When choosing flowers for hanging baskets, think about the colors and textures they prefer. You’ll want to include some brightly colored annuals and perennials, such as petunias, lobelia, Dracaena, and Impatiens. You might also include some fragrant perennials, such as lavender or rosemary. The best way to pick the perfect flower for your hanging basket is to look for one that’s suited to your climate.
Petunias
Growing petunias in a hanging basket requires very little maintenance, and they will give your garden a colorful touch. For best results, they need a full 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. To avoid over-fertilisation, water the plants only enough to moisten the potting mix. You can also use earthworm castings, or a tea made of earthworm castings. The earthworm castings contain microbes, beneficial bacteria, and other essential nutrients that your plants need. In addition, you can use fish emulsion fertilizer to boost plant growth and health by providing supplementary macro and micronutrients.
Unlike some other plants, petunias are fairly pest-free. However, if you notice any damage or aphids, you can remove them with water. Overwatering is another problem that can affect petunias. Too much water can lead to root rot, wilted leaves, and mold. Generally, watering your petunias once every two to three days is sufficient. If they are overwatered, cut back watering and avoid letting the soil dry completely between waterings.
Lobelia
If you’re looking for a beautiful flowering plant for your garden, consider lobelia. These early bloomers can tolerate both shade and full sunlight. They love moist, well-draining soil, and require two weekly waterings. In addition, they benefit from a good watering schedule. If you’re not sure how often you should water lobelia, you can cut it back by half after it blooms the first time to encourage more blooms.
Depending on the climate you live in, lobelia may survive the winter season, though their blooms tend to diminish as temperatures fall. If you live in a warm climate, be aware that lobelia flowers and foliage may dry out. Extreme dehydration can cause the plants to die, so it is important to water your lobelia plants regularly. During dry weather, the soil may draw away from the sides of the container.
If you’re not a big fan of fuss, you can grow this plant in containers and window boxes. The ‘Monsoon’ variety produces a long-lasting display of violet blue flowers. And if you don’t mind keeping your container or window box a little bit damp, you can try Lobelia ‘White Lady’ for its pretty white flowers. The combination of the two will surely make your hanging baskets look spectacular!
Dracaena
Dracaena flowers for hanging basket gardening are ideal for any location, from sunny windows to patios. The flowers of dracaenas are fragrant and attractive. They fall on the foliage and direct energy into the flowers. Their delicate foliage may be stunted by the pollen and nectar they produce. To remove them, cut off the flower stalks with sharp scissors. In case you can’t remove them, prune them with pruning shears.
As dracaenas prefer filtered light, they can tolerate low levels of direct sunlight. However, they will grow faster in a sunnier location. They should also receive adequate humidity. If possible, mist their leaves with water periodically. Alternatively, cut the tops of the plants and plant them in moist potting soil. In either case, water them thoroughly. They will grow to a height of 44 to 54 inches.
The flowers of dracaenas can be planted in indoor or outdoor locations. They require little water, and once a month during the growing season, they will produce a lovely display. Dracaenas have an amazing ability to remove chemicals from the air. If you’re looking for a living plant to fill a room with beauty, dracaena flowers are an ideal choice.
Impatiens
Impatiens flowers for hanging baskets are a wonderful way to add color and variety to your outdoor spaces. These easy-care plants can be purchased as seedlings or larger young plants. Plant the seedlings loosely side by side in mounds three to four inches apart, and pinch off any blooms to prevent pest infestation. To retain moisture in the soil, mulch the area around the impatiens with an organic mulch, which will also prevent weeds. You can also buy New Guinea impatiens, which are over-achievers, blooming early in the summer until the first killing frost.
If you plan to use your hanging basket as a sun-filled window box, be sure to choose a location with indirect light. Generally, temperatures between 68 and 85 degrees are best. However, impatiens will wilt if the temperatures are too high, and if they are too low, the flowers will be smaller and the plants will not grow as quickly. Impatiens should also be fed at least once a month with water-soluble fertilizer. If the plant does not thrive, simply move it to a lower-light area.
Nasturtium
For hanging baskets, Nasturtiums make an excellent choice, especially when combined with other flowering plants. They bloom in 65 days to two months, with flowering times varying from 35 to 50 days. You can grow them in a container, greenhouse or in raised garden beds, and they also self-sow. This versatile flower can also be used in mulch to provide nutrients to your soil. If you are unsure of how to grow Nasturtiums in containers, you can try one of the varieties listed below.
Although nasturtiums are disease resistant, they can develop powdery mildew, a fungus that can cause yellow or brown spots on their leaves, stems, or flowers. Nasturtiums tend to respond best to a ‘tough love’ approach. Fertilize them once a month, and remove any dead leaves from the plant. However, if you choose to use potted plants, it will require less care.
Waterhyssop
For a colorful display, consider waterhyssop flowers for hanging containers. This plant is a perennial and prefers moist, humid conditions. If you’re not sure whether to plant it in your hanging basket, you can propagate the seeds by dividing the plant. Water hyssop is a good choice for hanging containers because of its resistance to pests and diseases.
These beautiful plants are best grown as annuals in central Pennsylvania and the northern United States. They require regular watering and feeding and may need extra protection from frost. Water them once a month. Water them regularly, but be sure to dead-head the flowers to keep them looking beautiful. If you do have to leave the basket without watering, use a liquid fertilizer with a high-potassium content, as this will encourage more flower production.
Lysimachias grow in full sun or part shade and have star-shaped, brightly-colored flowers. Some species are invasive, so you should be careful with their placement. But if you want to create a striking display of vibrant flowers, try planting these waterhyssops in hanging baskets. Besides being a great choice for hanging baskets, these plants also have health benefits. They repel mosquitoes and may help you grow vegetables.
Creeping Jenny
The beauty of Creeping Jenny is that they grow well in a wide variety of sites, and you can plant them any time of year. They can be propagated by dividing the rooted stems, and they can be pruned to keep their growth neat and tidy. Because they grow rapidly, they are not particularly good choices for hanging baskets. Nonetheless, they can add some interest to a container.
The yellow cup-shaped flowers of Creeping Jenny are easily spotted on the stems of the plants. The foliage of this plant is heart-shaped and glossy. The plant does best in a moist soil, and it makes a lovely cascading addition to hanging baskets. The creeping Jenny is a good choice for ponds, because it tolerates varying soil conditions and foot traffic.
The Creeping Jenny prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. The leaves of this plant change color according to sun exposure. In full sun, they turn yellow-green. In shade, they turn dark emerald green. In hotter climates, direct sunlight can damage them. The Creeping Jenny thrives in soil that is moist, although it doesn’t require much water. It prefers a moist, humus-rich soil. Moreover, it thrives in a drainage hole in the bottom of the container. Never keep a saucer full of water, as the foliage can be bleached or distorted.
Calibrachoa
When choosing flowers for your hanging basket, consider the type of container you have and the weather conditions in your area. While they are short-lived perennials in warmer climates, they are generally grown in containers as annuals. The good news is that they are easy to care for and bloom from spring into fall. They can tolerate drought and low-quality soil, but a heavy pruning in the summer will improve the overall health of your plant. Also, keep in mind that you may need to fertilize this plant every few weeks to keep it vibrant. Also, deer don’t seem to be interested in this plant, but it’s not classified as deer resistant.
A few common problems with calibrachoa plants include overwatering and root rot. If your plants are overwatered, you may have to apply a mixture of water and dish detergent to prevent them from developing a web of rotting roots. If your plants show signs of wilting, you may have a problem with root rot. To avoid this, make sure to use good drainage when watering your plants.