Not Milkweed Or Coneflower: The Sunny Annual Flower Perfect For Hanging Baskets

Not all flowers can handle the summer sun; some of them wilt or fade when the temperatures start sweltering. That is why you must match your flower selection with the growing conditions, and if you have a hanging basket that will sit in full sun all day long, pick a flower that can handle the extra heat, light, and drainage. When it comes to sun-loving flowers, milkweed and coneflower are popular choices. They both, however, have deep root systems which are not really suitable for hanging baskets. A better alternative is the Safari Sky South African Phlox (Jamesbrittenia).

This flower is native to South Africa, and it is known for its excellent drought tolerance and ability to thrive in the high temperatures and all-day sun of summer. The flower is often grown as an annual. However, if you live in USDA Hardiness zones 10 and 11, you can also grow it as a perennial. Its biggest highlights are its eye-catching blooms. Each flower has a sky-blue or lavender-purple outer color with a bright white and yellow center. This produces a delicate pattern that looks stunning in hanging baskets placed in the full sun on patios and porches.

The Safari Sky South African Phlox also has a trailing habit. This makes it a wonderful choice to plant in a container as a filler plant near the center or sides of a mixed arrangement. Just make sure that you use drip pans when planting phlox or any other flowers in a hanging basket, as they will keep your hanging flower baskets hydrated in the summer heat, reducing their chances of wilting.

Start by choosing an appropriately sized hanging basket. The Safari Sky South African Phlox grows about 6 to 12 inches tall and nearly 1 to 2 feet wide, with a recommended spacing of about 6 to 10 inches between plants, so they shouldn't be overcrowded. If you are using a large hanging basket and want to add more of them together, don't cram the flowers too closely, since this reduces airflow and increases the risk of pests and diseases.

Fill the hanging baskets with something that drains well, such as soil mixed with coconut coir. Coconut coir is a potting material that extends hanging basket blooms by managing water much better than regular soil alone. Water only when the top few inches of the soil feel dry, and use an extendable watering can or a watering wand. It is the best method for watering hanging plant baskets. As for fertilizing, keep things light. These plants are not heavy feeders. Including one dose of controlled-release fertilizer when you plant the flowers is usually enough, although you can re-fertilize every few months if it seems needed throughout a long growing season. 

Lastly, if you plan to pair the Safari Sky South African Phlox with other plants in a hanging basket, make sure that you pick something that also likes dry soil and thrives in full sun. If, however, you cannot find a pair that works for your space, don't worry. There are many other stunning hanging basket flower combos that thrive in intense heat.