20 Hanging Basket Ideas That’ll Brighten Up Your Space This Spring

These 20 Hanging Basket Ideas will help to spruce up your outdoor space. Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to add color and dimension to porches, patios, and decks without taking up valuable floor space. These versatile containers let you showcase beautiful flowers and plants at eye level, creating visual interest wherever you hang them.

Hanging baskets offer an easy solution for maximizing your outdoor living area while adding instant curb appeal to your home. You can customize them with countless plant combinations – from vibrant flowering annuals to trailing vines and even edibles like strawberries or herbs. Whether you’re decorating for spring, summer, fall, or even winter, there’s a hanging basket design that will perfectly complement your outdoor style and the current season.

1) Bright Petunias for a Pop of Color

Petunias are one of the best flowers for hanging baskets. They come in many bright colors like pink, red, yellow, and purple that can make your yard look amazing.

Supertunia petunias are especially good for hanging baskets. They grow full and trail down beautifully, creating a waterfall of color that lasts all season long.

Try mixing colors for more impact. A basket with hot pink petunias and bright yellow flowers creates a bold statement that neighbors will notice.

The Easy Wave Red Velour Petunia paired with yellow Calibrachoa makes an eye-catching combination. The contrast between these colors is stunning and will brighten up any porch or patio.

Double petunias, like the pink and white varieties, offer extra fullness and texture. These fluffy blooms look fancy but are still easy to care for.

When choosing petunias for your hanging baskets, pick colors that match your home or other garden elements. Your baskets will look planned and put together rather than random.

2) Trailing Lobelia for elegant drapes

Trailing lobelia is a perfect choice for your hanging baskets. Its delicate flowers cascade beautifully over the edges, creating an elegant draping effect that catches the eye.

You can find lobelia in stunning blue shades, which look amazing when combined with white bacopa and red flowers for a patriotic theme. The velvety texture of the blooms adds another dimension to your display.

This plant has a full mounding habit that eventually covers the basket with a skirt of eye-catching color. As the season progresses, the trailing stems will lengthen and create a waterfall of tiny blooms.

Lobelia is easy to grow, making it ideal if you’re new to hanging baskets. It thrives in moderate conditions and will reward you with continuous flowering throughout the summer months.

For the best effect, place your lobelia hanging basket where the trailing stems can be appreciated. Doorways, porch ceilings, and tree branches all make great locations for showing off this flowing plant.

3) Vibrant Begonia x tuberhybrida

Begonia x tuberhybrida plants are perfect for hanging baskets, especially if your porch or garden area doesn’t get full sun. These shade-tolerant beauties can thrive on the darker side of your house where other flowering plants might struggle.

What makes these begonias special is their stunning double blooms that create a cascade of color. You’ll enjoy these showy flowers all summer long with minimal maintenance.

For the best display, plant your tuberous begonias in a well-draining potting mix. They prefer consistent moisture but don’t like to sit in water.

Try mixing pink Dragon Wing Begonias with trailing Lysimachia Aurea for a striking contrast. The golden Lysimachia will spill over the edges while the begonias provide vibrant color from above.

You can find these begonias in a range of colors from soft pinks to bold reds and oranges. Pick colors that complement your home’s exterior for a coordinated look.

Water your begonia hanging baskets when the top inch of soil feels dry. Feed them every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep those gorgeous blooms coming all season.

4) Spilling Bacopa to soften edges

Bacopa is a perfect choice for hanging baskets if you want a soft, flowing look. It grows trailing stems that can reach up to 65cm long, creating a beautiful cascading effect over the edges of your basket.

These plants are covered with small, delicate flowers that bloom continuously. The flower-covered stems trail downward, creating a waterfall of color that softens the hard edges of your hanging container.

Bacopa is incredibly tough despite its dainty appearance. It’s easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for both new and experienced gardeners.

To keep your bacopa looking its best, rotate your hanging basket 180 degrees each week. This ensures all sides get equal sunlight and creates a balanced, full appearance.

Try pairing bacopa with upright flowering plants in the center of your basket. The contrast between the vertical center plants and the spilling bacopa creates visual interest and dimension.

Choose white bacopa for a classic look, or try varieties with blue, pink, or purple flowers for more color. The trailing stems will add movement and softness to your hanging baskets all season long.

5) Bold Fuchsias with drooping blooms

Fuchsias are perfect for hanging baskets if you want to add a pop of color to shady spots in your yard. Their bell-shaped flowers dangle elegantly from the basket, creating a waterfall effect that’s hard to miss.

These plants come in many vibrant color combinations – purples, pinks, reds, and whites. The dramatic drooping blooms look like tiny ballerinas dancing in the breeze, making them a favorite for many gardeners.

Fuchsias thrive in cool, shady areas where other flowering plants might struggle. They’ll bloom from spring through fall with proper care, giving you months of beautiful color.

Hummingbirds love fuchsias too! If you hang your basket where you can see it from a window, you might catch these tiny visitors enjoying the nectar.

For the best results, place your fuchsia basket in a spot that gets morning sun but afternoon shade. Water regularly but don’t let the soil get soggy. With a little attention, your fuchsia hanging basket will be the star of your outdoor space.

6) Cheerful Calibrachoa in mixed hues

Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, creates a stunning visual display when planted in hanging baskets. These bright blooms come in various colors that can transform your outdoor space instantly.

For the most eye-catching hanging basket, mix different Calibrachoa colors together. Try combining coral, yellow, purple, and white varieties to create a vibrant cascade of flowers that will draw attention to your porch or garden.

Calibrachoa is heat-tolerant and blooms continuously from planting until frost. This makes it perfect for hanging baskets that get full sun exposure during summer months.

You can plant Calibrachoa alone for a dramatic effect, or pair it with other plants for contrast. Its trailing habit makes it an excellent “spiller” plant that will hang beautifully over the edges of your basket.

When caring for your Calibrachoa basket, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight and regular watering. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but avoid overwatering as well.

With proper care, your mixed-hue Calibrachoa hanging basket will provide cheerful color throughout the growing season, making it a standout feature in your yard.

7) Clustered Geraniums (Pelargoniums)

Geraniums make fantastic plants for hanging baskets with their vibrant colors and long blooming period. These classic flowers can withstand various weather conditions, making them perfect for outdoor displays on porches and balconies.

Try grouping several geraniums of the same color for a bold visual impact. The velvety red varieties create especially dramatic hanging displays that can be seen from a distance.

You can also mix different colored geraniums together for a more playful look. Pink, white, and red combinations work beautifully and will bloom for months with proper care.

Geraniums work well as both “thrillers” and “fillers” in your hanging basket designs. They pair wonderfully with trailing plants like ivy or sweet potato vine that can cascade over the edges.

For a traditional but stunning arrangement, consider placing a ‘Kimberley Queen’ fern with pink geraniums in a wicker basket. This combination creates a welcoming display that needs relatively little water compared to other hanging plant options.

Remember to place your geranium baskets where they’ll receive plenty of sunlight. With regular deadheading and occasional fertilizing, your clustered geraniums will provide color all season long.

8) Fresh Kimberly Queen fern filling

Kimberly Queen ferns make stunning hanging baskets with their upright, structured fronds. Unlike Boston ferns that can get

9) Pink Geraniums for classic appeal

Looking for a timeless addition to your hanging baskets? Pink geraniums are perfect for adding that classic touch to your outdoor spaces. Their vibrant pink blooms create a stunning visual impact that can brighten up any porch or garden area.

Geraniums are super tough and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for hanging baskets where watering can sometimes be tricky. You don’t need to fuss over them constantly, which is great if you’re busy or new to gardening.

The large bursts of pink flowers will give your hanging baskets amazing curb appeal. You can pair them with trailing plants like ‘Aquamarine’ pilea to create that desirable “thriller, filler, spiller” effect that makes hanging baskets look professionally designed.

For the best results, line your basket with sheet moss before planting. This helps retain moisture and gives the arrangement a finished look.

If you live in a milder climate, you might even be able to protect your geraniums over winter and enjoy them again next year. This makes them not just beautiful but also economical for your garden planning.

10) Campfire Marshmallow Bidens hybrid

This lovely flowering plant creates a stunning display with its pristine white petals and bright gold centers. The flowers have a cheerful look that can brighten up any hanging basket arrangement.

Campfire Marshmallow grows 8-14 inches tall and spreads 16-20 inches wide, making it perfect for hanging baskets. Its mounded habit creates a full, lush appearance as it cascades over the edges.

You’ll love how the gold centers attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. The plant keeps a tidy appearance since the petals drop cleanly once they’re spent.

While it can be mixed with other plants, Campfire Marshmallow is also impressive enough to stand alone as the star of your hanging basket. Its compact size works well in containers of all types.

Try pairing it with complementary colors like Superbells Watermelon Punch or Laguna Royale Blue Pearl for a striking combination. The contrast between the pure white flowers and more vibrant companions creates an eye-catching display.

This easy-care plant brings effortless charm to your outdoor space. You can also use it in ground plantings or landscape beds if you want to expand beyond hanging baskets.

11) Supertunia Latte Petunia hybrid

Supertunia Latte is a stunning choice for your hanging baskets. This petunia hybrid grows about 12 inches tall but can trail up to 36 inches, creating a beautiful cascading effect.

The creamy coffee-colored blooms with darker centers add an elegant touch to any outdoor space. These flowers perform well from spring through fall with minimal maintenance.

Supertunia Latte works wonderfully in combination baskets. Try pairing it with Campfire Marshmallow Bidens and Superbena Royale Romance Verbena for a striking color combination.

These petunias are quite hardy and will continue blooming throughout the season. You won’t need to deadhead them, which makes care much simpler.

Remember to water regularly and provide fertilizer to keep your Supertunia Latte looking its best. With proper care, you’ll enjoy loads of color all season long.

This variety is perfect for gardeners who want beautiful hanging baskets without too much fuss. Your hanging baskets will look professional and polished with these lovely flowers trailing down.

12) Superbena Royale Romance Verbena hybrid

This stunning plant brings vibrant fuchsia-purple blooms to your hanging baskets. Superbena Royale Romance grows 6-12 inches tall but can trail up to 24 inches, making it perfect for baskets where the flowers can cascade over the edges.

You’ll love how this verbena blooms from May through October, giving you months of colorful flowers. It’s a deer-resistant plant too, which is great if wildlife visits your garden.

For the best results, place your basket in full sun. These plants need at least 8 hours of sunlight daily to thrive and produce those gorgeous blooms. Make sure your basket has good drainage to keep your verbena happy.

Try pairing Superbena Royale Romance with contrasting plants like Campfire Marshmallow Bidens or Supertunia Latte Petunia. These combinations create eye-catching baskets with different textures and colors.

Water your verbena when the soil feels dry to the touch. Don’t overwater, as these plants prefer slightly dry conditions. With proper care, your Superbena Royale Romance will reward you with beautiful flowers all season long.

13) Monochrome purple hanging basket

A purple hanging basket creates a bold statement in your garden space. You can create a stunning display using flowers in various shades of purple from light lavender to deep violet.

Choose plants with different textures and shapes to add visual interest. Petunias, verbena, and lobelia are great purple flowering plants that work well in hanging baskets.

Mix in some purple foliage plants like purple sweet potato vine or purple sage to enhance the monochrome theme. These plants will add different leaf shapes and textures to your basket.

For the best impact, place your purple basket where it will catch the light. The sun brings out the richness of purple tones and creates beautiful shadows.

You might want to add some silver-leaved plants like dusty miller to make the purples pop even more. The contrast makes the purple colors look even richer.

Water your purple basket regularly as hanging baskets dry out quickly. Feed them every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer to keep the colors vibrant all season long.

14) Mix of bright orange and yellow flowers

Want to create a basket that really pops? Try combining bright orange and yellow flowers for a sunny display that catches the eye from far away. These warm colors naturally draw attention and can brighten even the shadiest corner of your porch or garden.

Orange double impatiens paired with yellow verbena makes a stunning combination that spills beautifully over the edges of your hanging basket. The fullness of the impatiens contrasts nicely with the delicate verbena blooms.

For a pollinator-friendly option, consider Luscious® Citrus Blend™ with its vibrant clusters in warm tones of yellow, orange, and red. These flowers will not only look amazing but also attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your outdoor space.

Marigolds and zinnias in orange and yellow shades are another great choice for sunny locations. They’re easy to grow and will provide continuous color throughout the summer months.

Remember to choose trailing varieties when possible so the plants cascade over the sides of your basket. This creates that full, lush look that makes hanging baskets so appealing in the first place.

15) Layered textures with pilea ‘Aquamarine’

Pilea ‘Aquamarine’ is a stunning choice for hanging baskets that brings a unique, cascading texture to your outdoor space. This pretty plant has delicate, small round leaves with a blue-green color that really stands out against other foliage.

When designing your hanging basket, try placing Pilea ‘Aquamarine’ near the edges where it can spill over the sides. The long stems naturally grow downward, creating a waterfall effect that adds movement to your display.

For the best layered look, pair your Pilea with plants of different heights and textures. Try adding taller flowering plants in the center and medium-height fillers between them and your trailing Pilea.

Pilea ‘Aquamarine’ does well in partial shade, making it perfect for porches or covered patios. It prefers temperatures between 60-75°F, so bring it indoors during cold weather.

Water your Pilea when the top inch of soil feels dry. Too much water can damage the roots, so make sure your hanging basket has good drainage holes.

16) Compact Impatiens for shady spots

Looking for a pop of color in a shady spot? Compact impatiens are your go-to flowering plants for hanging baskets in areas that don’t get much sun.

These cheerful bloomers produce rose-like flowers in various colors from early summer until the first frost. They’re perfect for adding bright splashes of color to porches, under trees, or any shaded area around your home.

For the best results, pair your impatiens with other shade-loving plants. Try mixing them with deer ferns, asparagus ferns, or foxtail ferns to create depth and texture in your basket.

Double impatiens, like the Rockapulco variety, offer extra-full blooms that look amazing when cascading from hanging baskets. They work wonderfully when combined with Catalina Torenia for an eye-catching display.

When caring for your impatiens basket, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A 10-inch basket gives them plenty of room to spread and show off their colorful blooms all season long.

17) Trailing morning glories for height

Morning glories can make a stunning display in hanging baskets. These climbing vines are known for their beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon.

When planting morning glories in a hanging basket, you’ll notice they naturally want to climb. You can take advantage of this by letting them trail downward for added height and drama to your outdoor space.

Space the plants a few inches apart in your basket. They don’t need to be too far from each other as they’ll grow vigorously once established.

As the vines grow, they may start climbing up and then weigh themselves down. This creates an interesting cascade effect as new growth reaches upward before falling over the sides of the basket.

For the best results, place your morning glory hanging basket in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. These plants love the sun and will reward you with more blooms when they get enough light.

Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Morning glories are relatively low-maintenance once established, making them perfect for busy gardeners looking for height and color.

18) Sheet moss base for moisture retention

Looking for a way to keep your hanging basket plants happy and hydrated? Sheet moss might be the solution you need!

Traditional gardeners have used sheet moss as a natural liner for hanging baskets for generations. It creates an attractive natural look while helping your plants stay properly watered.

To use sheet moss in your basket, start by soaking it in water. Then press it against the inside of your wire basket frame, starting at the bottom. This creates a natural moisture-retaining layer.

Some gardeners enhance this technique by adding a plastic circle over the moss at the bottom third of the basket. This creates a small water reservoir, helping your plants during hot weather.

The moss not only looks pretty but also allows for better air flow than plastic liners. This helps prevent root diseases while still keeping soil moist.

You can find sheet moss at garden centers or online. Some people harvest it from forests, then clean and dry it before use.

When properly installed, a moss-lined basket can reduce how often you need to water your plants while giving your hanging display a charming, natural appearance.

19) Hanging basket with herbs like thyme

Thyme is perfect for hanging baskets because it cascades beautifully over the edges. You can create a functional and pretty herb basket that’s both decorative and useful for cooking.

Choose a basket that’s at least 12 inches in diameter to give your herbs enough room to grow. Line it with coconut coir or a basket liner to hold soil in while allowing proper drainage.

Mix thyme with other herbs that have similar water needs. Good companions include oregano, marjoram, and lavender. These Mediterranean herbs enjoy similar growing conditions and look great together.

Place your herb basket where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. A sunny spot near your kitchen door makes harvesting convenient when you’re cooking.

Water your herb basket when the top inch of soil feels dry. These herbs prefer to dry out between waterings rather than staying constantly moist.

Trim your thyme regularly to encourage bushy growth. You can use these cuttings in your cooking, so nothing goes to waste.

Your hanging herb basket will attract bees and other beneficial insects to your garden while providing fresh flavors for your meals all season long.

20) Combination of fuchsias and begonias

Fuchsias and begonias make a stunning pair in hanging baskets. These two flowering plants create a show-stopping display with their contrasting bloom shapes and complementary colors.

Begonias offer large, glowing flowers in shades of yellow and pink. They provide fullness to your basket with their rounded blooms and lush foliage. You can choose cascading varieties that will spill beautifully over the edges.

Fuchsias add drama with their dangling, bell-like flowers. They come in various colors including purple, pink, and white combinations. Some unusual varieties like triphylla fuchsias have long, thin flowers that create interesting texture.

When planting this combo, place taller fuchsias in the center and trailing begonias around the edges. This arrangement lets each plant show off its unique features while creating a balanced look.

Water this combination carefully. Both plants prefer consistent moisture without getting waterlogged. You’ll enjoy vibrant blooms throughout the summer with proper care.

For extra interest, try unusual varieties like encliandra fuchsias with their tiny flowers paired with tuberous begonias for maximum color impact.

How to Choose the Best Placement for Hanging Baskets

Picking the right spot for your hanging baskets can make the difference between thriving plants and disappointing results. The location affects how much water, light, and protection your plants receive.

Finding the Right Light

First, think about how much sunlight your plants need. Most flowering plants like petunias need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Check the plant tags to see what each variety requires.

Try hanging baskets in unexpected places, like from tree branches or pergolas. This creates visual interest in your yard. Just make sure the support can hold the weight of a fully watered basket.

For shady spots under porches or eaves, choose shade-loving plants like impatiens or begonias. These will flourish where sun-loving plants would struggle.

Remember that even shade plants need some light. Very dark corners rarely produce good results for any plant type.

Weather Considerations

Wind can dry out hanging baskets quickly. Look for somewhat sheltered locations if you live in a windy area. Placing baskets near walls can provide protection.

Consider how you’ll reach your baskets for watering. Hanging them too high makes maintenance difficult, especially as plants grow and baskets get heavier.

In hot climates, afternoon shade helps prevent plants from wilting. Morning sun with afternoon protection often creates the ideal balance.

During storms or frost warnings, you might need to temporarily move baskets. Choose spots where baskets can be easily relocated or protected if needed.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hanging Baskets

Keeping your hanging baskets looking their best requires consistent care and attention to detail. The right watering schedule and proper nutrition will help your plants thrive throughout the growing season.

Watering Strategies

Water your hanging baskets daily during hot summer weather. These elevated planters dry out much faster than ground-level containers because they’re exposed to more air flow on all sides.

During cooler months, you can reduce watering to every other day. Always check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Morning is the best time to water your baskets. This gives plants time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day and helps prevent fungal issues that can develop with evening watering.

Be thorough when watering! Continue until you see water draining from the bottom holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.

Consider installing a drip irrigation system with a timer if you travel frequently or have many baskets to maintain.

Feeding and Fertilizing

Feed your hanging baskets regularly to replace nutrients that wash away with frequent watering. Most flowering plants in hanging baskets are heavy feeders.

Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. Look for formulations specifically designed for flowering plants, often labeled as “bloom booster.”

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Spring: Every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10)
• Summer: Weekly feeding with bloom-focused formula (like 7-9-5)
• Fall: Reduce to every 3 weeks as growth slows

Slow-release fertilizer granules can supplement your regular feeding schedule. Sprinkle them on the soil surface in spring for season-long nutrition.

Be careful not to over-fertilize! Too much can burn roots and actually reduce flowering. Follow package directions for proper dilution rates.