Hanging baskets add a touch of beauty and elegance to any space. They are perfect for those who love gardening but have limited outdoor space. Choosing the right trailing plant is crucial since it can make or break the overall look. In this article, we will explore the top 10 longest trailing plants for hanging baskets.
What Are Trailing Plants?
Trailing plants are plants that grow horizontally rather than vertically. They are perfect for hanging baskets as they drape down the sides, creating a stunning effect. These plants usually have long stems that grow outwards and downwards, giving them a cascading appearance.
The Top 10 Longest Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets
1. Wave Petunias
Wave petunias are one of the most popular trailing plants for hanging baskets. They can grow up to 4 feet long, making them perfect for large baskets. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white.
How to Care for Wave Petunias
Wave petunias require full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant, so be careful not to overwater them. Deadheading regularly will encourage more blooms.
2. Sweet Potato Vine
The sweet potato vine is a fast-growing trailing plant that can reach up to 6 feet long. It has heart-shaped leaves that come in a range of colors, including green, purple, and variegated.
How to Care for Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet potato vines prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant but do best with regular watering. Pinching back the stems will encourage bushier growth.
3. Million Bells
Million bells, also known as Calibrachoa, are another popular choice for hanging baskets. They produce an abundance of small, bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and yellow. They can grow up to 2 feet long.
How to Care for Million Bells
Million bells require full sun and well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant and don't require much water. Deadheading regularly will encourage more blooms.
4. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny, also known as Lysimachia nummularia, is a low-maintenance trailing plant that can reach up to 2 feet long. It has round leaves that are bright green or yellow.
How to Care for Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny prefers partial shade and moist soil. It doesn't require much fertilizer and is relatively pest-free. It can be invasive, so be careful not to plant it near other plants.
5. Bacopa
Bacopa is a trailing plant that produces small, white or blue flowers. It can grow up to 2 feet long and is perfect for hanging baskets.
How to Care for Bacopa
Bacopa prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's heat-tolerant and requires regular watering. Deadheading regularly will encourage more blooms.
6. Verbena
Verbena is a trailing plant that produces clusters of small flowers in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and red. It can grow up to 3 feet long.
How to Care for Verbena
Verbena prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant and doesn't require much fertilizer. Deadheading regularly will encourage more blooms.
7. Nasturtium
Nasturtium is a trailing plant that has bright green leaves and produces small flowers in a range of colors, including orange, yellow, and red. It can grow up to 2 feet long.
How to Care for Nasturtium
Nasturtium prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant and doesn't require much fertilizer. Pinching back the stems will encourage bushier growth.
8. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a beautiful trailing plant that produces stunning flowers in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and red. It can grow up to 2 feet long.
How to Care for Fuchsia
Fuchsia prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. It requires regular watering and fertilizing. Deadheading regularly will encourage more blooms.
9. Lobelia
Lobelia is a delicate trailing plant that produces small, blue or white flowers. It can grow up to 2 feet long.
How to Care for Lobelia
Lobelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's heat-tolerant and requires regular watering. Deadheading regularly will encourage more blooms.
10. Ivy Geranium
Ivy geranium is a trailing plant that produces clusters of small flowers in a range of colors, including pink and red. It can grow up to 2 feet long.
How to Care for Ivy Geranium
Ivy geranium prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant and doesn't require much fertilizer. Deadheading regularly will encourage more blooms.
Choosing the right trailing plant for your hanging basket is important, and with these top 10 longest trailing plants, you'll be sure to make a statement. Remember to care for your plants properly, and they'll reward you with beautiful cascading foliage.
FAQs
1. How often should I water my hanging basket?
It depends on the type of plant and the environment. Most trailing plants prefer moist soil, so water them when the top inch of soil feels dry.
2. How do I deadhead my plants?
Use scissors or pruning shears to remove spent flowers and stems. Cut just above a healthy leaf or stem node.
3. Can I grow trailing plants indoors?
Yes, as long as they receive enough sunlight and are planted in well-drained soil.
4. What's the best time of day to water my hanging basket?
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to water your plants. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.
5. How do I fertilize my hanging basket?
Use a slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer every few weeks. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.
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