Best trailing plants for hanging baskets (2024)

Whether you're looking to brighten up a balcony or festoon a pergola with cascading foliage and flowers, be sure to regularly water your hanging baskets as they dry out much faster than ground plants. Similarly, because there's a limited amount of soil the nutrients get used up, therefore plants in hanging baskets need regular feeding with fertiliser. Finally, trim trailing plants over the course of the summer, as they can become a bit overgrown and leggy.

Best trailing plants for hanging baskets at a glance:

• Best trailing plant for foliage: Hedera Ivy Mix – View on Amazon UK
• Best trailing flower for shade: Fuchsia Bella – View on Gardening Express
• Best for fasting growing: Petunia x hybrida 'Purple Tower' F1 Hybrid – View on Thompson and Morgan

The popularity of hanging baskets goes back over 3,000 years – think of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. In the British Isles, cattle hayracks would be filled with soil and plants. Indeed, hayrack planters are still an alternative to window boxes as you get a fuller show of flowers. Even if you're on a tight budget or are limited for space, a hanging basket can be an inexpensive way to get a show of flowers. Let a little nature raise a smile every time you leave the house.

As well as being aesthetically pleasing, hanging baskets can hide cracked walls or unsightly cables. In addition, trailing plants create a cooling effect when positioned next to a window or door. The lush foliage shades the area and provides a screen that absorbs sunlight. It's important to note that some species thrive in direct sun while other plants prefer shade. We've picked a range of trailing plants and specified their preferred aspect, so you can discover creeping and cascading blooms that are perfect for your plot.

Best trailing plants for hanging baskets

What factors should I consider about hanging baskets?

Exposure to sunlight and regular watering are top considerations when it comes to maintaining a thriving display of hanging baskets. The aspect, soil and moisture content need to be right for whatever plant species you choose. This may limit your plant choices as some species are just not suited to small containers and limited water. However, there are some plants that can thrive in hanging baskets.

Over time trailing plants can outgrow the hanging basket and will need repotting. If this is neglected the confined root space affects the growth and health of the plant.

Bear in mind the overall weight of a hanging basket with fully grown plants. It needs to be on hooks that can take the strain and be suspended from a supporting structure. This is essential given the gusts of wind the UK is sometimes exposed to. Also, a strong wind can cause damage to delicate flowers, so be sure to position your hanging basket in a sheltered spot if you live on the coast.

Finally, factor in the cost of hanging basket accessories, such as liners, hooks and chains, in addition to the cost of regular watering and fertiliser.

What plants can I put in my hanging basket?

When choosing what to put in a hanging basket, opt for a simple mix that will provide texture, trailing and blooms. The rule of three is useful for keeping things simple, elegant and effective. Choose from colourful trailing plants, such as petunia, ivy or lobelia. Textured foliage in the form of Silver Falls (Dichondra argentea), liquorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) or creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) will add contrast. In addition, mix in some million bells (Calibrachoa), fuchsia, or phlox for long-lasting blooms. Remember to water regularly and position in suitable sunlight, for a thriving arrangement.

What types of hanging baskets can I use?

There are several types of hanging baskets, each with its own features and benefits. First, a traditional wire hanging basket with chains is a classic look, that's sturdy and offers good drainage. However, it can become very heavy when filled with plants and soil. In addition, it may rust over time.

Moss-lined hanging baskets offer a rustic and natural look. Also, the moss retains moisture which is all-important for keeping plants hydrated. Be aware that moss can decay over time and it needs regular misting to keep the moss from drying out.

Hanging baskets with coco coir liners offer great moisture retention. Place a liner in a plastic or resin hanging basket for a lightweight option; just make sure it has good drainage holes. Finally, look out for self-watering hanging baskets that have a little reservoir of extra water to ensure plants stay watered, even on hot days.

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