A simple single colour Petunia gives a good effect.

The typical plants seen in hanging baskets include Lobelia, Petunia, Begonia, Marigolds, Fuchsias and Pelagoniums. The F1 varieties of these plants have a long flowering season making them ideal for summer hanging baskets.

Obviously in any hanging basket, trailing plants add an extra interest. For example a variegated ivy helps to offset and provide a balance to the more colourful varieties.

Plants for the Spring / Autumn Hanging Basket

Try Primulas, Violas, pansies, miniature conifers, ornamental cabbage and cyclamen. All can offer a good season of winter colour at a time when it is most appreciated.

Looking For something Different?

If you look outside any pub, you will likely see a riot of colour in hanging baskets. However, you don’t have to follow the prevailing fashions. Try a simple one or two colour design. For example, just try choosing white varieties and interesting green shades of leaves.

Traditionally hanging baskets get stuffed with as many plants as you can fit. But, you could try making a feature from a spot plant like a trailing fuchsia or concentrate on trailing compact sweet peas.

Varieties recommended by BBC

• Lobelia ‘Fountain Mixture Trailing’ – red, pink, white and mauve flowers
• Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ – trailing foliage plant with silver leaves
• Sweet pea ‘Pink Cupid’ – fragrant pink flowers on compact plants
• Petunia ‘Purple Velvet’ – rich purple flowers appear on long stems
• Begonia ‘Chanson Pink’ – long stems with blousy pink blooms

Related

• Tips for Hanging Baskets
• Hanging Baskets at Amazon
• Hanging Baskets at Thompson & Morgan
• See also Help growing Petunias