Looking to turn your balcony or patio into a lush, green oasis? Hanging plants are the way to go! They add incredible depth to your space and can even dress up your home’s exterior. Here are some of the most popular varieties and why they deserve a spot in your hanging baskets.
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++Mexican Creeping Zinnia (Sanvitalia)
If you want a literal sea of tiny blossoms, the Creeping Zinnia (also known as Sanvitalia) is your best friend. This versatile plant works great as a bushy container filler or as a trailing beauty. Its stems branch out naturally and spill over the sides of your pots. It’s a tough little plant that stays vibrant all summer long, and with several varieties available, you can easily find one that fits your style.
++Beggarticks (Bidens ferulifolia)
Bidens is famous for its cheerful yellow flowers that drape beautifully over the edge of a balcony. In some places, it’s even called “Goldie” because of that intense sunny color. Originally from Mexico, this plant starts blooming in May and keeps the party going all the way through October. Since the stems have such a lovely trailing habit, they are a perfect choice for classic balcony window boxes.
++Busy Lizzie (Impatiens walleriana)
Impatiens, or “Busy Lizzies,” are an absolute staple for a reason. Gardeners love them because they are incredibly prolific bloomers—they really live up to the “busy” part of their name! They are hardy and, most importantly, they don’t mind a bit of shade. This makes them the perfect hanging plant for north, east, or west-facing balconies. They’re low-maintenance and come in a huge range of colors, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
++Petunias (Petunia)
You really can’t go wrong with Petunias. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers are iconic. You can find them in almost every color imaginable, including some really cool multi-colored or striped varieties. Petunia season kicks off in May and usually lasts until the first frost. They provide a massive punch of color for very little effort.
++Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
Hailing from Southeast Africa, the Black-Eyed Susan vine loves the heat. It thrives in sunny spots and is unique because it can either climb up a trellis or trail down from a basket. The flowers are usually a striking yellow or orange with a dark “eye” in the center. While most of us grow them as annuals, if you have a bright spot indoors, you can actually overwinter them for next year.
++Fuchsias (Fuchsia)
Fuchsias are a timeless choice for a sophisticated look. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers look like something out of a fairy tale. While they come in many shades, you’ll most often see them in vibrant reds and pinks—sometimes even two-toned. If you give them the right care, they’ll reward you with a heavy curtain of blooms. They are also a fantastic option for partially shaded spots where other flowers might struggle.
++Geraniums (Pelargonium)
Geraniums are arguably the kings of the balcony. They are everywhere, and for good reason! The trailing varieties (Ivy Geraniums) produce long stems topped with clusters of brilliant flowers. They look stunning in window boxes and create a massive wall of color. Pro tip: make sure to “deadhead” (remove) the wilted flowers to encourage the plant to keep producing new ones all season long.
%%Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
Million Bells (Calibrachoa) are as magical as they sound. They look like mini petunias but are much easier to care for. One of the best things about them? They are “self-cleaning,” meaning you don’t have to pick off the dead flowers. They are also surprisingly tough when it comes to wind and rain, making them one of the most resilient balcony plants you can find.