Fill your hanging baskets with the best plants for gorgeous summer colour : Nurserymans Choice Hanging Basket Mixed Collection from Thompson & Morgan
Theres nothing quite as captivating as a well-kept entrance flanked by a pair of exuberantly overflowing hanging baskets. Filled with colour, texture and scent, baskets are a great way to brighten up sheds, garages, fences and patios. Once you’ve chosen from the wide range of hanging basket hardware available, it’s really easy to order either pre planted hanging baskets or trays of annual bedding plants and create colourful themed displays. And if you prefer perennials, there are plenty of options for long-lasting interest.
Here are ten of our favourite hanging basket plants to help you make a real statement:
Read on to find out why each of these plants won a place in our coveted top ten, or browse our full range of basket and container annuals for even more choice.
Begonia x tuberhybrida varieties produce huge flowers : Pre-planted Begonia x tuberhybrida Apricot Shade Improved basket from Thompson & Morgan
Begonia x tuberhybrida plants are shade tolerant, so a great basket choice for the darker side of the house. These Begonias produce huge blooms, often with exciting double rows of petals and impressive picotee detailing. Fill your basket with Begonia x tuberhybrida plug plants and hang it under cover for a week or two to allow your plants to establish. These Begonias bloom in any weather throughout summer.
Go for Begonia x tuberhybrida Non-stop Mocca’ for its lovely dark foliage and different coloured blooms or choose Begonia x tuberhybrida ‘Majestic Mixed’ for giant double blooms that reach up to 20cm across.
New Fuchsia Eruption is the perfect hanging basket perennial : Fuchsia Eruption from Thompson & Morgan
Fuchsias make fantastic hanging basket plants! In fact, compact trailing varieties display their huge blooms to best advantage from below. Excellent value for money, these semi-hardy perennials provide an extravagant show for many years, provided they’re overwintered in a frost-free place.
Try Fuchsia Giant-Flowered Collection with blooms up to 10cm across, or Fuchsia ‘Eruption’ for a dramatic blaze of slender, fiery pink flowers from trailing stems.
Petunia Amore™ Queen of Hearts flowers throughout the summer : Petunia Amore™ Queen of Hearts from Thompson & Morgan
Petunias have it all – large blooms, a lovely scent, lush foliage and a fantastic mix of trailing and compact habits. With bold block colours and fun picotee flowers, Petunias put on a fantastic show in hanging baskets all throughout the summer.
Petunia Back to Black’ is a new variety with striking, velvety black blooms that reach a height and spread of 30cm. For something brighter, try the extra special Petunia Amore™ Queen of Hearts which features five clear red love hearts against a background of pure yellow.
Bacopa is a great addition to hanging baskets for softening displays : Bacopa Snowtopia from Thompson & Morgan
Bacopa is a valuable plant in hanging baskets. It’s easy to grow and the flower-covered stems trail down to well over 45cm. These dainty, yet incredibly tough plants are the perfect way to add volume to colour-themed baskets or mixed displays.
Go for Bacopa Topia Mix for delicate white, blue and lavender coloured blooms. Our favourite for hanging baskets is classic white – Bacopa Snowflake can be combined with any other coloured flower or planted alone for an unusual and elegant display.
Plant up a basket of mixed Lobelia for a colourful airy display : Lobelia Cascade Improved Mixed from Thompson & Morgan
Lobelia is an impressive annual that produces airy foliage and clouds of delicate flowers in white, pink or blue during the summer months. A great way to fill out mixed baskets, these versatile blooms provide the perfect backdrop to other bedding plants.
For a dazzling cascade of violet-blue flowers, try Lobelia Monsoon. And for a slightly more compact variety, Lobelia ‘White Lady’ produces pretty white flowers that spread to 20cm, ideal for planting around the edge or underside of a basket.
Calibrachoa Calita Million Bells Red is extremely fast-growing : Calibrachoa Million Bells Red from Thompson & Morgan
These ‘miniature petunias’ are prolific bloomers, producing a long-lasting display in a glorious range of colours. Calibrachoa are vigorous, weather-proof and grow well in sun or shade, making them an ideal choice for trickier parts of the garden. They dont even need dead-heading – they literally look after themselves!
For a bold hanging basket display, go for Calibrachoa ‘Million Bells Red’ which produces clouds of scarlet flowers. And for a fun kaleidoscope of summer colour, try Calibrachoa ‘Million Bells Mix’ which, as its name suggests, contains a mixture of our popular ‘Million Bells’ series in mauve, yellow, white and pink.
Geranium GeRainbow Mixed provides a classic combination of complementary coloured blooms : Geranium GeRainbow Mixed from Thompson & Morgan
Geraniums are classic bedding plants for a reason. Drought tolerant and tough, these tender perennials will flower again the following year if protected from frost. Available in a wide range of colours from fiery reds to delicate pastels, the variety of leaf shapes and scents are another reason they’re such a popular choice.
Geranium Best Red F1 Hybrid is an upright variety with eye-catching red blooms that evoke hot Mediterranean summers. For a softer look, try trailing ivy-leaf geranium GeRainbow Mixed. The plants in this mix cascade down to 90cm, showcasing dark green, ivy-shaped leaves and large clusters of flowers from June to October. For something a little different, our geranium Rosebud Collection features thicker double blooms, trailing down to at least 45cm, which open just like miniature rosebuds.
Osteospermum Purple Sun was shortlisted for Chelsea Plant of the Year 2019 : Osteospermum Purple Sun from Thompson & Morgan
Naturally drought tolerant, Osteospermums (or African daisies) are tough plants that love sunny, south-facing positions. Forming attractive balls of colour, newer varieties have been bred with a trailing habit, making them ideal for hanging baskets.
Osteospermum ‘Falling Stars™ is the first cascading African daisy, trailing to 45cm. A mix of three different and vivid colours, these bright blooms have excellent staying power in summer hanging baskets. Reaching a height of 30cm, Osteospermum ‘Purple Sun’ makes another vibrant choice for your baskets. Smothering the dark green foliage from June to October, it’s no surprise that these bright blooms were shortlisted for Chelsea Plant of the Year in 2019.
Nasturtium Troika Spotty Dotty trails up to 100cm : Nasturtium Troika Spotty Dotty from Thompson & Morgan
If you like to sow your own flower seeds rather than buying plugs or plants, nasturtiums are an excellent choice. From sowing to flowering takes about three months. Although orange is one of the best known colours, nasturtiums come in a wide range of hues from creamy white through to deep maroon.
For a compact display, go for nasturtium ‘Chameleon. Not only do the flowers look like exotic orchids, they also change colour every few days! Nasturtium Troika Spotty Dotty and Nasturtium majus Orange Troika both trail down to over 1m long, producing masses of golden yellow and orange blooms with striking red flashes inside.
Add verbena plants to your hanging baskets for trailing foliage with gorgeous colour. These totally carefree, easy to grow plants provide a stunning mix of shades. Gently spilling over the edge of your basket, they tend to have a more compact growing habit, spreading to about 20-30cm. They also show excellent resistance to mildew.
Go for Verbena Quartz Mixed if you’re looking for a loud mix of bright colours. For something more subtle, or to complement a mixed basket scheme, try the elegant mauve petals of of Verbena Homestead Purple.
Lavender is a classic herb beloved for its delightful fragrance and pretty purple flowers. With its compact shrubby form, lavender is also a wonderful choice for planting in hanging baskets. The trailing stems and colorful blooms cascading over the edges of a hanging basket create a beautiful display.
In this article, we’ll look at how to select the best lavender varieties for hanging baskets and provide tips for successfully growing lavender in these unique containers.
Why Choose Lavender for Hanging Baskets?
There are many reasons lavender makes an excellent addition to hanging baskets:
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Form – Many lavender varieties have a nice compact, rounded shape that lends itself well to smaller spaces.
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Fragrance – Lavender is prized for its fresh floral scent that perfumes the air Hanging baskets allow you to position the fragrance where you can best enjoy it.
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Flowers – The showy flower spikes add long-lasting color through spring and summer. As they bloom, the flowers cascade attractively over the basket edges.
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Low Maintenance – Lavender thrives with minimal care once established. The free-draining environment of a hanging basket also suits it well.
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Drought Tolerance – Lavender’s Mediterranean origins mean it’s well adapted to thrive in the fast-draining, sandy soils of hanging baskets.
Choosing the Best Lavender Varieties
With over 40 different lavender species, there are many options. The best choices for hanging baskets include:
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English Lavender – These compact varieties work well in containers. Good options include ‘Munstead’, ‘Hidcote’, and ‘Twickle Purple’.
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Spanish Lavender – ‘Melissa Lilac’ is a dwarf Spanish lavender that forms a tight mound topped with upright flower spikes.
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French Lavender – Try ‘Grosso’ for its bushy shape and robust flowering. It has long stems perfect for draping over basket edges.
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Hybrids – ‘Ellagance Purple’ is a sturdy, early blooming hybrid between English and French lavender. Its profuse blooms and neat shape work great in hanging baskets.
Growing Tips for Lavender Hanging Baskets
Follow these tips to keep your lavender happy and healthy in a hanging basket:
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Sun Exposure – For prolific flowering, lavender needs at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Hang the basket in the sunniest location available.
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Soil – Use a lightweight, porous potting mix. Amend it with extra perlite or gravel to improve drainage. This mimics lavender’s preference for dry, sandy soil.
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Drainage – Ensure the basket has sufficient drainage holes. Consider lining it with landscape fabric to maintain airflow to plant roots.
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Watering – Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then saturate until it drains from the bottom. Too much moisture can lead to root rot in lavender.
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Feeding – Apply a slow release fertilizer at planting time. Liquid feed monthly through the growing season for best growth and flowering.
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Pruning – Trim plants after the first flowering flush to encourage a compact shape. Avoid heavy fall pruning.
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Overwintering – Move indoor for winter if below freezing temperatures occur in your climate zone. Continue growing on a sunny windowsill.
Designing with Lavender Hanging Baskets
When it comes to designing with lavender hanging baskets, you have lots of options:
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Go Monochromatic – Planting different varieties of purple lavenders together creates a bold display.
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Complementary Colors – Combine the purple flowers with blue lobelia and white alyssum for a patriotic look.
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Contrasting Textures – Mix lavender with finely cut greens like asparagus fern for visual interest.
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Herb Combinations – Partner with rosemary, oregano or thyme for a culinary basket.
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Bee Garden – Add lavender to a pollinator basket with foxglove, salvia, and other bee-friendly blooms.
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Scent Sensation – Combine lavender, scented geraniums and lemon verbena for a fragrant hanging garden.
Growing Lavender Hanging Baskets
Caring for lavender in hanging baskets is easy with proper planting and care:
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Select a lightweight potting mix and amend with extra perlite or gravel to ensure excellent drainage.
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Place a layer of landscape fabric over drainage holes to maintain airflow to plant roots.
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Set new plants at the same soil level as they were growing in their nursery pots.
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Water thoroughly after planting and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Apply a slow release fertilizer at planting time to support growth.
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Prune back after initial flowering to encourage bushy regrowth.
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Move indoors before frost if growing lavender as an annual.
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Refresh the basket with new plants each spring to maintain vigor.
Tips for Overwintering Potted Lavender
In areas with harsh winters, you’ll need to protect potted lavender by overwintering it indoors:
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Move plants inside before the first frost. Select the sunniest indoor location possible.
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Continue watering whenever the soil dries out, but avoid overwatering.
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Monitor for common pests like aphids, mealybugs and spider mites.
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Prune sparingly to maintain shape. Avoid major pruning that will stimulate growth.
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Cooler temperatures and limited water mimic outdoor dormancy. Don’t fertilize while overwintering.
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Transition plants back outside in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
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Gradually reacclimate to outdoor conditions to avoid transplant shock.
Enjoying Fragrance and Color
With its trailing purple blooms and lovely scent, lavender adds charm and fragrance to hanging baskets. Select compact varieties suited to container growing and provide well-drained soil and plenty of sun. With proper care, lavender is sure to be a stunning addition to your hanging basket designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right lavender variety for hanging baskets?
Look for compact English lavender cultivars like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’ that work well in containers. Spanish lavender like ‘Melissa Lilac’ and French lavender like ‘Grosso’ also make great choices.
What type of soil is best for lavender in hanging baskets?
Use a lightweight potting mix amended with extra perlite or gravel to ensure excellent drainage, which lavender prefers.
How often should I water lavender hanging baskets?
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then thoroughly saturate the soil. Too much moisture can cause root rot.
Should I fertilize lavender in hanging baskets?
Yes, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Liquid feed monthly through spring and summer.
How do I overwinter lavender hanging baskets?
Move plants indoors before frost hits. Provide the sunniest location possible, water when dry, and avoid pruning or fertilizing during dormancy.
With its trailing blooms and lovely scent, lavender is sure to be a stunning addition to your hanging baskets. Follow these tips for success growing lavender in these unique containers.
How to plant a hanging basket video
This helpful video provides a step-by-step guide to planting up a hanging basket. Get your plants off to the best start by using the right compost, and positioning your plants to show them off to their best. These frequently asked questions provide some good pointers:
Which plants are best for a hanging basket?
Trailing plants like petunias, verbena and calibrachoa are best for planting your hanging basket. They cascade over the basket sides, where their flowers can be easily seen from below.
When can I put my hanging basket outside?
Put your hanging basket outside after the last frost date. This may be early May for those in the South, or late May for gardeners in the far north of the UK.
What should I do with my hanging basket after summer?
After summer, empty your hanging basket of annual plants and dispose of them. Move tender perennial hanging basket displays into a sheltered place to overwinter before the first frosts arrive. With a little luck, they should flower again the following year.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our top ten hanging basket plants. Share your fabulous hanging display with us via Twitter or Instagram, using #MyTMGarden. For even more hanging baskets information and advice, head to our hanging basket hub page.