April is a great time to start planning your hanging basket arrangements. The UK gardening calendar is filled with opportunities to plant a range of annuals and tender perennials that will thrive in the warmer weather. •
- Choose varieties that provide a cascade of colour and are suited to local growing conditions.
- Consider petunias, which are a classic choice for hanging baskets.
- Other options include fuschia, verbena, calibrachoa, and bacopa.
- Petunias
- Fuschia
- Verbena
- Calibrachoa
- Bacopa
When selecting plants, look for varieties that provide a cascade of colour and are well-suited to local growing conditions. The Royal Horticultural Society suggests starting with petunias, which are a popular choice for hanging baskets.
| Plant Type | Preferred Weather Conditions | Flower Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Petunias | Full sun to partial shade | Rainbow hues |
| Fuschia | Shaded areas | Pink |
| Verbena | Full sun to partial shade | Purple to pastel |
| Calibrachoa | Full sun to partial shade | Multi-coloured |
| Bacopa | Partial shade | Subtle, small blooms |
The Thompson and Morgan gardening team suggests starting with petunias, which can be started as seeds indoors or under cover in April. Their trailing habit makes them ideal for spilling over basket edges. While petunias are visually appealing, they are not considered highly pollinator-friendly. Many varieties, particularly hybrids, have been bred to have less pollen and nectar, making them less attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Fuschia, on the other hand, are a great choice for shaded areas and add a touch of elegance with their drooping, bi-coloured blooms. Verbena is a resilient, sun-loving plant that produces a long flowering season and can fill the basket with a vibrant display. Calibrachoa, or “miniature petunias,” are prolific bloomers that produce a long-lasting display of blooms in a range of colours. They are also weather-proof and grow well in sun or shade. Bacopa is a low-maintenance plant that can soften the appearance of a basket, adding volume and charm without overwhelming the display.
“Fuchsias make fantastic hanging basket plants! In fact, compact trailing varieties display their huge blooms to best advantage from below.”
When moving seedlings outside, keep them in full sun to partial shade, and move them into baskets when they are big enough. By choosing the right plants and following these tips, you can create beautiful and thriving hanging baskets that will brighten up your garden throughout the summer.
Some key highlights of this article include:
* April is a great time to start planning your hanging basket arrangements. * Choose varieties that provide a cascade of colour and are suited to local growing conditions. * Consider petunias, fuschia, verbena, calibrachoa, and bacopa as options. * Start with petunias, which can be started as seeds indoors or under cover in April. * Fuschia, verbena, calibrachoa, and bacopa are all great options for hanging baskets.
