35 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets in Full Sun

35 Best Plants for Hanging Baskets in Full Sun

Are you searching for stunning hanging baskets that thrive in full sun? Look no further! At MyGardeninn, we have handpicked the best plants for hanging baskets that will bring beauty and color to your summer garden.

With proper care, sunlight, and well-draining soil, these plants will reward you with vibrant flowers and lush foliage all season long.

Best Plants for Hanging Baskets in Full Sun

1. Ivy Leaf Geranium

The Ivy Leaf Geranium is a trailing version of the beloved bedding geranium. Its thick, waxier leaves cascade beautifully, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and window boxes in sunny areas. The flowers come in various shades of white, pink, red, and purple and bloom continuously until frost. While tender perennials, they can be treated as annuals in colder regions.

2. Petunia

No summer garden is complete without abundant petunia hanging baskets. Wait until all threats of frost are over before purchasing petunias, as they thrive in warm temperatures. Provide them with a sunny spot, ample watering, and fertilization throughout the growing season to encourage vigorous growth and a profusion of colorful blooms.

3. Million Bells

Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, is a fantastic annual for hanging baskets. These flowers resemble petunias but are smaller in size. In full sun locations, they produce an abundance of blooms throughout the season. Be sure to water them when the soil surface feels dry and fertilize regularly for optimal growth.

4. Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea plants, known for climbing walls and trellises in warmer climates, also make stunning hanging baskets. The colorful parts that appear as flowers are actually modified leaves called bracts. These plants thrive in full sun and appreciate being allowed to almost dry out before watering. With proper care, you can even overwinter them for the next season.

5. Portulaca

Also known as moss rose, Portulaca is a low-maintenance plant with blooms in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and magenta. These plants thrive in full sun and hot areas and can tolerate neglect as they store water in their succulent leaves. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering.

6. Dragon Wing Begonia

Dragon Wing Begonias are beautiful cane begonias that make elegant hanging baskets. While their pendulous blooms create a graceful display, they may drop flowers, resulting in some mess. Keep the soil consistently moist for optimal results. While they prefer part shade, they still need a few hours of direct sunlight for best growth and flowering.

7. Begonia boliviensis

Begonia boliviensis prefers moderately moist soil, so ensure you water when the soil surface feels dry. This plant thrives in both full sun and part sun locations. Many newer cultivars have been developed specifically for full sun conditions.

8. Sunpatiens

If you love impatiens but have only sunny locations, you’re in luck! The Sunpatiens line of impatiens thrives in full sun. Ensure you water them well and fertilize abundantly throughout the season. Be mindful that they will wilt quickly if the soil goes completely dry.

9. Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Black-Eyed Susan Vine is a vigorous grower that is typically trained on trellises or supports. However, it can also be grown in hanging baskets, although its vines tend to wrap around everything. Keep the soil moderately moist and provide full sun for optimal growth.

10. Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’

Tradescantia pallida, with its trailing habit and purple foliage, adds a touch of elegance to mixed hanging baskets. It thrives in full sun, which brings out the rich purple color of the foliage. The plant also produces small pinkish-purple flowers. However, be aware that the color may not be as deep if there is insufficient sunlight.

11. Lantana

Lantana is an excellent choice for hot, sunny locations. With many beautiful cultivars available, some featuring multicolored blooms, these plants attract hummingbirds, hummingbird moths, and butterflies. Provide them with at least half a day of sun for optimal blooming.

12. Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet potato vine is a popular choice for mixed hanging baskets due to its vigorous growth and striking foliage. These plants love sun and water, so be prepared to water frequently as they wilt dramatically when dehydrated. The vines come in various colors, ranging from bright chartreuse to deep purple.

13. Verbena

Hybrid verbena is commonly available and offers a stunning array of colorful flowers, including pink, red, purple, white, and bicolors. These tender perennials can thrive outdoors as annuals in colder climates. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before thoroughly watering, ensuring good drainage.

14. Lobelia

Lobelia enchants with its rich purple flowers, although white and pink varieties also exist. While typically a tender perennial, they act as annuals in zones colder than Zone 9. Water them generously during hot and dry periods and consider pruning up to one-third of the plant for new growth and more flowers.

15. Licorice Plant

The Licorice Plant features beautiful silvery foliage that creates a striking contrast in hanging baskets. However, be aware that it is a vigorous grower, so one plant is sufficient for mixed hanging baskets.

16. Vinca

Vinca plants, with their glossy green leaves and colorful flowers, make an excellent addition to hanging baskets. Native to Madagascar, they are drought-tolerant once established. However, ensure the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again. Flowers come in white, pink, purple, and reddish hues.

17. Pansies

Pansies are cool weather plants that thrive in temperatures ranging from 40-60°F (4-16°C). While they act as hardy biennials, they may become leggy and ratty in hot weather, making them best suited for cooler periods. Prune them back in late summer or early fall to encourage fresh growth and blooms in cooler weather.

For the remaining 18 best plants for hanging baskets in full sun, and more juicy gardening secrets, visit MyGardeninn. We’d love to hear what you like growing in your hanging baskets in the comments below!

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