which have a cascading growth habit. They are available in blue, white and purple and can trail down to 50cm. They are tough little plants that are easy to grow.
6. Verbena
Verbenas are available as uprights or trailing so will work as either a ‘filler’ or a ‘spiller’ in your hanging basket. They are available in a range of colours including purples and pinks and prefer a sunny position.
7. Fuchsia
Fuchsias have beautiful delicate flowers, and their trailing varieties can really add some wow factor to any hanging basket. They will give you a continuous display of dangling flowers which are also very attractive to butterflies. Plant them up early to mid-spring and keep them watered as they don’t like to dry out.
8. Lobelia
Lobelias are one of my favourite plants to include in my hanging baskets. These small colourful flowers gather over airy foliage and will offer continuous flowering throughout summer. Trailing varieties will cascade and give your hanging baskets a ‘wilder’ appearance. They prefer full sun but don’t like to dry out so water regularly during dry spells. Lobelias are typically available in blues, whites, pinks and purples
9. Ivy
I always like to include some ivy when planting up my hanging baskets. Its lush foliage adds a bit more depth and contrast when trailing through your chosen colourful flowers. Ivy is undemanding and perfect if you are trying to create a ‘wilder’ appearance.
10. Pansies
Pansies are another great choice of plant for hanging baskets, they are hardy and easy to grow and maintain. They come in a vast range of colours and can add some charm to your baskets. Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers and water frequently during dry spells.
To summarise, hanging baskets are a beautiful and easy way to add some greenery and colour to your outdoor space. To keep them looking in their best condition, remember to water them frequently during dry spells, deadhead regularly and protect your hanging baskets in inclement weather.
