Plants To Put In Hanging Baskets

Let's be honest. Hanging baskets are like the glitter of the garden world. They're fun, a little bit extra, and instantly make everything look more cheerful. But what do you actually put in them? So many of us stare blankly at the plant aisle, paralyzed by choice. And then, guiltily, we end up with the same old reliable, the same old Petunias and Geraniums. I'm here to tell you, it's time for an intervention.

My unpopular opinion? We're playing it too safe. Hanging baskets are begging for a little bit of wild abandon. They're the stage for your most fabulous plant fantasies. So, forget the predictable. Let's talk about some characters that deserve a spot in your sky-high displays.

First up, the dramatic diva. Every good show needs one. And for that, I’m nominating Lobelia. Not just any Lobelia, mind you, but the trailing kind. The deep blue, almost purple, waterfall of a plant. It’s so utterly gorgeous, it practically demands a spotlight. It’s the kind of plant that makes you whisper, "Wow." And it does it with such effortless grace. It just keeps on giving, spilling over the edges like a fancy gown. You'll find yourself doing little curtsies to your basket. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.

Then, we need a bit of a jester. Something with a bit of personality, maybe even a hint of rebellion. For this role, I propose Bacopa. Oh, Bacopa, you delightful little darling. It's got these tiny, delicate white or pale pink flowers that just keep blooming and blooming. It’s not shouting for attention, but it's definitely there, adding a sweet, charming presence. It’s the gentle giggle in a room full of loud laughs. It fills in the gaps, softening the edges of your more flamboyant plants. It’s the ultimate team player, the one who always remembers to bring snacks.

Now, for the sturdy, reliable friend. The one who's always got your back, and looks good doing it. Enter Ivy Geraniums. Yes, I know I mentioned Geraniums earlier, but these are different. These are the ones with the gorgeous, deeply lobed leaves that cascade down. And the flowers! They come in all sorts of vibrant colours. They're not as delicate as Lobelia, they're not as understated as Bacopa. They're just… present. Solid. Beautiful. They have a certain gravitas, a maturity. They’re the wise elders of your hanging basket crew.

And we can’t forget the textural element. The plant that makes you want to reach out and touch it. For that, I love Bacopa. Wait, did I say that already? Well, it's that good. But also, let's consider something like Dusty Miller. Yes, I know, it’s usually a ground cover. But look at those silvery, felt-like leaves. In a hanging basket, it’s like a little cloud of silver. It adds a completely different dimension. It’s unexpected. It’s chic. It’s the plant equivalent of a perfectly tailored blazer. It makes everything else pop.

What about something a bit… surprising? Something that makes people do a double-take? For that, I’m going rogue. I’m going to suggest Ornamental Peppers. Hear me out. They have these small, often colourful little "peppers" that look like jewels. They add a pop of colour that's completely different from flowers. And they last for ages! Plus, you can vaguely pretend you're growing something edible, which feels very accomplished. Imagine a basket with deep green foliage and little clusters of tiny red or purple or even black "berries." It’s a conversation starter, for sure. People will be like, "What IS that?" And you can wink and say, "It's my little secret."

Let's not shy away from the trailing vines. The ones that really give you that full, abundant look. Beyond the usual suspects, think about Sutera, which is just another name for Bacopa, but it sounds fancy, doesn’t it? It’s that same delicate, trailing beauty. Or, for a bit more drama, consider Thunbergia, also known as Black-Eyed Susan Vine. Those cheerful yellow flowers with the dark centres are just pure sunshine. They're bold, they're bright, and they just keep climbing and cascading.

I firmly believe that hanging baskets are meant to be a little bit over the top. They’re not subtle. They’re meant to grab attention, to bring joy from afar. They’re the garden’s way of saying, "Hey, look at me! I'm fabulous!"

And sometimes, you just need something a bit… floppy. Something that drapes itself artfully. For that, I’m a huge fan of Million Bells (Calibrachoa). They are like tiny, perfect petunias, but they trail even more enthusiastically. They’re the hardworking, under-appreciated cousins of petunias. They bloom non-stop, adding a soft, gentle cascade of colour. They’re the kind of plant that makes you feel like a gardening wizard.

The real trick, my friends, is to mix and match. Don't be afraid to put a dramatic spiller with a mounding filler. Throw in a textural accent. Think of it as assembling a fabulous outfit. You need your statement piece, your supporting players, and your accessories. And the hanging basket is your runway. So go forth, be bold, and let your hanging baskets shine. They deserve it.