The Best Flower Choice For A Full Sun Hanging Basket

If you're looking to add a splash of color to your porch, or maybe even attract some of your favorite pollinators to watch while sitting on a rocking chair, hanging planters can be one of the best routes to take. Hanging planters make the beauty of gardening accessible even without ample outdoor space, and they can provide natural color and texture to elevate your porch or patio's aesthetic even further. However, you can't put just any plant in a hanging basket, which is why you'll want to choose an option like the colorful begonia cultivar that thrives in this sunny spot.

The Dragon Wing Begonia (Begonia x hybrida 'Dragon Wing') is a stunning annual hybrid that does well when grown both directly in your garden as well as in containers like a hanging basket. This is because its growth requirements align closely with the unique environment that hanging planters create, from the sun exposure to the level of maintenance. Dragon Wing begonia produces and abundant amount of blooms each season, with showy red flowers beginning in the spring and lasting until the area receives its first frost.

When growing any plant in a container, especially a hanging basket, proper care is essential for a healthy, thriving plant. Luckily, this cane-type begonia hybrid is fairly hands-off, so it's perfect for a hanging basket that only gets occasional attention. One of the main reasons that Begonia x hybrida 'Dragon Wing' is a top choice for full sun hanging baskets is that it actually grows well in a range of lighting conditions. While you could grow this cultivar in partial shade, full sun, heat, and humidity are no problem for this tough annual either. However, if you live in an especially warm and dry climate you may wish to offer this flower some shade in the afternoon, especially if it starts showing signs of too much sunlight, like wilting or leaf scorch.

Because it can grow up to 15 inches tall and 18 inches wide, Dragon Wing begonia will need a relatively large basket. Dragon Wing begonia also needs fertile, rich soil that stays consistently moist but not too waterlogged. This begonia cultivar is susceptible to root rot, so you'll want to plant it in well-draining soil with ample airflow. It can be a good idea to add peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite to the soil to aid in moisture balance. Dragon Wing needs little to no pruning, but a bi-weekly fertilizer, can increase its flower output to keep your hanging baskets looking full and healthy.