Transform Your Outdoor Space with These 7 Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets
No hanging basket is complete without a trailing plant that spills its stems over the rim, creating instant backyard drama. It’s more than just aesthetics; a cascading hanging basket plant can disguise an otherwise unappealing planter, transforming wasted space into a riot of lush leaves or fabulous flowers. These plants are surprisingly easy to grow and can add a vibrant splash of color and texture to your patio, balcony, or garden. We’ll look at everything from the silver shimmer of Dichondra Silver Falls to the bold blooms of Black-Eyed Susan vine, providing you with the knowledge to create a hanging basket masterpiece.
1. Dichondra Silver Falls: A Shimmering Waterfall of Foliage
Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ is a true showstopper, boasting shapely silver-toned leaves on long stems that cascade to a breathtaking 4 feet. Often referred to as the silver nickel vine, this tender perennial is overwhelmingly grown as an annual, typically in zones 3–10. Seeds are readily available from retailers like Eden Brothers, offering a cost-effective way to start your collection. However, for faster results, purchasing young plants from sources like Burpee is highly recommended. This plant’s popularity is rooted in its remarkable drought and heat tolerance; it thrives in both sun and partial shade, requiring minimal fuss. Unlike some trailing plants that need constant pruning, Dichondra Silver Falls doesn’t require pinching—allowing you to simply plant it and let it flourish. The beauty of this plant lies in its ability to create a truly spectacular foliage waterfall, and its affordability makes it accessible to gardeners of all levels. The fact that it’s a tender perennial, meaning it won’t survive harsh winters, adds to its appeal – it’s a vibrant annual, doing all the work for you.
Key Features & Care Tips for Dichondra Silver Falls
- Growth Habit: Spreading and trailing, reaching up to 4 feet long.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot weather. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix is essential.
- Hardiness: Tender perennial (grown as an annual in most climates).
Did You Know?
Dichondra Silver Falls’ silver foliage is due to a natural pigment called anthocyanin, which is normally hidden under bright sunlight. When the plant is shaded, this pigment is revealed, creating the distinctive silvery sheen. This fascinating adaptation is a testament to the plant’s adaptability and resilience.
2. Midnight Gold Petunia: A Dramatic Purple and Gold Cascade
Plant your hanging basket with Petunia ‘Midnight Gold’ and everyone will want to know what these opulent trailing flowers are! This cultivar, a relatively new addition to the petunia family, boasts highly unusual blooms – a striking combination of deep purple and vibrant gold. While petunias are often polarizing, this variety is universally adored, with its velvety petals and captivating color scheme. The stems trail to a respectable 2 feet long, and the plant maintains a mounding habit around 8 inches high, creating a dense ball of 2-inch blooms. Petunias generally prefer full sun, but they can tolerate some shade, and they are often considered a bit of a faff to start from seed, so it’s best to skip straight to the good bit with young plants, readily available from Burpee. Petunia ‘Midnight Gold’ can be grown in all zones, but may need winter protection in colder climates – in zones 9–11, they might even survive the winter and last for another 2–3 years. The sheer volume of blooms and the dramatic color combination make this petunia a true showstopper in any hanging basket.
Growing Petunia ‘Midnight Gold’ for Hanging Baskets
- Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for flowering plants.
- Fertilizing: Feed regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
- Spacing: Allow adequate space between plants for air circulation.
3. Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata): A Butterfly Magnet
While Black-eyed Susan vine is usually grown up a trellis, Thunbergia alata is just as happy dangling its vining stems downwards from a hanging basket. Growing to an impressive 8 feet long, they make quite a patio spectacle! Adding to its appeal, the ‘African Sunset Mix’ variety brings a beautiful blend of warm-toned blooms in a glorious mix of apricot, salmon, rose, and soft yellow, all with the same signature dark centre. This plant is readily available from Eden Brothers. Quick and easy to grow from seed, Thunbergia alata is usually grown as an annual in zones 4–9. The plant attracts butterflies like a magnet, adding a delightful touch of nature to your outdoor space. The long, trailing stems create a cascading effect, filling the container with a riot of color. The fact that it’s usually grown as an annual means you can easily replace it each year with fresh blooms, ensuring a continuous display of beauty.
Tips for Success with Black-Eyed Susan Vine
- Support: Provide a support structure, such as a trellis or stake, to prevent the vines from becoming too unruly.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Pruning: Prune back the vines periodically to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
4. Sweet Potato Vine ‘Marguerite’: Chartreuse Drama
For a hanging basket trailing with 4–9-feet-long stems of big chartreuse-green, heart-shaped leaves, Sweet Potato Vine ‘Marguerite’ creates a hanging basket like no other. Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’ has larger, brighter foliage than other ornamental sweet potato varieties. The vibrant green color provides a striking contrast to the flowering plants in your hanging basket, adding a touch of drama and sophistication. Unlike some trailing plants that need pinching to maintain their shape, Sweet Potato Vine ‘Marguerite’ is relatively low-maintenance. It’s happy in sun or partial shade and doesn’t require frequent pruning, making it a perfect choice for busy gardeners. It is cheap and easy to start from seed, so it will be just fine. This plant’s versatility and stunning foliage make it a standout addition to any hanging basket collection.
You may also enjoy reading: 7 Houseplants That Actually Like Root Bound.
Care Considerations for Sweet Potato Vine ‘Marguerite’
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilizing: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
5. Calliope Geranium: Heat-Loving Blooms
Calliope Geranium can survive winter in zones 9–11. This robust variety is bred to cope with high heat and has velvety blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. Unlike some geraniums that need constant pinching to maintain their shape, Calliope Geranium is relatively low-maintenance. It’s happy in sun or partial shade and doesn’t require frequent pruning. The flowers are incredibly durable and long-lasting, adding a touch of charm to your hanging basket throughout the summer. Don’t need pinching, and is simple to take cuttings, this geranium is a fantastic choice for gardeners who want a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant. This plant will be just fine, and is available from Burpee.
6. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’): A Golden Accent
Creeping Jenny, particularly the ‘Aurea’ variety, provides a stunning golden accent to any hanging basket. Its delicate, chartreuse-colored foliage cascades gracefully, creating a vibrant contrast against other plants. It’s incredibly easy to grow, tolerating a wide range of conditions and requiring minimal care. Creeping Jenny thrives in partial shade and moist soil, making it a perfect choice for hanging baskets that receive some shade during the hottest part of the day. Its trailing habit adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to any outdoor space.
7. Trailing Verbena (Verbena x hybrida): A Burst of Color
Trailing Verbena offers a continuous burst of color throughout the summer months. With its abundant clusters of small, vibrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, and white, it’s a truly eye-catching addition to any hanging basket. It’s relatively easy to grow and tolerates a wide range of conditions, making it a reliable choice for beginners. Verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s relatively drought-tolerant once established. The continuous blooming habit ensures that your hanging basket will be filled with color from spring through fall. The plant’s versatility allows you to mix and match with other trailing plants, creating a stunning and harmonious display.
With these seven trailing plants in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a hanging basket masterpiece. Remember to choose plants that complement each other in terms of color, texture, and growth habit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create a design that reflects your personal style. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book “How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes.” Creating a beautiful hanging basket is a rewarding experience that will transform your outdoor space into a vibrant oasis.
