The Heat-Tolerant Hanging Basket Flower That's Also A Pollinator Favorite

Hanging baskets are a great way to bring vertical color and new dimension to your yard. They can decorate otherwise dull porches and decks, and there are loads of beautiful plant options to pick from. If you live in a warm climate, it is important to select plants that can tolerate high heat. Nobody likes wilting flowers in the summer months. One fantastic heat-tolerant option is 'Kent Beauty' ornamental oregano (Origanum). This trailing plant is perfect for hanging baskets and is easy to take care of in warmer regions.

Not to be confused with culinary oregano, 'Kent Beauty' is a hybrid ornamental oregano that produces dense, trailing foliage and delicate pink drooping flowers. It blooms from June to September, creating a cascade of beauty that spills out and over hanging baskets. However, it is not just its charm that makes 'Kent Beauty' a great choice for a hanging basket plant. Bees and other pollinators love feeding on its nectar, and its long bloom season allows you to bring biodiversity into your garden month after month. 'Kent Beauty' can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 9 and prefers dry to medium-watered soil. It thrives in full sun and is pretty low-maintenance once it settles in. 

Its trailing nature makes 'Kent Beauty' perfect for hanging baskets. Plus, having flowers at varying heights is beneficial to pollinators, as it provides them with more options and space. When planting this ornamental oregano in a hanging basket, ensure you use one made from a material with good drainage, such as coconut fiber or burlap. Opt for a sandy loam for this perennial if you can, but as long as the soil is well-drained, 'Kent Beauty' tends to do well. Mixing in some slow-release fertilizer to help it establish itself and developing a fertilizer plan is a must-know tip to keep your hanging baskets looking full and beautiful all season.

Once planted, hang your 'Kent Beauty' in a sunny spot. Although it's a heat and drought-tolerant plant, you'll still need to water it. As hanging baskets have limited soil, they do tend to dry out quickly. Water it when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. 'Kent Beauty' does not need that much attention throughout the seasons. However, it is helpful to cut it back after flowering to encourage new growth.