Hanging Baskets Plants for Outdoors

Let your imagination be your guide in selecting plants. Many perennial or shrubby type plants can be most attractive in hanging baskets, indoors or outdoors.

Hanging baskets have gained in popularity during recent years. They are used to beautify our patios, terrace, garages, breeze ways, as well as areas inside the home.

Many varieties available…

Choosing the plants wisely will give you several months of colorful blooms or foliage. Among those for sunny outside locations are Dwarf Salvia, Petite and Dwarf Marigolds, Purple Passion Plant, Clock Vine, Wandering Jew, Annual Vinca or Periwinkle, Verbena and Lantana. Should your location have a good bit of shade, look at ferns, fuschia, caladiums, spider plants and small flower begonias.

Regardless of the plant chosen they will need considerable care, particularly water. They will need checking frequently as the plants grow and temperatures become hotter.

A variety of baskets too…

Baskets are available today in plastic and ceramics, in addition to the standbys of wire and wood. Moss-lined baskets are attractive but will require additional attention to water since they dry quickly. Use a soil mixture of equal parts of clay loam, peat moss, and sand. In case you use a plastic liner punch a few holes in the bottom so that excess water will drain.

Select seedlings or plants…

Select 3 - 5 healthy young seedlings of petunia, salvia, or vinca for a 6" basket. If you like lantana, you might reduce the number to 2 plants.

Fertilization may consist of using a liquid fertilizer applied as a normal watering will give good results.

Let your imagination be your guide in selecting plants. Many perennial or shrubby type plants can be most attractive in hanging baskets, indoors or outdoors.

For more information on hanging baskets - plants for outdoors, contact your local County Extension Office.