There’s something magical about a lush hanging basket spilling over with vibrant blooms. Whether you hang them from your porch, pergola, or shepherd’s hook in the garden, they’re instant mood-boosters. Four top choices for show-stopping hanging baskets are petunias, lantana, trailing geraniums, and verbena. Each brings color, texture, and long-lasting flowers—perfect for creating that overflowing, cottage garden charm. Here’s how to keep each one happy and thriving.
🌸 Petunia
Perfect for: All-season color and soft, ruffled blooms.
Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow top inch to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Tips: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep them flowering. For leggy plants in midsummer, give them a light trim to encourage fuller growth. Petunias are heat-tolerant but benefit from some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates.
🌼 Lantana
Perfect for: Heat-loving baskets with pollinator appeal.
Light: Full sun (the more sun, the better the blooms)
Water: Let soil dry slightly between waterings; lantana is drought-tolerant once established.
Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with a low-nitrogen fertilizer keeps them blooming without too much leafy growth.
Tips: Lantana loves the heat and is a magnet for butterflies. No need to deadhead, as new blooms push out old ones. In humid areas, watch for mildew—ensure good airflow around the basket.
🌺 Trailing Geranium (Ivy Geranium)
Perfect for: Elegant trailing vines with bright pops of color.
Light: Full sun to partial shade (prefers cooler temps than zonal geraniums)
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the roots sit in water.
Fertilizer: Use a blooming fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
Tips: These geraniums thrive in cooler climates and don’t like extreme heat. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth, and remove yellowing leaves or faded blooms. They’re a bit fussier than others on this list but worth it for their graceful trailing habit.
💜 Verbena
Perfect for: Low-maintenance color that just won’t quit.
Light: Full sun
Water: Likes consistent moisture, but never soggy. Great drainage is key.
Fertilizer: Feed every two weeks with a water-soluble bloom booster.
Tips: Cut back slightly in mid-season to encourage a fresh flush of blooms. Verbena is a sun-lover that tolerates heat well and doesn’t mind a bit of dryness once established. Excellent for spilling over the edge of baskets.
Final Basket Tips
- Choose a coconut fiber or wire basket with good drainage, or drill holes in plastic ones.
- Use high-quality potting mix with moisture retention crystals if you live in a hot climate.
- Group sun-lovers together and avoid mixing plants with very different water needs.
- Rotate your baskets occasionally for even growth if hanging near walls or shaded areas.
With the right care, petunia, lantana, trailing geranium, and verbena can turn your hanging baskets into a floating flower show from spring through fall. Happy planting!
The-Dirty-Hoe.com 