Best Plants for Hanging Baskets: Sun, Shade, and Indoor Varieties

Hanging baskets add vertical interest and lush color to porches, patios, and indoor spaces. Because they're exposed to more air flow, they dry out faster than ground-level pots—check them daily and water thoroughly. Here are top picks categorized by light conditions.

Sun-Loving Hanging Basket Plants

These thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily). Remember to water frequently.

Flowering Annuals & Perennials

• Verbena (annual/perennial)
• Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora – annual)
• Geranium (annual)
• Lantana (perennial)
• Signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia – annual)
• Heliotrope (annual)
• Licorice vine (Helichrysum petiolare – perennial)
• Water hyssop (Bacopa – annual)
• Ivy-leaf geranium (annual)

Foliage Plants

• Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas – annual)
• Periwinkle (Vinca – perennial, small bluish-purple spring flowers)

Edibles for Sunny Baskets

• Cherry tomatoes
• Carrots
• Globe-rooted radishes
• Dwarf French beans
• Peppers (Cayenne, Firecracker)
• Strawberries

Herbs

• Basil
• Parsley
• Chives
• Summer savory
• Marjoram
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Hyssop
• Mint

Shade-Tolerant Hanging Basket Plants

These perform well in partial to full shade.

Foliage Plants

• Ferns (perennial)
• English ivy (Hedera – perennial)
• Periwinkle (Vinca – perennial)

Flowering Plants

• Water hyssop (Bacopa – annual)
• Tuberous begonia (annual/tender perennial)
• Silver bells (Browallia – annual)
• Fuchsia (perennial)
• Impatiens (annual)
• New Guinea impatiens (annual)
• Lobelia (annual)
• Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima – annual)
• Nasturtium (annual)
• Pansy (Viola – annual)

Popular Houseplants for Hanging Baskets

Many classic indoor plants look stunning cascading from a basket:

• Boston fern
• Philodendron
• Pothos
• Spider plant
• English ivy
• Christmas cactus
• Fishbone cactus

Choose plants that match your light conditions, and enjoy the cascading beauty!