Perennial for hanging baskets

Martin Gardener · February 2023

Could anyone recommend perennial plants to put in hanging baskets that can survive being outdoors all year? Ideally ones that will flower throughout the summer?

I live in a coastal area. Whilst we do get some low temperatures in the winter it is never too severe. Maybe -2 degrees.

Plantminded · February 2023

Try Erigeron karvinskianus, it can flower until December in mild locations. It has a cascading habit so you may want to combine it with something upright like the evergreen grass Stipa tenuissima which would be happy in that space.

Martin Gardener · February 2023

Thank you! I will take a look at them.

Just to add. My hanging baskets are wall hanging baskets.

I'm not too concerned about having plants that will hang over the edge.

I would rather any plants that will be perennial, have bright flowers in summer, and not grow too high. Ones that are more drought hardy would be a bonus.

Last year i had fuschias. But they all died in the winter.

I had strawberries in some. They will come back, but obviously no bright flowers.

I had bright red begonia in others. They looked amazing. But i guess they will not come back this year?

Marlorena · February 2023

You don't have to like roses but this one might suit even those who don't, for a specific purpose such as yours.. it's also thornless and needs little maintenance..
Rather sweet..
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/plants-blogs/plants/september-2021/rosa-cutie-pie

newbie77 · February 2023

Hardy geraniums like Rozanne can be an option.

Begonia from bulbs I thought would come back.

JennyJ · February 2023

There's not a lot of soil/compost in a hanging basket, so depending on what you choose, you might need to feed. Erigeron karvinskianus will be fine without - it self-sows and grows happily in cracks in paving with no help at all - but it's white sometimes with a hint of pink so doesn't meet your requirement for bright flowers.

Tuberous begonias will come back but not if left outside in the cold. The tubers need to be brought in, dried off and kept frost-free then planted and grown on under cover until the risk of frost is past (so end of May here, for example).

Trailing fuchsias sold for hanging baskets aren't hardy, generally. If it doesn't say hardy on the label, it won't be although you may be lucky in a mild area and with a mild winter.

I've had Petunia "tidal wave red velour" come back the last two years but I do take the baskets down and stick them in a sheltered spot, then replant in fresh compost in spring, or use the new growth for cuttings which I find gives more vigorous plants than the saved ones. It's too soon to tell whether it's survived this colder winter. There's a thread here with some pictures and discussion about it.

Plantminded · February 2023

How wide and deep are your wall hanging baskets @Martin Gardener? The size will give more scope for recommendations.

JennyJ · February 2023

It's in @Martin Gardener 's second post

Martin Gardener said:

...
I would rather any plants that will be perennial, have bright flowers in summer, and not grow too high. Ones that are more drought hardy would be a bonus
....

Plantminded · February 2023

I do apoligise, @JennyJ, you are quite right, I re-read the thread again and edited my reply. White flowers can look bright though!

JennyJ · February 2023

I agree @Plantminded , and I think the Erigeron would be perfect for easy-care baskets. I might dig up a few clumps and try it myself.

Plantminded · February 2023

Yes, @JennyJ, it met all the other criteria! You'll find it will be fine for one growing season and then need dividing if the basket/trough gets root bound. I had a container of it in a shady part of my garden last year and it was a real shining light in the corner!

Perennial for hanging baskets

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