10 Gorgeous Plants for Hanging Baskets That’ll Wow Your Guests
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Want to turn heads with your garden game? Whether you’re styling a cozy patio a sunny balcony or a shady corner hanging baskets are a total showstopper — if you pick the right plants. Below are 10 stunning low-maintenance plants that thrive in baskets and bring serious visual flair.
1. Petunias – Colorful and Easy to Grow
If you want a burst of color with very little effort petunias are your go-to. They bloom non-stop in purples pinks reds and whites — and they cascade beautifully over the edge of your basket.
Pro Tip: Deadhead (remove) spent flowers regularly to encourage even more blooms.
2. Fuchsias – For That Elegant Dripping Effect
Known for their elegant two-tone blooms fuchsias are perfect if your hanging basket is in partial to full shade. They hang like pretty earrings and add a delicate charm to any setup.
Bonus: They’re a hummingbird magnet!
3. Lobelia – A Trailing Blue Beauty
Looking for a pop of cool blue or violet? Trailing lobelia is compact and grows quickly spilling over baskets with a dreamy flowing look.
Pro Tip: Plant lobelia around the basket’s edge to maximize its cascading habit.
4. Bacopa – Tiny Flowers Big Impact
Bacopa may have small flowers but don’t let that fool you — it’s a total performer. White blue or lavender flowers cover the plant like a soft cloud making it a perfect filler or trailing plant.
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and doesn’t mind a little neglect.
5. Calibrachoa (Million Bells) – Mini Petunia Lookalikes
If you love petunias but want something even more low-fuss try calibrachoa. These mini blooms come in every shade imaginable and don’t require deadheading.
Pro Tip: Use a slow-release fertilizer to keep blooms coming all summer long.
6. Ivy Geraniums – Tough and Stylish
These are not your grandma’s geraniums! Ivy geraniums trail and bloom heavily making them a bold choice for hot sunny spots. The leaves are glossy and the flowers come in punchy reds pinks and whites.
7. Sweet Alyssum – The Fragrant Filler
Want your hanging basket to smell as good as it looks? Sweet alyssum offers tiny blooms and a honey-like fragrance that attracts pollinators.
It’s excellent as a spillover plant and thrives in cooler temperatures.
8. Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ – The Trendy Trailing Pick
This one’s for you if you love a modern silver-toned look. ‘Silver Falls’ grows long elegant trails and pairs well with colorful flowers for contrast.
Pro Tip: Plant it high for full-length drape potential — it can trail up to 3 feet!
9. Nasturtiums – Edible and Eye-Catching
Why not eat your decor? Nasturtiums come with bold orange red and yellow flowers and rounded leaves. They look great and the flowers are edible with a peppery flavor — perfect for summer salads.
They love the sun and poor soil. Win-win!
10. Ferns – Green Lush and Low Maintenance
For a more neutral or foresty vibe ferns like Boston or maidenhair add a soft lush texture. Ideal for shady balconies or porches they’re an easy way to keep things calm and green.
Pro Tip: Mist them occasionally to keep humidity-loving ferns happy.
Final Thoughts:
The key to a showstopping hanging basket? Mixing thrillers (bold focal plants) fillers (lush mids) and spillers (trailing beauties). Use a good-quality potting mix water regularly and don’t forget to rotate your baskets for even sun exposure.
