How to Pick Flowers for Hanging Baskets

A well designed hanging basket can add beauty and color to a home, porch or deck. These floral decorations can be purchased ready made, but you get much more bang for your buck when you do it yourself. A custom made basket allows you to select flowers that will complement the other elements in the surrounding space. However, there is more to consider than color and size. Read on to learn how to pick flowers for hanging baskets.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Select flowers with similar growing conditions for large hanging baskets. A variety of color and texture is appealing but will soon become an unsightly mess if the plants don't all require the same light, water and soil conditions.

2. Choose the location for your hanging basket first and then pick flowers based on the amount of sunlight that will be available. Different species of flowers require different levels of sunlight, and if you don't choose plants correctly they won't thrive.

3. Consider the color of the basket. The flowers should complement the color of the container and things in the surrounding area.

4. Plant only one type of flower if the basket is small. If you only have room for two or three plants, the arrangement will be much more attractive if they are similar in size and shape. To add variety to the basket, mix the colors.

5. Mix trailing or vining types of flowers with an upright type of flower when your container is large enough to accommodate it. Placing the tall flowers in the center and surrounding them by vines hanging down the outside of the basket adds an attractive dimension to the display.

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting flowers for any container garden, consider the season. If you want early spring or late fall color, choose hardy annuals like pansies or ornamental cabbages that thrive in cool weather. If you are planting in summer, go for the warm flowering plants like petunias that thrive in the warm sun.