On this page, we will explore a variety of plants that not only thrive in hanging arrangements but also boast unique features to elevate any outdoor area. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of outdoor hanging plants!
String of Hearts
The String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a charming succulent that is celebrated for its stunning, heart-shaped leaves. This trailing plant is native to South Africa and is perfect for hanging baskets due to its long vines that can extend several feet. One of the most alluring aspects of this plant is its beautiful variegated leaves, which feature shades of deep green and silver that gleam in the sunlight.
When cared for properly, the String of Hearts flourishes in bright indirect light and requires minimal watering—allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This makes it an ideal choice for those who may not have a green thumb but want to introduce greenery to their outdoor spaces. To enhance its beauty further, place it in a hanging basket where the vines can cascade gracefully, adding a touch of elegance and charm to your patio or balcony.
Tradescantia
Tradescantia, commonly known as Spiderwort or Wandering Jew, encompasses a variety of species that are loved for their colorful foliage and ease of care. These plants thrive in all kinds of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to partial shade, making them incredibly versatile for outdoor hanging displays. The vibrant stripes of purple, green, and silver found on their leaves draw the eye and create a lively atmosphere.
As a fast-growing plant, Tradescantia is perfect for filling up hanging containers quickly. Its trailing stems can reach impressive lengths, cascading down beautifully when hung. Regular watering is essential to keep these plants lush and vibrant, but be careful not to overwater, as they prefer slightly dry conditions. Using a well-draining potting mix and ensuring adequate drainage will promote healthy growth.
Monstera
Monstera, specifically Monstera adansonii or the Swiss Cheese Plant, is becoming increasingly popular in outdoor spaces. Known for its large, fenestrated leaves, Monstera creates a striking look that adds tropical flair to any environment. While often grown as a floor plant, Monstera is well suited for hanging arrangements, allowing its lush foliage to tumble downwards.
This hardy plant enjoys bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions as well. When it comes to watering, Monstera thrives when the soil is allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering, providing a happy medium for healthy roots. If you want to amplify its dramatic appearance, consider pairing it with other foliage plants in hanging baskets to create a textural display that captures attention.
Hoya
Hoya, or wax plant, is beloved for its stunning clusters of star-shaped flowers and thick, waxy leaves. These plants are diverse, with numerous species available, each offering a unique aesthetic. The Hoya is ideal for outdoor hanging due to its trailing vines that can gracefully spill over the edges of baskets or shelves.
These plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and will reward you with fragrant blooms during the growing season if properly cared for. They appreciate infrequent watering and thrive in a well-draining potting mix. Hoya’s resilience and ability to withstand brief periods of neglect make them perfect for busy gardeners wanting beauty in their outdoor spaces without constant upkeep.
Petunia
Petunias are bright, cheerful flowers that are well-loved for their vast variety of colors and patterns. They are perfect for creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere and are commonly used in hanging baskets to provide a cascade of flowers that can brighten any space. Petunias bloom profusely throughout the summer and thrive in full sun.
Choose trailing varieties for your hanging baskets to ensure that they drape beautifully over the edges. While Petunias require regular watering, ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. With a little regular deadheading to encourage further blooming, your hanging petunias will continue to dazzle all season long, providing a burst of color that can’t be missed.
Boston Fern
If you’re seeking a lush, green look for your outdoor space, the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is an excellent choice. Known for its graceful fronds that can reach impressive lengths, the Boston Fern thrives in high humidity and indirect light, making it perfect for shaded areas like porches or pergolas.
To keep your Boston Fern healthy, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. This plant benefits from regular misting, which replicates its natural humid environment and promotes healthy growth. A hanging basket filled with Boston Fern will provide a natural, soft drape, creating a serene atmosphere and an indoor garden vibe right in your outdoor space.
Bacopa
Bacopa are delightful, trailing plants that showcase delicate, cup-shaped flowers in hues of white, pink, and blue. These beauties are perfect for hanging baskets where their natural cascading trait can truly shine. Bacopa flowers bloom throughout the summer, making them an excellent option for vibrant outdoor displays.
These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and need consistent moisture to stay lush and healthy. It’s crucial to provide them with nutrient-rich soil and consider regular fertilization during the growing season to promote abundant flowers. With their charming blooms and lush growth, Bacopa makes an excellent partner for traditional flowering plants in any outdoor hanging arrangement.
Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the quintessential hanging plants that everyone should consider. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, Pothos is remarkably resilient and adapts well to both low light and bright indirect light, making it versatile for different outdoor settings.
This trailing vine can grow up to 10 feet long, providing a lush, green backdrop for any outdoor decor. Unlike some plants, Pothos tolerates infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This makes it a low-maintenance option for hanging baskets, ensuring that your outdoor space remains alive and vibrant with minimal effort.
Ivy Geranium
Ivy Geraniums are a popular choice for outdoor hanging baskets, known for their trailing growth habit and stunning, lush flowers. These plants are ideal for creating vibrant displays that spill beautifully over containers. Ivy Geraniums come in a wide range of colors, from deep reds to soft pastels, offering a rainbow of options for your outdoor decor.
They thrive in full sun to partial shade and need well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential; however, be cautious of overwatering, as geraniums dislike soggy soil. With regular deadheading and occasional fertilization, Ivy Geraniums can bloom incredibly profusely, providing a cheerful vibe for porches, balconies, and patios alike.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) isn’t just for indoor spaces; it also makes an excellent outdoor hanging plant. Known for its green, arching leaves and distinctive baby “spiders” (offsets) that dangle from its long stems, Spider Plants can create an appealing display when hung from a basket.
These adaptable plants grow best in bright, indirect light and enjoy being watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. They are known for being forgiving towards neglect, making them suitable for novice gardeners. Spider Plants can quickly fill out hanging containers with their lush foliage and charming spiderettes, creating a relaxed yet captivating outdoor ambiance.
Potted Strawberry Plants
Strawberries are not only delicious but also make delightful hanging plants! Growing strawberries in hanging baskets provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the fruit while also adding greenery to your outdoor space. They produce lovely green foliage and vibrant flowers before bearing sweet, red fruit that tumbles down in a delightful display.
Typically needing full sun for optimal growth, strawberries also require consistent watering, especially during fruiting. Choose compact or trailing varieties, which are ideal for containers. The sight of bright red strawberries peeking out from their hanging homes is sure to attract attention and delight anyone walking by. Plus, there’s nothing quite like plucking fresh fruit right from your balcony!
Fuchsia
Fuchsias are renowned for their spectacular flowers that dangle like delicate earrings. With their stunning two-tone blooms, which often feature vibrant purples, pinks, and reds, Fuchsias make a fantastic choice for outdoor hanging baskets. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for areas that might not receive full sunlight.
Regular watering is essential for Fuchsias, as they require consistent moisture to keep their blossoms abundant. These plants are relatively easy to care for, but regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Their graceful flowers and lush growth can be a focal point in any garden or hanging display, bringing an artistic flair to your outdoor environment.
Begonia
Begonias are incredibly diverse, encompassing many species that thrive beautifully in hanging arrangements. Known for their intricate leaves and stunning flowers that can bloom in various colors, begonias are perfect for adding drama and visual interest to your outdoor space. Their trailing varieties work wonderfully in hanging baskets, allowing them to cascade gracefully.
These plants prefer a mix of sunlight and shade and enjoy consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. Providing adequate drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Additionally, Begonias can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and will do best when protected from harsh winds. With proper care, these colorful plants will provide a stunning display that enchants those who pass by.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) are unique, epiphytic ferns that are known for their striking antler-shaped fronds. While often mounted on wood plaques for indoor decor, they can also be hung in outdoor settings where they can thrive in indirect sunlight. Staghorn ferns make for a captivating hanging plant due to their distinctive shape and texture.
These ferns need a balance of moisture and air circulation, so it’s essential to mist them regularly and allow them to dry out between waterings. Since they derive nutrients from the air, make sure to mount or hang them in a way that allows good airflow around their leaves. Their unique aesthetic brings a touch of nature’s wonder into your outdoor space, stirring curiosity and admiration in guests.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are vibrant, edible flowers that thrive as outdoor hanging plants. Known for their cheerful blossoms in shades of orange, yellow, and red, these plants add excitement and color to any space while also serving a functional purpose in the garden. Nasturtium leaves and flowers are edible, making them not only visually appealing but also a delightful addition to salads and dishes.
These plants thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. They appreciate regular watering, but be cautious to avoid overly saturated soil. Nasturtiums are known for their vigorous growth, so they can quickly fill a hanging basket, providing a spectacular display. As a bonus, their trailing nature makes them perfect for hanging pots, allowing them to flow artfully while attracting pollinators to your outdoor area.
String of Pearls
The String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is another stunning succulent known for its unique, bead-like leaves that resemble pearls on a necklace. This trailing plant is ideal for outdoor hanging arrangements, as its long vines can cascade dramatically from baskets. Native to coastal regions of South Africa, this plant prefers bright sunlight, making it an excellent choice for outdoor settings.
Caring for String of Pearls is straightforward, as they thrive on minimal watering—just let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid overwatering. This hardiness makes them suitable for various growing conditions, including hanging pots, where their trailing nature can fully show off its beauty. With their exquisite appearance, String of Pearls certainly adds an intriguing focal point to any hanging display.
Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, are stunning perennial plants that are perfect for outdoor hanging baskets due to their prolific blooming nature. They produce small, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in various colors and are known for their tough nature, which allows them to withstand heat and drought.
Calibrachoa thrives best in full sun and requires well-draining soil. They benefit from regular watering, especially during hot weather, and will flourish with the occasional dose of liquid fertilizer. Their trailing growth habit allows them to create a beautiful cascading effect, making them a popular choice for vibrant hanging displays that bring joy to anyone who sees them.
Heart Leaf Philodendron
The Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a marvelous choice for outdoor hanging. Known for its luscious, heart-shaped leaves that have a beautiful sheen, this plant adds elegance and a tropical vibe to any space. The Heart Leaf Philodendron is quite forgiving, thriving in low-light conditions, which makes it adaptable for various outdoor settings.
This plant enjoys consistently humid conditions and should be watered when the top layer of soil becomes dry. Be mindful of leaving it in areas that are frequently exposed to cold drafts or extreme direct sunlight. When layered in hanging baskets, the Heart Leaf Philodendron can create a stunning cascading effect, making it a beautiful and low-maintenance option for any outdoor garden.
