Growing Gorgeous Trailing Verbena in Hanging Baskets

Trailing verbena in hanging baskets creates a stunning floral display all season long With their cascading habit and nonstop blooms, these beautiful annuals or short-lived perennials are perfect for spilling attractively over the edges of containers.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cultivating trailing verbena in hanging baskets. From variety selection planting care and maintenance to design inspiration – let’s dive in!

Why Trailing Verbena Thrives in Hanging Baskets

Trailing verbena refers to any weeping or cascading verbena plant in the Verbena genus usually Verbena x hybrida. Their spreading mounding growth habit makes them ideal choices for hanging baskets and containers. Benefits of growing trailing verbena in hanging baskets include

• Cascading stems spread up to 3 feet long.
• Continuous flowering from late spring to fall frost.
• Withstand heat, humidity and short periods of drought once established.
• Flowers attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Range of flower colors like purple, pink, red, white.
• Fragrant foliage.
• Can be grown as annuals or short-lived tender perennials.

When allowed to drape freely from a hanging basket, trailing verbena creates a graceful floral effect perfect for decorating patios, porches, balconies and more all season long.

Selecting the Best Trailing Verbena Varieties

There are many lovely trailing verbena varieties to choose from. Some top recommendations include:

• Superbena® Trailing Red – Vibrant red blooms on vigorously spreading 10-12 inch tall plants.
• Superbena® Trailing White – Masses of snowy white blooms on 14 inch tall, 36 inch wide plants.
• Superbena® Trailing Pink – Prolific bright pink flowers on mounding, spreading 10-12 inch plants.
• TapienTM Violet Blue – Intense violet-blue blooms on trailing 14 inch tall plants.
• Lanai® Upright Pink – Sturdy 15 inch tall upright pink blooms, nice combined with trailers.
• Superbena® Peachy Keen – Peach-apricot blooms on prolific 12 inch tall, 24 inch wide plants.

How to Care for Trailing Verbena in Hanging Baskets

Caring for trailing verbenas planted in hanging baskets requires some simple maintenance for the plants to thrive, including:

Sunlight: Grow in full sun, providing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the most prolific flowering.

Soil: Use a quality, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the hanging basket has drainage holes.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist, watering whenever the top inch becomes dry. Don’t let plants wilt.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a water soluble fertilizer like Jack’s All Purpose 20-20-20 during the growing season.

Temperature: Prefers warm weather 70-90°F. Bring hanging baskets indoors if temperatures dip below 50°F.

Pruning: Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness. Deadhead spent blooms promptly.

Pests & Disease: Mostly pest-free but monitor for aphids and whiteflies. Avoid overhead watering to help deter powdery mildew.

Tips for Planting Trailing Verbena in Hanging Baskets

Follow this advice when planting trailing verbena in hanging baskets for success:

• Plant after the last frost date when night temperatures are reliably warm.
• Choose at least 3-5 verbena plants per basket depending on basket size. Space 8-12 inches apart.
• Set the root ball 1-2 inches below the basket rim so growth spills over the edges.
• Surround with cool season annuals like lobelia and calibrachoa which can be removed later as temperatures climb.
• Add a lightweight filler like peat moss around root balls to prevent soil washing out.
• Insert a slow release fertilizer packet into the soil per package instructions to feed plants 6-8 weeks.
• Ensure the hanging basket has drainage holes and hangs where it can be easily watered.

Eye-Catching Hanging Basket Combinations with Trailing Verbena

Trailing verbenas complement other plants beautifully in mixed hanging baskets. Combine colors, textures and plant forms to create attractive, cascading basket displays.

Color combos:

• Trailing Red Verbena, Supertunia® Royal Velvet® Petunia, Whirlwind® Pink Scaevola
• Trailing White Verbena, Serena® Purple Angelonia, HoneycombTM Yellow Bacopa

Multi-color:

• Trailing Red Verbena, Mini VistaTM Pink Fuschia Bubblegum® Supertunia®, Vista® Snowdrift Bacopa

Sunset shades:

• Trailing Peachy Keen Verbena, MesaTM Light Yellow Gaillardia, Rockapulco® Orange Impatiens

Blue & White:

• Trailing Violet Blue Verbena, Superbells® White Calibrachoa, Little Lucky® White Bacopa

Growing Trailing Verbena in Hanging Baskets FAQs

What is the best trailing verbena for hanging baskets?

Some top picks are Superbena® Trailing Purple, TapienTM Violet Blue and Superbena® Trailing White verbena. All cascade gracefully over basket edges.

Where should I hang verbena hanging baskets?

Place them where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sun and are protected from strong winds. Near a patio or entryway for easy viewing and watering access is ideal.

How often do you water verbena hanging baskets?

Check soil daily, watering whenever the top 1-2 inches become dry. Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom. May need daily watering during hot, dry periods.

What causes holes in verbena leaves?

Caterpillars often chew leaves. Check for green caterpillars or dark frass droppings. Remove by hand or use Bt spray as needed.

How do you overwinter verbena hanging baskets?

Not winter hardy below 50°F. In frost-free zones, trim back plants in late fall and overwinter outside protected from freezing. Or take cuttings to propagate new plants in spring.

With their endless flowers and graceful trailing effect, verbenas are perfect for hanging basket displays. Follow these tips to grow trailing verbena in hanging baskets for stunning color all season long!