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Looking to make vibrant hanging baskets that thrive in sunny spots? Picking the perfect plants is key. Whether you want bursts of color, lush foliage, or even edible treats, there’s plenty to choose from. Join me as I highlight the best plants for hanging baskets in full sun, guaranteeing your indoor and outdoor areas are brimming with life and charm.
YayImagesBest Plants for Hanging Baskets in Full Sun
When you’re picking plants for those sunny hanging baskets, it’s important to think about how much sun they need, how they grow, and what care they’ll need. Going for plants that love the sun means they’ll thrive all season long. So, let’s dive into the 30 best plants for hanging baskets that’ll thrive in those full sun spots!
1. Sweet Potato Vine
YayImagesThe Sweet Potato vine is a great addition to full sun hanging baskets, with cascading foliage in green, purple, or variegated colors. It thrives in sunny spots due to its robust growth and heat tolerance.
To care for sweet potato vines, maintain moist soil without overwatering. Trim back any leggy growth to promote bushiness and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
2. String of Pearls
YayImagesThe String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a great choice for indoor hanging baskets. This succulent has long, trailing stems adorned with pearl-like leaves, perfect for cascading down from the top of the basket.
Place the string of pearls in an area where it gets indirect sunlight. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. Also, make sure you lightly fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
3. Spider Plant
YayImagesA Spider Plant is a great choice for hanging baskets with its arching foliage and tiny plantlets. It loves bright, indirect sunlight and needs little upkeep, making it perfect for busy gardeners.
Place spider plants where they get bright, indirect sunlight. They can also handle some direct sun too. Make sure to water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry and mist occasionally for humidity. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
4. Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Adobe StockThe Black-eyed Susan vine blooms with cheerful, daisy-like flowers in yellow, orange, or red hues, adding vibrant color to your hanging baskets. Its ability to tolerate heat makes it perfect for sunny spots.
Plant Black-eyed Susan vines in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, letting the soil slightly dry between waterings. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage blooming.
5. Ivy Geranium
YayImagesThe Ivy Geranium is a wonderful way to add some colorful charm to hanging baskets. Available in pink, red, white, and purple hues to match your outdoor décor.
Plant Ivy Geraniums in full sun and well-drained soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry, and remove spent blooms to keep flowers coming. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
6. Air Plants
YayImagesAir plants, also known as Tillandsia, are fascinating additions to hanging baskets as they don’t need soil to grow. These low-maintenance plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight, adding a distinctive flair to your outdoor space.
Place air plants where they get bright, indirect sunlight. Mist them 2-3 times weekly or soak them for 20-30 minutes in water once weekly. Use a diluted fertilizer sparingly every 2-3 months for fertilization.
7. Burro’s Tail
YayImagesThe Burro’s Tail, also known as Sedum morganianum, is a succulent with trailing stems and fleshy leaves. Its ability to tolerate drought and its love for the sun make it one of the best plants for hanging baskets in full sun.
Plant Burro’s Tail in full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly, letting the soil dry completely between waterings. Fertilize lightly every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
8. Cherry Tomatoes
YayImagesWhy settle for just flowers when you can grow delicious produce in your hanging baskets!? Cherry tomatoes love full sun and yield sweet, juicy fruits all summer.
Plant cherry tomatoes in full sun and well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist by watering regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
9. Petunias
YayImagesPetunias are classic favorites for hanging baskets, offering an abundance of colorful blooms in various hues. With proper care and regular deadheading, they’ll reward you with continuous flowering all season long.
Petunias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
10. Million Bells
YayImagesMillion bells, or Calibrachoa, resemble miniature petunias but pack a punch with their profusion of blooms. These sun-loving annuals come in a rainbow of colors, adding a cheerful vibe to your hanging baskets.
Million bells prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
11. Bougainvillea
YayImagesKnown for its vibrant bracts and vigorous growth, Bougainvillea is a show-stopping addition to hanging baskets in full sun. Choose from an array of hues, including pink, purple, red, and orange, to create a stunning focal point.
Bougainvillea thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
12. Portulaca
YayImagesPortulaca, or moss rose, thrives in hot, sunny conditions, producing colorful, daisy-like flowers that bloom all summer long. Its drought tolerance and low-growing habit make it perfect for cascading over the edges of hanging baskets.
Portulaca prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote blooming.
13. Dragon Wing Begonia
YayImagesDragon wing begonias are prized for their large, angel-wing-shaped leaves and abundant clusters of flowers. These shade-loving plants can tolerate some sun, making them suitable for hanging baskets in bright, filtered light.
Dragon wing begonias prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
14. Sunpatiens
YayImagesSunpatiens are hybrid impatiens bred for their sun tolerance and vibrant blooms. These vigorous plants thrive in full sun, producing a profusion of flowers in shades of pink, orange, red, and white.
Sunpatiens thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
15. Bacopa
YayImageBacopa, with its trailing habit and delicate flowers, is a lovely addition to hanging baskets. It prefers full sun to partial shade and blooms profusely throughout the summer, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden.
Bacopa prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote blooming.
16. Trailing Lantana
YayImagesTrailing Lantana is prized for its heat tolerance and long-lasting blooms, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets in full sun. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators, adding life and movement to your garden.
Trailing Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
17. Tradescantia Pallida
YayImagesTradescantia pallida, also known as purple heart or wandering Jew, is valued for its striking purple foliage and trailing habit. It thrives in full sun and adds a bold splash of color to hanging baskets.
Tradescantia pallida prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
18. Verbena
YayImagesVerbena is a popular choice for hanging baskets, offering clusters of colorful flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. With proper care and regular deadheading, it will bloom profusely throughout the summer.
Verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
19. Lobelia
YayImagesLobelia is prized for its delicate flowers and trailing growth habit, making it an ideal candidate for hanging baskets. It prefers full sun to partial shade and blooms profusely from spring to fall.
Lobelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote blooming.
20. Pansies
YayImagesPansies are beloved for their cheerful faces and cool-weather tolerance, making them perfect for hanging baskets in early spring and fall. With proper care, they’ll provide months of colorful blooms.
Pansies prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
21. Strawberries
YayImagesWhy not combine beauty with utility by planting strawberries in your hanging baskets? These sun-loving fruits produce sweet, juicy berries throughout the summer, adding both visual appeal and culinary delight to your outdoor space.
Strawberries require full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Provide support for the vines as they grow.
22. Sweet Alyssum
YayImagesSweet alyssum is valued for its delicate, honey-scented flowers and trailing growth habit. It thrives in full sun and blooms profusely from spring to fall, attracting beneficial insects to your garden.
Sweet alyssum prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
23. Ivy
YayImagesIvy adds a touch of elegance to hanging baskets with its cascading foliage and versatile nature. Choose from various ivy species, including English ivy, Algerian ivy, and Persian ivy, to suit your aesthetic preferences.
Ivy prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and mist occasionally to increase humidity. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
24. Nemesia
YayImagesNemesia is prized for its fragrant flowers and compact growth habit, making it perfect for hanging baskets. It prefers full sun and blooms profusely from spring to fall, adding beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.
Nemesia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
25. Mandevilla
YayImagesMandevilla is a tropical vine prized for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers and vigorous growth habit. It thrives in full sun and produces an abundance of blooms throughout the summer, creating a stunning focal point in your hanging baskets.
Mandevilla thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
26. Aptenia
YayImagesAptenia, or baby sun rose, is valued for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and trailing growth habit. It thrives in full sun and blooms profusely from spring to fall, adding a burst of color to your hanging baskets.
Aptenia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
27. Scaevola
YayImagesScaevola, or fan flower, is prized for its unique fan-shaped blooms and trailing growth habit. It thrives in full sun and blooms profusely from spring to fall, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden.
Scaevola prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming.
28. Dichondra
YayImagesDichondra is valued for its trailing foliage and heat tolerance, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets in full sun. Its silvery-green leaves add texture and interest to your outdoor spaces.
Dichondra prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
29. Creeping Thyme
YayImagesCreeping Thyme is a sun-loving herb perfect for hanging baskets in sunny locations, such as balconies or sunny patios. In fact, it prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow vigorously and produce its aromatic foliage and small, pink, lavender, or white flowers.
It needs well-drained soil, so don’t let it sit in water. With lots of sunlight and proper care, Creeping Thyme will cascade nicely over the edges of the basket, adding beauty and fragrance.
30. Morning Glory
YayImagesLastly, we have Morning Glory. With its stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers and vigorous growth, it’s an excellent choice for hanging baskets in full sun. Available in a variety of colors, including shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, morning glory is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.
Plant morning glory in full sun and well-drained soil. Provide support for the vines to climb as they grow, either by adding a trellis to the basket or allowing them to cascade over the edges. Water consistently, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
YayImagesConclusion
With an abundance of plants to choose from, creating stunning hanging baskets that thrive in full sun is easier than ever. Whether you prefer cascading foliage, colorful blooms, or edible delights, there’s a perfect plant for every preference and style. So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your creativity, and transform your outdoor spaces with hanging baskets today!
