Choose Flowers with a Trailing Growth Habit
When selecting flowers for your hanging basket, choosing flowers with a trailing growth habit is important. These flowers will spill over the sides of the basket and create a beautiful cascading effect.
Some popular trailing flowers for hanging baskets include petunias, million bells (calibrachoa), and trailing lobelia. These flowers are not only beautiful, but they also help to create a full display.
Top Flowers for Hanging Baskets
Here are some of the top flowers for hanging baskets, in my opinion of course!
Petunias
Petunias are a classic choice for hanging baskets and for good reason.
These colourful flowers come in various hues, from bright pinks and purples to soft pastels and whites.
They are also easy to care for, making them a great option for beginners. Petunias prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so choose a spot with plenty of light.
Fuschias
Fuschias are another popular choice for hanging baskets.
These delicate flowers come in a variety of colours, including pink, white, and purple. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
Geraniums
Geraniums are a classic garden flower that also works well in hanging baskets.
They come in various colours, including red, pink, and white, and are known for their long-lasting blooms.
Geraniums prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and are relatively low-maintenance.
Begonias
Begonias are simply beautiful, particularly the cascading type when they are falling out of hanging baskets.
They come in a variety of colours, including red, pink, and yellow, and are known for their large, showy blooms.
Begonias prefer moist, well-draining soil and can be prone to root rot if overwatered.
Lobelia
Lobelia is a delicate flower that comes in shades of blue, purple, and white. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
Lobelia is also known for attracting butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden.
Planting and Caring for Hanging Baskets
Preparing the Basket
Before planting flowers in a hanging basket, it is essential to prepare the basket. If you have a metal basket, then start by lining the basket with a layer of sphagnum moss or coconut coir to help retain moisture.
Next, add a layer of potting soil mixed with slow-release fertiliser to feed the plants throughout the growing season.
Planting the Flowers
When selecting flowers for a hanging basket, it is essential to choose plants that are suitable for the basket’s size and the amount of sunlight it receives.
To plant the flowers, start by arranging them in the basket and space them out evenly to ensure they have enough room to grow.
Fill the gaps between the plants with additional potting soil. Once the basket is full, water the plants thoroughly to help settle the soil.
Watering and Feeding
To keep the plants healthy and thriving, it is essential to water them regularly.
Hanging baskets tend to dry out more quickly than plants in the ground, so it is essential to check the soil’s moisture level frequently. Water the plants thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding the plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every two weeks will help promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Be careful not to over-fertilise, as this can damage the plants.