| I am currently in the process of sprucing up many of my winter dormant gardens for spring, and a fair few are looking at having their hanging baskets tidied up equally as many clients are now requesting new baskets [for the first time] or existing baskets refreshed for the new season. I am often asked what plants grow well in hanging baskets, and the choice is varied and considers the differing requirements of clients, ranging from those who want conventional baskets to those wishing to be a bit more adventurous. Many plant species can be grown in baskets. Below are some ideas for each season. Always remember, when selecting flowers, plants, or herbs [and vegetables/fruit], the size of your hanging baskets, as some may require more space than others. |
| Spring Hanging Basket Flowers (March-May) Spring flowers must be hardy enough to handle the lingering chill while offering bright, fresh colours. Pansies – Hardy and cheerful, perfect for early spring. Violas – Small but vibrant flowers that thrive in cool weather. Primroses – Traditional spring blooms in various colours. Polyanthus – A close cousin of primroses, with bold flowers. Forget-Me-Nots – Delicate blue flowers that add a natural look. Aubrieta – Cascading purple flowers that spill over basket edges. Bellis Perennis (English Daisies) – Cute, daisy-like blooms in pink, red, and white. Wallflowers – Scented and available in warm tones. Tulips (Miniature Varieties) – Adds a touch of elegance to baskets. Daffodils (Miniature Varieties) – Bright yellow for an authentic spring feel. Ivy-leaved Geraniums – A trailing plant with early blooms. Sweet Alyssum – Tiny, fragrant flowers in white and purple. Lobelia (Early Varieties) – Delicate blue or white flowers. Nemesia – Lovely pastel shades with a sweet fragrance. Dianthus (Pinks) – Small, frilly flowers with a spicy scent. Ranunculus – Rosette-like blooms in vibrant colours. Crocus – Early spring blooms that add charm. Muscari (Grape Hyacinths) – Compact, blue, grape-like flowers. Erysimum’ Bowles’s Mauve’ – Long-flowering, purple wallflower. Cyclamen (Hardy Varieties) – Delicate, upswept petals for an elegant touch. |
| Summer Hanging Basket Flowers (June – August) These flowers thrive in warm weather and bloom profusely in the sun. Petunias – Large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a rainbow of colours. Surfinia Petunias – Trailing varieties that create waterfalls of colour. Geraniums (Pelargoniums) – Long-flowering and drought-resistant. Fuchsias – Hanging, bell-shaped flowers that love the shade. Begonias – Non-stop flowering with bright, lush petals. Calibrachoa (Million Bells) – Mini petunias that trail beautifully. Lobelia (Trailing Varieties) – Masses of tiny blue, white, or purple flowers. Bacopa – Delicate white, pink, or purple flowers with trailing stems. Verbena – Heat-tolerant, butterfly-attracting blooms. Nasturtiums – Edible, bright orange and yellow flowers with trailing vines. Sweet Peas (Dwarf Varieties) – Fragrant and colourful. Impatiens (Busy Lizzies) – Thrives in shades with bright colours. Dahlias (Dwarf Varieties) – Showy, pompom-like flowers. Scaevola (Fan Flower) – Unusual fan-shaped blooms in purple and blue. Nemesia – Small, delicate flowers with a sweet scent. Salvia (Trailing Varieties) – Vibrant red, purple, or blue spikes. Lantana – Tropical-looking clusters of tiny flowers. Zinnias (Small Varieties) – Hardy and bright summer blooms. Heliotrope – Fragrant clusters of deep purple flowers. Trailing Ivy (for greenery) – Adds a lush, cascading effect. |
| Autumn Hanging Basket Flowers (September – November) Autumn flowers should be hardy, meaning they can withstand harsh conditions; frost-resistant, meaning they can survive in frosty conditions; and long-blooming, meaning they can bloom for an extended period of time. Pansies (Winter Varieties) – Carry on blooming into winter. Violas – An excellent choice for seasonal transition. Cyclamen – Small, elegant flowers that thrive in cool weather. Heathers – Add structure and colour to baskets. Chrysanthemums (Hardy Varieties) – Classic autumn flowers. Ornamental Cabbage/Kale – Frost-hardy with colourful, ruffled leaves. Asters (Dwarf Varieties) – Late-season blooms in pink, purple, and white. Echinacea (Coneflowers) – Long-lasting, daisy-like flowers. Helenium (Sneezeweed) – Warm autumnal tones. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Golden-yellow flowers with dark centres. Japanese Anemones – Delicate and graceful. Sedum (Stonecrop) – Succulent-like, drought-resistant autumn flowers. Hardy Fuchsias – Can keep blooming well into November. Snapdragons – Bright and sturdy for autumn baskets. Coreopsis – Late bloomers with golden daisy-like flowers. Winter Jasmine – Cascading yellow blooms. Nasturtiums (Late Varieties) – Continue flowering into autumn. Trailing Ivy – Adds greenery and texture. Hebe – Compact evergreen shrubs with purple flowers. Euphorbia (Silver Swan) – Adds structure and interest. |
| Winter Hanging Basket Flowers (December – February) Even in the harshest conditions, these winter flowers bloom, adding a touch of colour and interest to your garden. Pansies, some of which bloom even in the snow, and Violas, hardy and capable of flowering through frost, are just a few examples of winter flowers’ resilience. Pansies (Winter Varieties) – Some bloom even in the snow! Violas – Hardy and capable of flowering through frost. Winter Heather – Pink and purple blooms that last through winter. Cyclamen (Hardy Varieties) – Delicate but challenging in frost. Primroses (Hardy Varieties) – Brighten up dark winter days. Polyanthus – Winter-blooming cousin of primroses. Christmas Rose (Hellebores) – Gorgeous blooms even in deep winter. Winter Jasmine – Yellow, starry flowers on trailing stems. Snowdrops – Delicate, nodding white flowers. Ornamental Cabbage/Kale – Colorful, textured, and frost-hardy. Skimmia – Evergreen shrub with winter berries. Holly (Dwarf Varieties) – Adds festive greenery and red berries. Gaultheria (Wintergreen) – Red berries and glossy leaves. Erysimum’ Bowles’s Mauve’ – Winter-flowering wallflower. Daphne Odora – Fragrant winter blooms. Mahonia – Spiky foliage with yellow winter flowers. Hardy Fuchsias – Some varieties bloom well into winter. Trailing Ivy – Great for structure and contrast. Bergenia (Elephant’s Ears) – Large leaves and winter flowers. Cotoneaster – Small red berries for winter interest. [certain varieties] |
| Understanding the importance of seasonal selection is key to creating a garden that’s always in bloom. Each season offers unique possibilities for hanging baskets, and this knowledge empowers you to make the best choices for your garden. It’s not just about the plants; it’s about the art of gardening. |
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