What Hanging Baskets Do Well In Full Sun

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Introduction

When it comes to adding a burst of color and beauty to your outdoor space, hanging baskets can be a wonderful addition. These versatile containers not only provide a stunning visual display but also offer a space-saving solution for those with limited gardening areas. Whether you have a balcony, porch, or patio, hanging baskets can transform any dull space into a vibrant oasis.

However, not all hanging baskets are created equal, especially when it comes to their ability to withstand full sun exposure. Full sun is typically defined as an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. In such conditions, it is important to choose plants that are well-suited to handle the intense heat and light.

In this article, we will explore some of the best hanging baskets that thrive in full sun, allowing you to create a stunning display in even the sunniest spots of your outdoor area.

Petunias

Petunias are classic and popular choices for hanging baskets in full sun. These annual flowers come in a wide range of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Petunias are known for their ability to withstand heat and bright sunlight, making them perfect for full sun exposure.

One of the advantages of petunias is their ability to continuously bloom throughout the summer, providing a glorious display of color. They are easy to care for, requiring regular watering and occasional fertilization. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.

When selecting petunias for your hanging baskets, consider trailing varieties such as Surfinia, Wave, or Cascadia. These types have long stems that cascade down and create a beautiful cascading effect. They are perfect for adding a pop of color to your outdoor space.

Petunias prefer well-draining soil and should be placed in a location that receives full sun for optimal growth. However, they can tolerate some partial shade, as long as they still receive a significant amount of sunlight throughout the day.

To keep your petunias looking their best, water them regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Overall, petunias are excellent choices for hanging baskets in full sun. With their vibrant colors, easy care requirements, and tolerance for heat and sunlight, petunias can add a stunning visual appeal to any outdoor space.

Geraniums

Geraniums are another popular choice for hanging baskets that are exposed to full sun. These flowering plants are known for their bright and vibrant blooms, which come in various shades of red, pink, white, and purple. Geraniums not only tolerate full sun but also thrive in it, making them a reliable choice for those looking to add color to their outdoor space.

One of the reasons why geraniums perform well in full sun is their ability to withstand high temperatures and dry conditions. They have robust, drought-tolerant foliage and can handle the intense heat without wilting. This makes them a great option for hanging baskets that receive direct sunlight throughout the day.

Geraniums have a long blooming season, typically starting in spring or early summer and lasting into fall. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making your garden a haven for these beneficial creatures. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering and keep your hanging baskets looking vibrant.

When choosing geraniums for your hanging baskets, look for trailing or ivy geranium varieties. These are the best options for cascading down from the baskets. Some popular cultivars include ‘Cascade Coral’, ‘Rozanne’, and ‘Caliente Red’.

To ensure the health and vigor of your geraniums, provide them with well-drained soil and a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Water the plants regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize them every two to four weeks with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

When it comes to care, geraniums are relatively low-maintenance. Some occasional pruning can help maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Additionally, be on the lookout for common diseases like fungal infections or aphid infestations, and take appropriate measures to prevent or treat them.

All in all, geraniums are excellent choices for hanging baskets in full sun. With their vibrant blooms, heat tolerance, and ease of care, they can add a touch of charm and elegance to any outdoor space.

Million Bells

Million Bells, also known by their scientific name Calibrachoa, are stunning flowering plants that are perfect for hanging baskets in full sun. These annuals are a favorite among gardeners for their abundant blooms and vibrant colors.

Million Bells are characterized by their small, petunia-like flowers that come in a variety of shades, including pink, purple, yellow, orange, and white. Their cascading growth habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets, as they spill over the edges and create a beautiful trailing display.

One of the advantages of Million Bells is their ability to withstand full sun and heat. These plants are known for their exceptional heat tolerance and can thrive in hot, sunny conditions. They continue to produce flowers consistently throughout the summer season, bringing a burst of color to your outdoor space.

When selecting Million Bells for your hanging baskets, look for vigorous and trailing varieties like ‘Superbells’, ‘Million Bells Trailing’, or ‘MiniFamous’. These cultivars are specifically bred for their trailing growth habit, making them perfect for cascading down from baskets.

Million Bells thrive in well-draining soil and require regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist. However, be cautious not to overwater them, as they are susceptible to root rot. Providing a layer of mulch around the plants can help conserve moisture and control soil temperature.

Feeding your Million Bells with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Deadheading the spent blooms will encourage the plants to produce more flowers and maintain a neat and tidy appearance.

Overall, Million Bells are a fantastic choice for hanging baskets in full sun. Their profusion of blooms, trailing growth habit, and heat tolerance make them an excellent addition to any outdoor space, creating a stunning visual impact.

Lantanas

Lantanas are vibrant and hardy flowering plants that are well-suited for hanging baskets in full sun. These perennials are native to tropical regions and thrive in hot, sunny climates, making them ideal for areas with intense sunlight.

One of the standout features of lantanas is their colorful clusters of flowers. The blooms come in a variety of shades, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. They are often referred to as “butterfly plants” because they attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding an extra element of beauty to your hanging baskets.

Lantanas are known for their heat tolerance and ability to withstand drought conditions, making them a reliable choice for full sun exposure. These resilient plants can thrive in hot and dry environments, making them ideal for locations that receive direct sunlight throughout the day.

When selecting lantanas for your hanging baskets, consider the trailing or cascading varieties. These types have a sprawling growth habit, cascading over the sides of the baskets and creating a stunning visual display. Some popular cultivars include ‘New Gold’, ‘Miss Huff’, and ‘Luscious Pinkberry Blend’.

Lantanas prefer well-draining soil and require regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, it is essential not to overwater them as they can be prone to root rot. A layer of mulch around the plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

In terms of care, lantanas are relatively low-maintenance. They are resistant to pests and diseases and do not require much pruning. However, deadheading faded flowers will help promote continuous blooming and keep the plants looking tidy.

Overall, lantanas are an excellent choice for hanging baskets in full sun. With their vibrant flowers, heat tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators, they can create a colorful and lively display in your outdoor space.

Portulacas

Portulacas, also known as moss roses or purslanes, are beautiful and resilient plants that thrive in full sun, making them ideal for hanging baskets. These annuals are native to arid and dry regions, and as a result, they are well-suited to handle the intense heat and sunlight.

Portulacas are known for their vibrant and colorful flowers, which come in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. The blooms resemble miniature roses and create a visually stunning display. The flowers open during the day and close at night, adding an element of fascination to your hanging baskets.

One of the reasons why portulacas do well in full sun is their ability to tolerate drought conditions. These plants have fleshy, succulent-like leaves that help them retain moisture. This adaptation allows portulacas to thrive in dry, sunny locations where other plants may struggle.

When selecting portulacas for your hanging baskets, look for trailing or cascading varieties that are specifically bred for containers. These types have a trailing growth habit, cascading over the sides of the baskets and creating a vibrant and lush display. Some popular cultivars include ‘Sundial’, ‘Happy Trails’, and ‘Colorblast Double Cherry’.

Portulacas prefer well-drained soil and require minimal watering. These plants store water in their leaves, allowing them to go for extended periods without regular watering. However, during prolonged dry periods, it is essential to provide them with some water to keep them healthy and blooming.

In terms of care, portulacas are relatively low-maintenance plants. They are generally disease and pest resistant, and pruning is not necessary. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowering and keep the plants looking neat and tidy.

Overall, portulacas are an excellent choice for hanging baskets in full sun. With their vibrant flowers, drought tolerance, and low maintenance requirements, they can bring a splash of color and beauty to any outdoor space.

Consider using plants like petunias, geraniums, million bells, and verbena in your hanging baskets for full sun. These plants thrive in the direct sunlight and will provide a beautiful display all season long.

Verbena

Verbena is a versatile and stunning flowering plant that performs exceptionally well in full sun, making it a perfect choice for hanging baskets. This annual or perennial plant is highly prized for its beautiful clusters of small, colorful flowers.

Verbena comes in various shades, including pink, purple, red, white, and bi-colored varieties. The flowers form dense clusters atop slender stems, creating a striking visual display. These plants are known for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, adding an extra element of life to your hanging baskets.

One of the reasons why verbena thrives in full sun is its ability to tolerate heat and drought. These plants have a high tolerance for dry conditions, making them an excellent choice for areas with intense sunlight and limited water availability. Verbena is known for its resilience and ability to bounce back even after periods of neglect.

When selecting verbena for your hanging baskets, consider compact and trailing varieties, such as ‘Tapien’, ‘Homestead Purple’, or ‘Superbena’. These cultivars have a trailing growth habit, cascading over the edges of the basket and creating a visually appealing display of color.

Verbena prefers well-drained soil and requires moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as verbena is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Feeding verbena with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Deadheading spent blooms regularly will encourage continuous blooming and keep your hanging baskets looking tidy.

In terms of care, verbena is relatively low-maintenance. These plants have good disease resistance and are not prone to many pests. However, it is recommended to keep an eye out for any signs of powdery mildew or aphid infestations and take appropriate measures to prevent or treat them.

With their vibrant colors, heat tolerance, and attractive flowers, verbena is an excellent choice for hanging baskets in full sun. These plants can bring a lively burst of color to your outdoor space and create a striking visual impact.

Bacopa

Bacopa, also known as Sutera, is a beautiful and delicate trailing plant that thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets. This annual or perennial plant is prized for its small, five-petaled flowers that come in shades of white, lavender, pink, or blue.

Bacopa is known for its cascading growth habit, with its lush stems and foliage spilling over the edges of the basket in an elegant and graceful manner. This trailing effect adds a touch of charm and visual interest to any hanging basket arrangement.

One of the notable characteristics of bacopa is its ability to tolerate full sun and heat. These plants can handle bright sunlight without wilting or scorching, making them a reliable choice for areas with intense sun exposure. They thrive in hot and sunny conditions and continue to bloom throughout the summer season.

When selecting bacopa for your hanging baskets, look for trailing varieties such as ‘Gulliver’, ‘Snowstorm’, or ‘Bluetopia’. These cultivars are specifically bred for their trailing growth habit and are perfect for cascading down from the baskets.

Bacopa prefers well-drained soil and requires regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist. However, be careful not to overwater these plants, as they are susceptible to root rot. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings is recommended.

Feeding bacopa with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks will promote healthy growth and flowering. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous blooming and keep the plants looking neat and tidy.

In terms of care, bacopa is relatively low-maintenance. These plants are generally pest and disease resistant. However, it is essential to monitor for any signs of aphid infestations or fungal diseases, and take appropriate measures to prevent or treat them.

Overall, bacopa is a fantastic choice for hanging baskets in full sun. With its delicate flowers, trailing growth habit, and ability to withstand heat and bright sunlight, bacopa can add a touch of elegance and beauty to any outdoor space.

Calibrachoas

Calibrachoas, also known as Million Bells, are stunning flowering plants that excel in full sun, making them a perfect choice for hanging baskets. These annuals are closely related to petunias and are loved for their abundant blooms and vibrant colors.

Calibrachoas produce an abundance of small, trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, orange, and white. The flowers closely resemble those of petunias but with a more compact and bushy growth habit. These plants offer a cascading effect, tumbling over the edges of the hanging basket in a mesmerizing display.

One of the key advantages of Calibrachoas is their ability to withstand full sun and heat. They are exceptionally tolerant of intense sunlight, making them an ideal choice for areas that receive direct sunlight throughout the day. Calibrachoas will continue to flower profusely even under high temperatures.

When selecting Calibrachoas for your hanging baskets, consider compact and trailing varieties such as ‘Superbells’, ‘Million Bells Trailing’, or ‘MiniFamous’. These cultivars are specifically bred for their cascading growth habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets.

Calibrachoas prefer well-draining soil and require regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist. Watering should be done consistently, ensuring that the plants do not become waterlogged. Providing a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Feeding Calibrachoas with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks will promote healthy growth and blooming. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous flowering and keep the plants looking tidy.

Caring for Calibrachoas is relatively easy, as they are generally disease and pest resistant. However, it is essential to monitor for any signs of aphids or fungal diseases and take appropriate measures to prevent or treat them if necessary.

Overall, Calibrachoas are an excellent choice for hanging baskets in full sun. With their abundant blooms, vibrant colors, and ability to tolerate heat and intense sunlight, Calibrachoas can create a stunning and visually appealing display in your outdoor space.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are vibrant and versatile flowering plants that thrive in full sun, making them an excellent choice for hanging baskets. These annuals are known for their beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush, round leaves.

Nasturtiums come in a variety of colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, and cream. The flowers often have a unique honey-like fragrance, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds to your hanging baskets. The foliage of nasturtiums is also edible, adding a delightful culinary element to your garden.

One of the characteristics that make nasturtiums ideal for full sun is their ability to tolerate intense heat and dry conditions. These plants have succulent-like leaves that can store water, allowing them to withstand sunny and arid environments. Nasturtiums thrive in hot and sunny locations, flowering profusely throughout the summer.

When selecting nasturtiums for your hanging baskets, look for bushy or trailing varieties, such as ‘Empress of India’, ‘Alaska’, or ‘Jewel Mix’. These cultivars are specifically bred for hanging baskets and have a cascading growth habit, spilling over the edges of the basket with their colorful flowers.

Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and require moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. These plants are relatively drought-tolerant and can handle some neglect, making them suitable for those who may forget to water regularly.

Feeding nasturtiums with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks will provide them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant flowering. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming and ensure a tidy appearance for your hanging baskets.

In terms of care, nasturtiums are generally low-maintenance plants. They are naturally resistant to many pests and diseases, making them an easy choice for gardeners. However, it’s important to be on the lookout for aphids, snails, or slugs, and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary.

Overall, nasturtiums are a fantastic choice for hanging baskets in full sun. With their vibrant and fragrant flowers, heat tolerance, and culinary uses, nasturtiums can add a splash of color and versatility to any outdoor space.

Scaevola

Scaevola, also known as fan flower, is a stunning and heat-tolerant flowering plant that thrives in full sun, making it a perfect choice for hanging baskets. This perennial plant is native to Australia and is loved for its unique fan-shaped flowers and cascading growth habit.

Scaevola flowers come in shades of blue, lavender, pink, and white. The blooms are arranged in a fan-like pattern, creating a visually appealing display. The trailing stems of scaevola make them an excellent choice for hanging baskets, as they gracefully spill over the sides, adding a touch of charm to any outdoor space.

One of the notable features of scaevola is its excellent tolerance to heat and drought. These plants are well-adapted to withstand intense sunlight and dry conditions, making them an ideal choice for areas with full sun exposure. Scaevola continues to flower abundantly even in hot summer temperatures.

When selecting scaevola for your hanging baskets, look for trailing varieties such as ‘Whirlwind’, ‘New Wonder’, or ‘Scampi’. These cultivars have a cascading growth habit, perfect for creating a beautiful trailing effect in your hanging baskets.

Scaevola prefers well-drained soil and requires regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist. It’s essential to avoid overwatering, as scaevola is susceptible to root rot. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings is important to maintain healthy plant growth.

Feeding scaevola with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during planting and applying a water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks will provide the necessary nutrients for vibrant growth and continuous blooming. Deadheading spent flowers will help promote more blooms and keep your hanging baskets looking neat and tidy.

Caring for scaevola is relatively easy, as these plants are generally disease and pest resistant. They require minimal pruning or shaping and are suitable for beginner gardeners. However, it’s important to monitor for any signs of aphids or snail damage and take appropriate action if necessary.

Overall, scaevola is an excellent choice for hanging baskets in full sun. With its unique fan-shaped flowers, heat tolerance, and cascading growth habit, scaevola can add a touch of elegance and beauty to any outdoor space.

Conclusion

Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to add beauty and color to your outdoor space, even in areas with full sun exposure. By selecting the right plants, you can create a stunning display that thrives in intense sunlight and heat.

From petunias to geraniums, million bells to lantanas, and verbena to nasturtiums, there are numerous options available for hanging baskets in full sun. These plants have proven to be well-suited to withstand the challenges of direct sunlight, maintaining their vibrant colors and lush foliage throughout the summer season.

When selecting plants for your hanging baskets, consider their heat tolerance, sun requirements, growth habit, and care needs. Choose trailing or cascading varieties that will gracefully spill over the edges of the basket, creating a stunning visual effect. Ensure that the plants have well-draining soil and provide them with regular watering to keep them healthy and thriving.

Remember, maintenance is key to keeping your hanging baskets flourishing in full sun. Regular watering, deadheading spent flowers, and occasional fertilizing will help promote continuous blooming and maintain a neat and tidy appearance.

With the right selection of plants and proper care, your hanging baskets in full sun will become the standout feature of your outdoor space. The vibrant colors, cascading growth, and resilience of these plants will create a visual feast for the eyes and bring life to any balcony, porch, or patio.

So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and transform your outdoor space with beautiful hanging baskets that thrive in full sun. Enjoy the beauty and joy these plants bring, and let your garden become a true oasis of color and life.