Can You Put Any Plant In A Hanging Basket? A Gardening Pro Weighs In

Whether you're new to hanging baskets or a gardening veteran, you probably have questions about exactly what plants are suitable for this type of growing system. Can you grow any plant you want to in a hanging basket? When we spoke exclusively to House Digest's Master Gardener Tiffany Selvey, she quickly cleared the playing field of plants that are an obvious no. "Before we dive into what plants can be grown in a hanging basket, it's best to start with some definitions," Selvey explained. "Trees, shrubs, and even aquatic greenery are considered plants, but clearly you wouldn't want to grow them in a hanging basket."

Addressing the meat of our query, Selvey provided a simple response. "The short answer to whether or not you can put any plant in a hanging basket is 'no.' There are several considerations to make before investing in plants or planters." 

According to Selvey, these considerations include the size of the plant and how it grows. "Plants that grow upright and tall, like many ornamental grasses and flowers that bloom on tall stems, don't work well in hanging baskets because the limited space between the soil's surface and the structure from which it hangs isn't enough room for the plant to be displayed properly," she explained.

Another major consideration is the plant's water needs, Selvey noted. "Plants that do not tolerate dry soil conditions can be difficult to keep alive during the warmer months, and watering hanging baskets frequently can be a pain — literally," she said. Speaking exclusively with House Digest, Selvey recommended plants "that can tolerate some neglect and have a mounding or vining growth habit, like petunias, calibrachoa, and begonias, just to name a few." We've curated a list of gorgeous hanging basket plants to show additional options.

Noting the importance of having a watering plan in place before installing your hanging planters, Selvey suggested an alternative watering system, such as drip irrigation, for plants difficult to reach. "No one wants a back or shoulder injury from watering their plants," she observed.

Additionally, Selvey noted that it's important to cater your setup to the particular plant. "To help the plants in your hanging baskets thrive, make sure the basket has proper drainage and a high-quality potting medium that's well-suited for the plant," she said. "For example, strawberries prefer soil that stays consistently moist, while thyme and oregano prefer drier conditions." The same goes for plants' sunlight needs — she suggested considering structures you have, like a front porch, that could mean only partial sun for your baskets. "There are plenty of suitable options for any basket from full sun to full shade — just be sure to choose the right ones," she cautioned.

Selvey's exclusive talk with House Digest included her thoughts on some missed opportunities for gardeners considering what plants to grow in hanging baskets. "I think hanging baskets are significantly underused for edible plants," Selvey stated. "If they hang low enough where harvesting is possible, strawberries make an excellent perennial option for hanging baskets." Selvey noted that getting them off the ground has an added bonus: "Snails and slugs won't ruin your harvest." Indeed, you can enjoy fresh produce year round by growing these plants in hanging pots.

Fruits and vegetables aren't the only edible plants worth growing in hanging baskets — Selvey recommends Mediterranean herbs, like oregano and common thyme, too. "[They] prefer to dry out between waterings, can add an aromatic element to your outdoor space, and will cascade over the side of baskets for easy harvesting." Those are just two of the flavorful herbs that will thrive when grown in hanging baskets. "For an even more lovely scent, add lemon thyme," Selvey concluded.