13 Perennials for Hanging Baskets

by Rodica SEO – February 14, 2023

Why Grow Perennials Flowers?

Perennials are plants that will return year after year. Having to buy new annuals (plants that only live one year) each year can be costly. By using perennials in hanging baskets, you won’t need to replace them every spring.

How to Plant Perennial Flowers in Hanging Baskets:

Decide on what size hanging baskets you want to use
Buy small perennial plants for hanging baskets
Decide how many perennials you want to put in each basket, we recommend one or two, but you can do more
Place a liner made from natural materials in the basket
Fill half of the hanging basket with soil
Take the perennial plant out of its store container and place it in the soil of a hanging basket
Fill in the remaining space with soil
Water plants thoroughly
Hang the basket in the desired location

Picking Basket Perennial Plants

The best perennial plants for hanging baskets are the ones that you enjoy!

There are many options to choose from, but short plants are ideal. This means picking plants that are no more than 12 inches high. All of the plants on this list are short and suited for containers. Plus, the majority of the plants here are native and pollinator-friendly—what's not to love?

13 Best Perennial Flowers for Hanging Baskets:

Dwarf Crested Iris

The Dwarf Crested iris is one of the best perennial plants for hanging baskets because its flowers are unique, and your family and friends will want to take a closer look to see their intricate details.

Zones: 3 to 9

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

Mature height: up to 10 inches

Water: Average

Best for woodlands, borders, and containers

Painted Trillium

Painted trillium makes a good hanging basket perennial because it's small enough to fit anywhere. Its flowers are also beautiful and detailed. Painted trillium is low-maintenance and easy to grow.

Sun exposure: Full shade

Zones: 3 to 9

Mature height: up to 8 inches

Water: Average

Best for woodland gardens, alpine gardens, containers, and shaded borders

Bird’s Foot Violet

Bird's foot violet is one of the best perennials for hanging baskets because it produces many blossoms annually. It is a resilient plant that can withstand weather changes and is happy with occasional shade.

Zones: 4 to 8

Mature height: up to 8 inches

Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade

Mature height: up to 6 inches

Water: average

Best for woodland edges, in front of borders and containers

Purple Violet

Purple violet is a great perennial for hanging baskets because it is small and easy to grow. It blooms from late spring until fall and shows off vibrant shades of purple. With its unique foliage, you may never need another hanging basket plant again.

Zones: 3 to 9

Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade

Mature height: up to 8 inches

Water: average

Best for woodland gardens, alpine gardens, containers, and borders

White Violets

White violets are some of the best perennials for hanging baskets because their green leaves make the white blossoms pop. They look especially nice when planted together with other violets, and they are super easy to maintain!

Zones: 3 to 8

Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade

Mature height: up to 8 inches

Water: Average

Best for woodland gardens, moon gardens, alpine gardens, containers, and borders

Wild Ginger

Wild ginger is an ideal container plant because it is low maintenance and adds green to any arrangement. It can also grow with other flowers to add interest to a hanging basket.

Sun exposure: Full shade

Zones: 4 to 8

Mature height: up to 12 inches

Water: average to wet

Best for woodlands, shaded gardens, under trees or shrubs, and in containers

European Ginger

The European ginger is another of the best perennials for hanging baskets because its foliage will steal the show. In addition to its mellow ginger scent, this plant can fill any container with lush foliage.

Sun exposure: part shade to full shade

Zones: 4 to 8

Mature height: up to 8 inches

Water: medium to wet

Best for woodlands, shaded gardens, under trees or shrubs, and in containers

Virginia Spring Beauty

The delicate flowers of the Virginia spring beauty make this another plant you want to see up close. It is obvious why this is one of the best perennials for hanging baskets; the flowers are almost too beautiful to be real!

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

Zones: 4 to 9

Mature height: up to 8 inches

Water: Average

Best for woodland gardens, alpine gardens, borders, and containers

Twinleaf

The twinleaf is another hanging basket perennial that is almost too good to be true. Its cupped flowers sit just above its dark green foliage. With a short but full growth habit, the Twinleaf would look good in any hanging basket.

Sun exposure: Full shade

Zones: 5 to 7

Mature height: up to 8 inches

Water: Average to moist

Best for woodland gardens, front of borders, edges, and containers

Hepatica

The hepatica looks similar to the twinleaf but is even shorter. Because of its many sparkly white blossoms, it is one of the best perennials for hanging baskets.

Sun exposure: Part sun to part shade

Zones: 4 to 8

Mature height: up to 6 inches

Water: Average

Best for woodlands, edges, front of borders, and containers

Vinca Minor

While vinca minor is often used as a groundcover, it looks wonderful in containers and hanging baskets. Its purple flowers will fill in and trail from any hanging basket as long as it has plenty of sun.

Sun exposure: Full sun

Zones: 4 to 9

Mature height: up to 6 inches

Water: Average

Best for front of borders, containers, and as a groundcover

Creeping Buttercup

Creeping buttercup is often grown on the ground, but why not bring it up a notch? These delicate flowers transfix children for a reason - they are beautiful and memorable. Why let kids have all the when you can enjoy them up close in a hanging basket?

Zones: 3 to 9

Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade

Mature height: up to 10 inches

Water: Average

Best for woodlands, borders, or as a groundcover

Bluets

The overlooked bluets are among the best perennials for hanging baskets because they have such delicate flowers. They pair nicely with violets, buttercups, or the dwarf crested iris.

Sun exposure: Part sun to part shade

Zones: 3 to 8

Mature height: up to 6 inches

Water: Dry to average

Best for from of borders, woodland gardens, edges, and containers

How to Care for Your Hanging Plants in the Fall:

Now that you have some ideas of what to plant, here is a short care guide for hanging basket perennials. Because perennials will return the following year, they will require maintenance and care if planted in a hanging basket or container.

If you have other containers that you plant perennials in, treat the plant in the hanging basket the same as those. If not, we suggest you consider doing the following:

Take hanging baskets down
Dig a half circle in the ground
Remove the plant together with the natural materials liner
Place the plant with a liner into the hole so it is levelled with the ground
In spring, pick the plant up and replace the liner before reinserting it into the hanging basket
The plant may need to be divided or thinned if it becomes too large for the hanging basket

Or you can try this method:

Take hanging baskets down
Place baskets in the greenhouse, shed, or basement
Make sure you water the plants occasionally throughout winter
In spring, take plants outside again and rehang

DIY Hanging Basket for Perennials: A Step-by-Step Guide

A porch or balcony becomes a cheerful and inviting space when you fill its space with a hanging basket overflowing with vibrant perennial plants. Creating your DIY hanging basket allows you to choose particular plants and container styles that match your personal preferences and garden style. The initial appearance of the idea may seem intimidating, but following the steps reveals its simplicity. This guide will show you how to choose materials and prepare the container while selecting appropriate perennials and planting them, followed by maintenance instructions to ensure your creation flourishes throughout the season.

1. Selecting the Right Basket and Liner
A sturdy and sufficiently large hanging basket is your project's foundation to accommodate perennial root systems adequately. Wire baskets remain a popular option because they provide superior airflow and drainage. The arrangement becomes more visually pleasing because you can plant around both the sides and the top. Whether you choose plastic or wood baskets, your selection should include sufficient drainage holes to avoid root rot.

A basket liner is essential to keep soil intact and minimize water drainage. Coco liners, also known as coir liners, attract gardeners due to their natural composition, biodegradable nature, and breathable features. Moss liners provide a traditional rustic style while functioning as an excellent choice. These materials maintain moisture levels and manage water drainage to support healthy perennial growth.

2. Gathering Your Planting Essentials
Start your planting project by collecting all needed materials for an efficient workflow. Select a container gardening potting mix that contains minerals like perlite or vermiculite for more suitable drainage and aeration for optimum plant growth. Hanging basket mixes are superior because they typically include ingredients that help maintain moisture levels. You can mix slow-release fertilizer or organic compost into the potting mix for a long-lasting nutrient source for your perennials.

The display method for your basket determines whether you should use hanging chains or a hook attachment. Your hanging hardware needs sufficient strength to support the weight of a wholly watered basket, while heavy-duty chains or hooks remain recommended options. Then, collect garden gloves, a hand trowel, and other gardening tools to set up and organize the plants.

3. Choosing the Best Perennials
The satisfaction of growing perennial hanging baskets comes from the understanding that multiple plants will regenerate annually when given appropriate maintenance. Hardy geraniums, fuchsias, and select begonia species provide excellent perennial choices for hanging baskets that can survive winter in mild climates. The cascading foliage from ivy and trailing perennials such as creeping jenny or vinca vine creates a lush, overflowing appearance while softening the basket edges.

When selecting your perennial plants, consider the level of sunlight exposure your basket location will receive. Some plants flourish under full sun exposure, whereas others require less direct sunlight in partial shade. Different leaf shapes and plant heights create visual interest and fully utilize every layer in the basket. Focus on the flowering periods and foliage characteristics alongside flower colors to balance form and color.

4. Planting Your Basket
You can begin the assembly process after gathering your basket, liner, potting mix, and perennial plants. Add a potting mix layer to the lined basket base to assemble your basket. Position plants through the sides of a wire basket to achieve a more dramatic visual display. Make small holes in the liner, then carefully place the root ball inside before packing the potting mix around it to stabilize the plant. Add soil layers and plant new plants while reaching the basket's top edge.

Place your central focal plants in the center of the basket top while surrounding them with draping vines or trailing flowers along the edges. The container should have enough space because perennials require sufficient room to develop healthy root systems. After confirming that your arrangement looks good, fill the remaining empty spaces with potting mix, press it down softly, and water it well.

5. Proper Hanging and Placement
Secure the chains or hooks properly before lifting your basket. Check for balance: An unevenly weighted basket might tilt if one side bears more weight. Reposition plants or adjust chain attachments to maintain even weight distribution across the basket. Evaluate the sunlight requirements and how easily you can access the spot to select a hanging location for your basket. The location of your hanging basket should provide proper light exposure to your perennials while maintaining easy access to watering and care.

6. Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Long-term investments require proper care to sustain perennials' growth. Hanging baskets require more frequent watering because they lose moisture faster than plants in the ground. Test the soil moisture by touching the topsoil and water thoroughly until water passes through the liner if it feels dry. Extreme heat requires you to water your plants once or twice daily.

Use fertilizer on your basket monthly or follow the specific instructions provided in the fertilizer package. To simplify maintenance, start with a slow-release fertilizer during planting and add liquid feeds as needed. Remove faded flowers to stimulate new blooms and cut back loose stems to keep a tidy appearance. Your climate during winter will determine whether you need to relocate the basket indoors or find a protected area to safeguard delicate perennials.

7. Rejuvenating and Replanting
Eventually, your hanging basket perennials will exceed their container space or consume all nutrients from the soil. Rootbound plants require regular attention by being removed from their pots and replaced with soil every few years. Crowded perennials can be divided and repotted into the basket or given to friends. Maintaining your hanging basket properly and periodically replanting will ensure it stays beautiful and your perennials keep growing well.

Designing your DIY hanging basket for perennial plants produces lasting outdoor beauty and a gratifying experience. A little planning, appropriate materials, and steady maintenance will let you experience a colorful and textured cascade in your outdoor space throughout the seasons. Your personal touch in designing and maintaining your hanging basket brings deep fulfillment because it blossoms into a stunning yearly display.

Products from the article

Dwarf Crested Iris

Dwarf Crested Iris - Iris Cristata Dwarf Crested Iris is a delicate perennial with small, slender leaves and charming, blue to purple flowers, each adorned with delicate white or yellow crests on their petals. It is a stunning and versatile plant with numerous landscaping benefits. This low-growing perennial herb is native to North America and thrives in woodland settings, making it an excellent addition to various garden styles. While exploring the lovely possibilities of dressing up your gardens, they will undoubtedly catch your eye. This is a relatively short perennial plant native to the eastern United States and enjoyed in gardens throughout the country and abroad. While many people are familiar with them, they are often unaware of their appealing traits. What are some of the notable benefits of planting it in your yard? Add Beautiful Pops of Color With Dwarf Crested Iris This plant is highly regarded for its many colors. The branches are brown and combine with yellowish-green or green leaves and stunning flowers. The plant reaches four inches in height with the stem and the flower. The fragrant flowers bloom in April and May, revealing shades of purple, lilac, lavender, blue, and pale blue. The rarer colors are pink and white. Additional colors include a white center and vibrant shades of yellow, orange, purple, and dark blue on its outer petals. Birds Love Dwarf Crested Iris Seeds The seeds produced by the flowers in the spring are under a centimeter in diameter, so they are easily dispersed by birds and the wind. In addition, this is a creeping plant that expands by shooting out long roots underground. While their growth is not usually noticeable only a year after planting them, the plants’ roots expand exponentially. This allows you to enjoy a blanket of them in your yard after several years. They Are Shade Loving Perennials This plant is commonly found in the wild in wooded areas. It can also grow in the crags of ledges, on a rocky landscape, or in ravines. This makes it ideal for beautifying a formal garden or a native or xeriscape yard with rock features. Attract Wildlife With It While some wildlife is welcome and desired in your yard, other species can cause damage. This Dwarf Crested Iris deters deer on your property to safeguard the different plants in your yard that deer may be drawn to. In addition, they are fragrant and attract bees and hummingbirds. What is the Habitat of It They grow well in half shade or all shade and so is ideal for woodland gardens or semi-shade borders. It likes well-drained soil, but can grow in sandy or loamy soils. Do they Blossom They blossoms in early spring and has pale lavender, violet or pale blue flowers with yellow or white spikes. It is pollinated by butterflies and a lovely addition to a late spring bouquet. Is It Care-Free It is quick and easy to propagate, and the plant needs very little care after you've got it going. It spreads slowly, it produces a carpet hence weeds are suppressed and your compound looks beautiful for the same. Will They Survive The Pot Life They can be grown in containers because it is small. Plant it in a drainage pot, then plant it in a shaded place for growth. It is Able To Be Divided And eventually the plant gets too crowded, about 3-5 years. Splitting the rhizomes ensures they don't get infected but it also lets new plants survive in your garden.

From $8.99

European Ginger

European Ginger - Asarum Europaeum European Ginger is a low-growing ground cover plant that has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and produces small, inconspicuous brownish-purple flowers nestled among its dense, carpet-like foliage. It is a charming and versatile plant with several landscaping benefits. This evergreen perennial herb is native to Europe and is valued for its exotic appearance, low-maintenance nature, and various practical applications in garden design. It creates a pleasant aesthetic while helping keep insects and other pests away. This plant grows low to the ground and is typically used to cover barren areas or protect gardens or other areas you want to keep free of bugs or animals. The European Ginger Is a Shade Ground-Cover When grown in favorable conditions, it can grow over a foot tall. Its green leaves have a leathery texture that can add diversity to your yard or garden. The plant can be a garden border to add natural charm to your property. The green leaves may retain their color depending on the climate in your area. European Ginger Spreads While this plant grows steadily, given enough space, you can get it to grow even faster by separating the roots into separate areas of your yard or garden to get them to propagate quickly. As a general rule, as long as it is planted in the right spot, you won't have to worry about it growing properly after putting roots into the ground. Disease and Pest Resistant One of the key benefits of this European Ginger is that it won't succumb to disease. Furthermore, aside from slugs or snails, it isn't eaten by other insects or animals, and in numerous instances, it can attract butterflies and other attractive creatures to your property. It is worth noting that harm can be done to the plant if you prune it in the late fall or winter, as the remaining leaves can be vulnerable to burn. Ideally, you will prune it during the summer or early fall to allow the plant to bounce back before colder weather sets in. How is it Unique It's popular for its heart-shaped glossy leaves, which grow into a year-round groundcover. It is a small shrub, so you can use it in the shade of a backyard garden. Where should I plant it in my garden? It grows best in partially shaded areas with good, draining, fertile soil. It thrives when planted beneath trees, near pathways, and in woodland gardens. How do I Care For it? It requires watering only once a week. Place a layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil. You can do a little pruning to keep it neat. Is It a good companion plant Yes! Its dense foliage helps suppress weeds and complements ferns, hostas, and other shade-tolerant plants. Can I grow it in containers? European ginger can easily be grown in containers, making it ideal for patios or small growing areas. Ensure the container has well-drained soil and the plant is placed in the right amount of shade.

From $7.99

Vinca Minor

Vinca Minor - Periwinkle Vinca minor or periwinkle, is an evergreen groundcover plant that has delicate purple blooms in Spring and summer and can be maintained year-round with little effort. Easy to care for and adaptable to shade and sun conditions, it forms a dense and textured swathe of foliage and flowers ideal for borders, beds, and shade gardens. Vinca Minor Plant Characteristics and Growth Its smooth, dark green leaves remain in full display year-round, giving your yard a predictable hue. This perennial comes into bloom in spring with lovely, star-shaped blue-to-violet flowers that provide a splash of color. The flowers bloom early to mid-spring and continue through early summer, attracting bees and butterflies.&nbspThis short-stemmed plant quickly grows into large mats, making it a perfect ground cover between trees or beds. It can be planted quickly and, once established, does not require much upkeep. It grows well in various soils and in partial shade to full sun, though it’s most successful in shady places on well-drained soils. This perennial is resistant to many of the most common garden pests and diseases, so it is an excellent option for those who love keeping their gardens minimal. It needs occasional watering, and its evergreen leaves ensure year-round interest, even in the winter. Long-Lasting Blooms and Lifespan of Vinca Minor Perennial Vines It flowers for a few weeks in the spring, and its evergreen habit keeps it fresh all year. Being perennial, it will recur year after year, providing your garden with lasting grace and minimal upkeep. Here at TN Nursery, we carry only premium plants that will make a lasting impression on your garden and provide you with year-round blooms and lush green foliage. The easy care, long blooming, and evergreen foliage make it an excellent groundcover for gardeners who want a beautiful, easy-care, color-rich, and texture-filled addition to their landscape. Most Asked Questions About This Perennial Do periwinkle plants come back every year? Yes, they return every Spring and live for decades Do periwinkle like sun or shade? These vine plants thrive in shaded areas Why is it called a graveyard plant? They grow near shaded banks and slopes, often near the woods bear graveyards because most is adjoining wooded areas, to obtain the shade needed. Thus, they got their name as graveyard vines.

From $8.99