June is here, so naturally I thought of hanging baskets for my garden and what plants to put in them.
Structure is essential, so I always follow it Thrillers, fillers, dramas rule For foolproof results when selecting plants. But to get the basket looking perfect, fast, choosing the right ‘spiller’ plant is the key.
‘When choosing fast-growing trailing flowering plants for hanging baskets (spiller element), it’s all about choosing varieties that will fill the space quickly and create plenty of movement and color throughout the season,’ says horticulture buyer Duncan McLean. B&Q.
‘Calibrachoa, bacopa and trailing verbena are great options for plants. Hanging basket plant Because they install quickly and spill beautifully over the sides of the basket, helping you achieve that full, flowing look quickly,’ adds Duncan. ‘And many Back varieties Also suitable for baskets, window box and containers, making them ideal for even small outdoor spaces.’
1. Calibrachoa
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‘When it comes How to plant a hanging basketFor best results, think about creating layers by combining trailing plants with upright varieties (or thrillers) in the center for height and impact, and bushier leaves to fill your basket,’ advises Duncan. ‘Calibrachoa is particularly useful if you want lots of color and it comes across the color spectrum.’
Known as ‘Million Bells’, Calibrachoa is also a prolific bloomer and produces dozens of trumpet-like blooms that resemble mini petunia flowers that drape over the edges of pots and hanging baskets. Buy Calibrachoa as plug plants (I like these Calibrachoa Million Bells Super Mixmillion Bells, from £9.99 at J.Parkers) and position around the rim of your hanging basket so they can easily move over the edges. And deadhead regularly for continued bloom.
Where to buy Calibrachoa:
2. Bacopa
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One of my favorites Low maintenance plants for pots And hanging baskets, bacopa looks great with its tiny white, pink or purple daisy-like blooms and lush foliage. This Bacopa ‘Baristo® Snowflake’Sutera diffusus, from £10.99 at Thompson & Morgan, Already in my basket.
No deadheading is required with bacopa, just a light trim if it gets too tall, and bacopa will be in flower from late spring to fall, making it a great. Money for money plant.
It is worth remembering that hanging baskets dry out much faster than pots on the ground, especially in hot weather, so water regularly. Keep hanging baskets hydrated is the key,’ adds Duncan. ‘On hot days, that might mean watering once in the morning and again in the evening.’
Where to buy Bacopa:
3. Back verbena
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‘Trailing verbena is another great choice for hanging baskets, making long-lasting displays that work brilliantly in sunny spots,’ says Duncan.
Abundant trailing verbena flowers in a vibrant selection of reds, purples, pinks and whites will provide months of non-stop color in hanging baskets and containers. But like many Summer bedding plantsTrailing verbena is not hardy, so it will not survive frost.
‘When it comes to caring for hanging baskets, in addition to frequent watering, use a peat-free compost with water retention, such as Verve multi-purpose fertiliser, £12 at B&QAnd feed little and often during the growing season – all this will help encourage stronger growth, more flowers and healthier plants,’ advises Duncan. ‘With the right mix and a little regular care, you can create a fabulous display that looks complete and established in a matter of weeks.’
Where to buy trailing verbena:
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4. Petunias
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‘If you want hanging baskets to look complete quickly, I’d go for trailing petunias, calibrachoa, verbena or bacopa,’ says Julien Palframond, head of plants. British Garden Centres. ‘They’re all brilliant because they grow quickly, flower well and give you that lovely spilling-over effect without making too much of a mess.’
Petunias are one of the most popular summer flowers for hanging baskets and containers, with vigorous growth and vibrant, long-lasting blooms that move beautifully. The frilly blue Petunia ‘Frills and Spills Belinda’, from £9.99 at Thompson & Morganis especially beautiful. Petunias like a sunny spot and frequent watering and will flower continuously throughout the summer months. Just remember Deadhead PetuniasRegularly pinch off spent flowers.
Where to Buy Petunias:
5. Lobelia
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‘Lobelia is another good trailing plant choice for hanging baskets container If you want something a little softer and more relaxed,’ suggests Julian.
With tiny purple, blue or white blooms that spill over the edges of hanging baskets, tubs and troughs, lobelia works well on its own in containers or can be partnered directly with a ‘thriller’ plant. Geranium (I love Geranium Jackpot, £12.99 at Thompson & Morgan for its striking color combinations) or fuchsia For a more structured performance.
‘The main thing in the basket is not to let them dry out,’ adds Julian. ‘Sow them fairly liberally, use a moisture-retaining fertilizer and start feeding them once they’re established – the Feed for hanging baskets and tubs, £4.99 at Amazon is ideal. Baskets definitely need some attention once summer sets in and during hot weather, they may need to be watered daily.’
Where to buy Lobelia:
6. Rear geraniums
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As an alternative to Growing geraniums upright Which make a good ‘thriller’ element in containers and hanging baskets, you can achieve a ‘spiller’ effect by choosing trailing geraniums (also known as ivy-leaf pelargoniums) that spread out to the sides and add fullness. This Geranium ‘Balkan Mix’, from Thompson & Morgan from £19.99One is fantastic.
Easy to grow and often blooming long after summer baskets are over, trailing geraniums have stiff, fleshy leaves that tumble down the sides of the container, paired with cheerful single or double-complexioned flowers that come in vibrant shades of pink, red and white.
Trailing geraniums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings, as it is drought tolerant and prone to root rot if it becomes wet.
Where to buy trailing geraniums:
7. Busy Lizzies
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Busy Lizzie (or Curious) is a favorite Container flower With their cheerful long-lasting blooms that flower in summer and early fall. with single or double-flowered varieties and in red, orange, purple and pink colors (Beacon Raspberry Sundae Mixed, from £12.99 at Thompson & Morgan is a favorite), they flower best in full sun or partial shade.
In hanging baskets, colorful busy lizzies contrast well against darker foliage or with smaller flowers like lobelia and obretia to add visual variety.
When thinking about A pair of flowers for a containerMake it easy by choosing plants with similar needs, such as all sun-loving plants together or all shade-loving plants in the same container. This ensures that your plants are happy when planted together in the same place.
Where to buy Busy Lizzy:
Do you have hanging baskets in your summer planting plans? Let us know which rear plants you will be using.
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