The Delicate & Colorful Flower That Looks Stunning In Hanging Baskets
Choosing hanging baskets to compose your newest container garden offers a variety of benefits. For one, no more crouching or bending over to tend to your plants. You'll also save space for foot traffic and furniture without sacrificing on visual appeal with these elevated gardeners. Of course, before you can reap the benefits of establishing a garden of hanging baskets on your porch or patio, you'll need to pick the right flowers for this space. Not every plant can grow in a hanging basket, but these colorful annuals are the perfect place to start.
Nemesia is a genus of flowers typically grown as annuals in the United States. Although there are many species to choose from, Nemesia strumosa and its cultivars and hybrids are among some of the most popular picks. Nemesias bloom from April to June, and their flowers come in a variety of colors. In fact, you can find nemesias in nearly every color aside from green, giving you a range of options to choose from when picking the perfect flower for your outdoor space. With their colorful blooms and ability to attract eye-catching pollinators like bees and butterflies, nemesias can be top contenders for plants to grow in hanging baskets during the spring and summer.
Before you can enjoy the natural vibrancy that nemesias have to offer, you'll need to provide the right growing environment. After all, a healthy, happy plant produces more flowers, which means even more delicate color to elevate your hanging baskets.
How to grow nemesias in hanging baskets
Choosing the right soil for your hanging basket is one of the most important parts of establishing a hanging garden. The best soil for a hanging basket properly supports your chosen plant's needs while also providing adequate drainage and being lightweight. Nemesias prefer soil that is well-draining but moist. As a result, you'll want to choose soil that finds the perfect balance between moisture retention and drainage so that your flower's roots don't become soggy or waterlogged. Nemesias are susceptible to root rot, so this is especially important when helping these flowers excel in hanging baskets.
Once you've picked the right soil for your nemesias, you can start the planting process. For mature nemesias that you're transplanting from a nursery pot, add the soil to your hanging basket and create a hole the same size as the existing root ball. You can add multiple nemesias to a single container to keep your hanging baskets looking full, but be sure to plant them at least 6 inches apart. Depending on the size of your hanging basket, this may be tricky to accomplish, but it ensures that the plants have plenty of air circulation, reducing the likelihood of disease or complications. You can also create stunning hanging basket flower combinations by pairing nemesias with other flowers, like Diascia or Pelargonium species, as well as other nemesia varieties.
Place your nemesia hanging basket in a spot where it'll receive full sun. In warmer climates, consider offering afternoon shade.