Flowers, Herbs, and Edibles for Every Light Condition
Add height, movement, and fragrance to your garden with a thoughtfully planted hanging basket. Choose from bright blooms, trailing foliage, or even fresh herbs and fruits, or plant some of each. Hanging baskets make the most of your vertical space and show off their beauty at eye level. These popular containers fit perfectly on porches, balconies, fences, or under pergolas and look great while doing it.
At Park Seed, we’ve gathered our expert's recommendations for the best plants for hanging baskets by sun exposure and plant type so you can find flowers and foliage that thrive where you're growing, no matter what the sun exposure. Plus, you’ll get tips on planting, care, and basket design to keep your containers full and lovely all season long.
Best Plants for Hanging Baskets in Full Sun
Sunny spots are ideal for plants that love heat and light. These varieties thrive in direct sunlight and reward you with vibrant color and abundant blooms.
Top Annuals for Full Sun
- Petunia – A classic favorite with lush, colorful blooms. Try Supertunias for trailing growth and heat resistance.
- Calibrachoa (Million Bells) – Mini petunia-like flowers that bloom nonstop and attract pollinators.
- Lantana – A magnet for butterflies, with bright clusters of nectar-rich flowers.
- Angelonia – Adds vertical interest with spiky blooms and a tolerance for heat.
- Verbena – Trailing clusters of vibrant flowers that bloom all season.
- Portulaca (Moss Rose) – A succulent that thrives in heat and dry conditions with vivid, rose-like blooms.
- Euphorbia – Adds a soft, airy layer of white blooms.
- Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ – Stunning silvery foliage that drapes elegantly from containers.
Top Perennials for Full Sun
Best Plants for Hanging Baskets in Partial Shade
Filtered light or morning sun is perfect for these adaptable plants that offer bold blooms and trailing foliage without the stress of intense midday heat.
Top Annuals for Partial Shade
- Begonia – Especially Nonstop and Illumination varieties, these provide bold color all season.
- Impatiens – Compact and colorful; ideal for shade-loving combos.
- Torenia (Wishbone Flower) – Unique, snapdragon-like blooms in blues, purples, and whites.
- Lobelia – Cascading mounds of blue or purple flowers, especially lovely in cooler temperatures.
- Nemesia – Fragrant and dainty, great for spring and fall plantings.
Top Perennials for Partial Shade
- Creeping Jenny – Trailing lime-green foliage that adds contrast and vigor.
- Asparagus Fern – Light, feathery fronds that provide texture and movement.
- Strawberries – Everbearing types produce fruit and drape beautifully over the basket's edge.
Best Plants for Hanging Baskets in Full Shade
Shady garden spots don’t have to lack interest—these low-light plants bring soft color, texture, and greenery to even the darkest corners of your garden.
Top Annuals for Full Shade
- Fuchsia – Graceful, drooping blooms loved by hummingbirds.
- Primrose – Early-season blooms in cheerful shades.
- Pansies and Violets – Cold-tolerant and colorful in cooler seasons.
Top Perennials for Full Shade
- Ferns – Boston, Maidenhair, and other varieties add lush, sculptural greenery.
- Lingonberry – Evergreen with petite flowers and edible berries.
- Alyssum – Fragrant, low-growing clusters perfect for dappled light.
Edibles and Herbs That Thrive in Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets aren’t only for flowers. Try growing these flavorful plants in hanging baskets to bring beauty and bounty to small spaces with edible herbs and fruits.
Edibles and Herbs That Thrive in Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets aren’t just for flowers. Grow food in the sky with these space-savvy edible plants.
- Tomatoes – Choose tumbling or cherry types; use a deep basket and sturdy support.
- Strawberries – Everbearing and alpine varieties are both ornamental and delicious.
- Nasturtiums – Spicy edible flowers and trailing leaves.
- Thyme & Rosemary – Aromatic, beautiful, and culinary workhorses.
- Lingonberry – Attractive and fruitful even in partial shade.
How to Plant a Hanging Basket Like a Pro
Give your plants a strong start with these essential steps:
-
Choose the Right Basket
- Wire baskets with a coir liner offer good drainage and airflow.
- Plastic or self-watering baskets retain moisture in hot conditions.
-
Use Quality Potting Mix
- Lightweight, moisture-retentive mixes with slow-release fertilizer work best.
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Add a Water Reservoir
- Consider water-holding gel or built-in reservoir inserts to reduce daily watering.
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Plant in Layers
- Upright plants in the center, surrounded by fillers, with trailing plants along the edge.
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Maintain Regularly
- Fertilize every two weeks.
- Deadhead to keep blooms coming.
- Trim overgrowth to maintain shape.
Read more on planting hanging baskets from the Royal Horticultural Society, the UK's leading gardening charity.
How to Choose the Right Liner for Your Hanging Basket
The liner influences water retention, airflow, and root health. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types:
1. Coco Coir Liners
Pros: Sustainable, breathable, visually appealing
Cons: Dries quickly; may need plastic insert
2. Sphagnum Moss Liners
Pros: Moisture-holding, lush appearance, customizable shape
Cons: Messy to install, pricier, needs extra care
3. Plastic Liners or Inserts
Pros: Excellent moisture retention, reusable
Cons: Less breathable, can overheat in sun
4. Fabric or Felt Liners
Pros: Flexible, reusable, fits any shape
Cons: Requires drainage planning, less natural look
5. Recycled Liners (Burlap, Canvas, etc.)
Pros: Eco-friendly, DIY-friendly
Cons: Less durable, may need inner moisture barrier
Quick Guide to Hanging Basket Liners by Basket Location and Liner Type
|
Basket Location |
Best Liner Type |
Why |
|
Full Sun & Windy |
Plastic or coir + insert |
Retains moisture |
|
Shaded Area |
Coir or moss |
Prevents rot, stays breathable |
|
Edible Baskets |
Plastic or fabric |
Balances hygiene and water retention |
|
Decorative Displays |
Moss or coir |
Best for natural presentation |
Pro Tip: Layer them! A coir liner for form, plastic for water control, and moss for aesthetics.
Hanging Basket Design Ideas (Tried-and-True Recipes)
Creating an eye-catching hanging basket is as much about the right combinations as it is about individual plants. These planting "recipes" take the guesswork out of design and balance color, texture, and growing needs for sun and shade.
Sunburst Beauty Hanging Basket Recipe
Best for full sun
An eye-catching mix of warm tones and silver accents that spills over beautifully.
- Petunia (yellow or coral) – Bold, fast-growing blooms
- Calibrachoa (hot pink) – Constant color and pollinator appeal
- Verbena (white) – Lacy texture and long-lasting flowers
- Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ – Cool-toned trailing foliage for contrast
Shady Elegance Hanging Basket Recipe
Best for partial shade
A cool-toned, softly trailing mix ideal for patios or under eaves.
- Begonia (red) – Lush, bold blooms that pop in the shade
- Lobelia (blue) – Cascading and airy
- Creeping Jenny – Bright chartreuse leaves that spill over the edges
- Asparagus Fern – Soft texture and structure
Edible Appeal Hanging Basket Recipe
Great for sunny spots with easy harvest access
A tasty and beautiful way to combine form and function.
- Trailing Strawberries – Sweet treats and visual appeal
- Nasturtiums – Edible flowers with a peppery bite
- Thyme – Compact, fragrant herb that spills gently
- Compact Cherry Tomato – Upright anchor with culinary payoff
Pollinator Paradise Hanging Basket Recipe
For full sun
Packed with nectar-rich blooms to attract bees and butterflies all summer.
Cool Tones Hanging Basket Recipe
For partial shade to full sun
A calming palette of purples, blues, and greens—perfect for quiet corners.
- Torenia (Wishbone Flower)
- Nemesia
- Lobelia
- Dusty Miller (optional addition for silver tone)
With the right plants, liner, and a little care, your baskets will overflow with beauty all season long. Get started today and enjoy a bloom-filled summer garden you don't have to bend down to admire.
