Plant trail

Q. What do you love about hanging pots?

They place colour and interest at eye level and can be used to fill in vertical space. Creating one is fun for all ages and a quick project that gives long-lasting enjoyment. They can be a simple one-plant display or involve multiple plants, and ornaments too. They can be used in all-sized gardens and work well in courtyards, on balconies and even indoors. If you rent, they can be hung on a plant stand without mounting any permanent structure. 

Q. Your personal favourite plants for hanging pots?

In a shady position, ferns look great, but I do love fuchsias – nothing beats the colourful show they put on for so many months from spring till autumn. (My parents ran a plant nursery when I was growing up and they carried hundreds of varieties of fuchsia, and many work brilliantly in hanging pots. I still recall walking along the rows as a child and popping the buds.) You can’t beat geraniums for a sunny spot. ‘Big Red’ is my favourite, although a full basket of ivy geraniums is also spectacular, with glossy green foliage and colourful flowers for most of the year.

Q. Tips for care and watering?

Hanging baskets dry out quickly so be sure to water them often – daily or even twice a day in hot, dry summer climates. Be prepared to feed them regularly, too, as the frequent watering will flush out nutrients. We see the glorious baskets hanging in the streets in the UK and forget that they are refreshed or replanted annually, so be sure to check if your plants need a zhoosh.

For more of Sophie’s insights on hanging pots and baskets, get the October issue of ABC Gardening Australia magazine – on sale now!

Header image courtesy of Pelargoniums for Europe