One can never have enough hanging basket flowers in the garden, or indoors. There are so many pretty blooms to choose from that your head starts spinning.
However, there are some types of blossoms that thrive better when you plant them in containers, or even better - hanging flowers.
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This is because these flowers often have heavy clusters of blooms, climbing or cascading stems and require a lot of free space to grow.
Hanging basket plants or flowers look enchanting, bring color to your yard, patio or home, and even attract butterflies and bees. Here are the top 25 blooms to hang on your deck:
25 Best Hanging Basket Flowers
1. Begonia – Begonia Boliviensis
Begonia is a half-hardy charming flower and is one of the best flowers for hanging baskets. Some people call it the easy-to-grow substitute to fuchsias. It blooms through the whole summer and looks great when you plant it in hanging baskets.
Begonias can grow up to 50cm and are pretty easy to take care of. Begin growing it indoors in early spring and move it outside after the last frost date in your location.
Begonias prefer garden locations with partial shade and partial sunlight. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and water regularly.
2. Black-Eyed Susan Vine – Thunbergia Alata
Rudbeckia, or commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is an upright growing biennial native to Central America. It's often grown as an ornamental garden plant and many choose to use it as a hanging flower. It blooms throughout the whole summer to late autumn.
People think it's really easy to grow this bright bloom, but you actually need to know a few tricks. Pol Bishop, a professional gardener from the London crew of Fantastic Gardeners, shares a few tips on how to grow black-eyed Susan plant in moderately fertile, heavy but well-drained soil.
“Place in full sun or in partial shade and always check the moisture levels before watering. If you fail to recognize the right conditions, you might overwater which can have a devastating impact.”
3. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is an exotic flower, native to Central and South America. You might think it will be a fussy plant, but gardeners all over the world manage to grow it with enough care.
The truth is that this magnificent bloom is easy to look after and once you plant it it's there to stay. It's perfect for anyone who wants to have a hanging basket garden because the blooms look like hanging pendants.
Grow in partial shade, in fertile soil with good drainage. Water at least once a day during the summer and force into dormancy before winter.
4. Lantana – Lantana Camara
Lantana is a perennial or evergreen shrub, but this doesn't mean you can't grow it in containers and hang them on your patio. It's true that the ultimate height of this charming plant is 1.5m, but with a regular pruning, you can keep it small.
What makes it one of the best flowers for hanging gardens is the abundant blossoms. They come in different colors and bloom from spring to autumn.
Plant lantana in fertile, moist soil and place it in full sun. Remember to cut back the branches in late autumn and deadhead spent blooms during the flowering season.
5. Lobelia – Lobelia Erinus
Lobelia is a small flower with delicate blue blooms. The cultivars can be annual and perennial and grow alone or in big "patches". Gardeners love it because the bright blue petals can freshen up any landscape.
You can plant it in containers and hang them in your home or on your deck. Pick a planting mix with proper drainage and place in full sun or partial shade.
Remember to water regularly, especially during hot days and it will bloom from summer to autumn.
6. Million Bells – Calibrachoa
At first sight, Million bells look a lot like Petunias and people often confuse them. While it resembles the Petunia flower, this one is actually a hybrid between Petunia and Calibrachoa.
The result is this trailing annual that can perfectly fit a hanging basket landscape. The Million bells flower blooms in yellow-throated, pink and blue flowers.
Thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil. You can use a multipurpose potting mix and water regularly. If it gets too hot in your area, provide shelter from the sunrays.
7. Pelargonium – Pelargonium Domesticum
Pelargonium is a genus of about 250 species of perennials. They are common ornamental plants and you can find them in home gardens all over the world. People often grow them in containers and hang them on their patios.
You can do the same by planting pelargonium in fertile, well-drained soil and pick a spot with partial shade. Take softwood cuttings in summer if you want to propagate it.
Remember to bring it indoors before winter or it will most likely freeze.
8. Petunias
Petunias are an all-time classic. It's one of the favorite flowers for gardeners all over the world and one of the most common ornamental and hanging plants.
Petunias come in a wide range of colors and it's relevantly easy to grow. It's no surprise that the Petunia flower is one of the best hanging basket flowers.
It thrives in the light soil as long as there’s good drainage, a lot of sunlight and a bit of partial shade. This flower blooms from summer to autumn and will please you with a lot of beautiful colors.
However, this garden beauty is often under attacks of aphids and slugs so stay alert!
9. Verbena
The verbena genus offers over 250 different varieties, most of which can make for excellent hanging basket flowers. Notorious for their stress-relieving essential oils, these perky plants feature a beautifully hanging habit, ideal for baskets.
There are many stunning flower colors to choose from so you’re bound to find the perfect pick for your needs. Verbenas need plenty of sunlight, as much as 8 to 10 hours a day and they prefer well-draining soils. They will attract butterflies.
10. Blue Bacopa
Ideal for outdoor hanging containers, this plant features dainty violet blooms with yellow centres and lovely petite green leaves. Try the Bacopa ‘Snowtopia’ cultivar for profusions of white blossoms.
These plants need consistent moisture so occasional misting can be beneficial. For best growth, hang your bacopa in a spot that gets lots of afternoon shade.
11. Moss Rose – Portulaca Grandiflora
Hardy and sun-loving, these plants feature succulent leaves which can tolerate drought as well as vividly colorful blooms that can endure direct sunlight, even on the brightest of days.
Blooms are available in white and a large array of vibrant, warm hues to match your preferred palette. Place in a site outdoors that gets full sun for most of the day otherwise shade could close the blooms. It will thrive in well-draining soils.
Be sure to hang out of the reach of children or pets as it is toxic if consumed.
12. Ivy Geranium – Pelargonium Peltatum
Featuring flushes of bright red blooms, this hanger is perfect for hot and sunny locations. The blooms are also very low-maintenance, hence their popularity when looking for the best hanging basket flowers.
The flowers will also repel flies in hot summers. These plants thrive in sunny spots and enjoy regular watering but not to the point where the soil becomes soggy. A well-draining, light soil is best.
13. Christmas Cactus – Schlumbergera
A small genus of cacti consisting of about 6 to 9 species, these plants feature a gently arching form perfect for hanging containers. Flower colors can vary by season between the varieties so be sure to keep an eye out for your preferred species.
Flower colors are usually available in pink to bright red. Give this plant bright, indirect light and water once the soil has completely dried out. A potting mix should work great.
Here is an in-depth guide for growing Christmas cactus.
14. Impatiens
A genus consisting of over 1000 species of flowering plants, impatiens make for excellent hanging basket flowers as they are far less susceptible to mildew when planted out of the ground.
Considered one of America’s favorite annuals, these plants offer many vibrant and beautiful shades of blooms so you’re bound to find the perfect match for your spaces.
Colors include white, red, pink, orange and purple. Plant in well-draining soil and place in a spot that gets part sun to light shade.
15. Sweet Alyssum – Lobularia Maritima
Also considered some of the best hanging basket flowers thanks to their wonderfully trailing habit, these plants also feature highly fragrant, honey-scented flowers that will attract bees and butterflies.
The delicate white blooms grow in abundance, forming attractive small clusters. There are special varieties available that offer bursts of purple or light-pink blooms.
Place in full sun to part shade in rich, loamy soil with a neutral pH level for the best results. See this soil pH meter available online for reference.
16. Blue Wonder – Scaevola Aemula
Also known as fan flowers, these plants are drought tolerant and boast beautiful blue, fan-shaped flowers that can add a welcoming presence to any indoor or outdoor space.
The radiant blue blooms will look fantastic in hanging baskets while the luscious foliage will contrast wonderfully. Position in a full sun location outdoors or a brightly lit location indoors.
Requires moderate watering and prefers well-draining soils or a quality potting mix.
17. Lotus Vine – Lotus Berthelotii
Also known as parrot’s beak vine, this exotic and radiant plant boasts greenish-grey, needle-like foliage that is very soft to the touch. The small, upright flowers are flame-like, sporting yellow to orange centres that turn deep red towards the tips of the petals.
This plant is easy to propagate from seed and cuttings so you can grow your collection from home as needed. Full sun is best and planting in a special cactus or orchid potting mix with excellent drainage will ensure your lotus vine thrives.
18. Purple Shamrock – Oxalis Triangularis
Also known as false shamrocks, these plants make for highly striking hanging basket flowers both indoors and outdoors. The intensely purple foliage is contrasted beautifully with the petite light-pink blooms that form on top.
Featuring a hanging and trailing habit, this plant is another excellent option. The leaves will open during the day and close at night, offering growers a lively yet brooding houseplant.
Position the plant where it gets afternoon shade, especially in intense heat. Overwintering will also be necessary. Moist, well-draining soil is preferred and the plant is toxic to cats and dogs so placement will need to be well thought out for those who have pets.
19. Moth Orchids – Phalaenopsis
There are about 70 species of moth orchids, many of which make for excellent hanging basket flowers thanks to their spreading, trailing stems. These orchids are pleasantly forgiving as long as conditions are good.
Many flower colors are available including but not limited to pink, white, purple and orange. The blooms can last for months and even years so this plant is a great pick for those looking for longer-lasting flowers.
Place in a spot that gets bright, indirect light and plant in a premium orchid mix for the best results. Weekly waterings are recommended.
20. Dwarf Lavender – Lavandula Angustifolia
Featuring compact heads of clear blue blooms with dark calyxes, these plants are ideally used as hanging basket flowers as they grow excellently in smaller spaces and they love the sun.
Not only will this lavender add lovely pops of purple to your spaces but the blooms will also offer a soothing scent. Perfect for indoor or outdoor locations, these plants thrive near bright windows or in sunny spots outside.
Well-draining soils or potting mixes are ideal. Learn more about this plant with the help of our Lavender ultimate growing guide.
21. Pansies – Viola Tricolor x Hortensis
Boasting large-faced blooms in a wide array of colors, these infamous houseplants perform well in hanging containers. There are many trailing varieties of pansies available that will spread larger and have deeper hues in their blooms than older varieties.
These plants are cold-tolerant and prefer cooler climates. Position in indirect light and plant in a well-draining potting mix.
22. Diascia
This genus consists of around 70 species of herbaceous annual and perennial flowering plants that feature a wonderful spilling habit, perfect for use as hanging basket flowers.
There is a plethora of flower colors available, making it easy for growers to find the perfect pick for their needs. Ideal growing conditions involve full sun to partial shade in cooler temperatures. Soil should be slightly acidic and well-draining.
23. Nasturtiums – Tropaeolum
Sporting buttery-yellow to orange blooms, these plants are considered some of the best low-maintenance hanging basket flowers. There are specific trailing varieties available that will look gorgeous draped around the house.
The wonderful blooms are also edible. Poorer soils and full sun to partial shade are preferred.
24. Chrysanthemums
Also referred to as mums or chrysanthus, these flowering plants are a florist favorite for good reason. They offer fantastic cold-weather colors in their blooms, perfect for patios in hanging baskets.
The ‘Maroon Pride’ and ‘Pink Magnificent’ are very popular cultivars for those looking for hanging basket flowers. Plant in well-prepared, fertile, loamy or sandy soil for the best results.
Full early morning sun for about 5 to 6 hours with some afternoon shade will ensure it thrives.
25. Tradescantia
Also commonly known as spiderworts, these lovely perennials feature long-lasting blooms that spread wonderfully when hung in containers where they can be contained as desired.
The flowers are often purple with variegated appearances, perfect for adding some texture and liveliness to spaces. They do well in bright, indirect light or full sun so you can plant yours inside or outside.
A well-draining soil is ideal and weekly watering may be needed once the top inch of the soil has dried.
Wrapping Up Our Hanging Basket Flowers Guide
There you have it, 25 gorgeous hanging basket flowers you can establish both indoors and outdoors. I hope you can find the perfect picks for your needs. You can even make your own plant hanger with these crochet plant hanger patterns or macramé plant hanger patterns.
Check out our best small indoor plants for more gardening ideas. What is your favorite hanging basket flower? Let us know in the comments.