Looking to jazz up those boring walls or fences in your backyard?
I was in the same boat until I started hanging plants on every empty space I could find!
Let me share my favorite trailing plants that look amazing in baskets and planters – they’re easier to grow than you might think.
1. Petunias
I absolutely adore petunias for their ability to create a waterfall of vibrant blooms.
Their simple green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for those large, show-stopping flowers that keep blooming from spring until the first frost.
My personal favorites include Shockwave Denim for its unique color palette, Easy Wave Pink Passion for a soft romantic touch, and Midnight Gold for its sophisticated dual-toned blooms.
2. Begonias
These beauties have become my go-to choice for those tricky shaded spots in my garden.
While more compact than petunias, begonias offer an incredible display with both their flowers and patterned leaves.
For something truly special, I recommend trying Candy Queen or My Way Hayes varieties – their pink foliage adds an unexpected pop of color that always gets my visitors talking.
3. Pansies
There’s something magical about the way pansies tumble over the edges of containers with their cheerful faces.
I love how their vibrant colors and distinctive patterns instantly brighten up any space.
Pro tip: Look for varieties with natural spreading habits – they’ll give you that perfect cascading effect without much effort.
4. Creeping Thyme
As both a gardener and home cook, I’m all about plants that serve multiple purposes.
This Mediterranean herb creates a delicate display with its tiny leaves and purple summer flowers, while also providing fresh herbs for my kitchen.
The best part? It’s incredibly low-maintenance and doesn’t need much water – perfect for busy gardeners like me!
5. Nasturtiums
These fiery blooms have become a family favorite in our garden.
My kids love helping me plant them, and they get so excited when we can use the edible flowers and leaves in our salads.
The warm-colored blooms create such a cheerful presence, and they’re practically foolproof to grow.
6. Impatiens
These little jewels have saved my shaded garden areas more times than I can count.
Their bright blooms create the most beautiful display, especially in those dark corners where other plants struggle.
Just remember to keep them well-watered – I learned the hard way that they can be quite thirsty, especially in hanging baskets!
7. Periwinkle (Vinca)
I’m always amazed by how elegantly periwinkle drapes over my containers.
The long, arching stems create such a graceful display, especially when adorned with their signature purple blooms.
The variegated varieties, with their yellow and green leaves, add an extra layer of visual interest that I particularly love.
8. Evergreen Ivy
Nothing quite matches the timeless elegance of ivy cascading down a wall planter.
I’ve found that the variegated varieties are particularly striking, offering year-round interest.
Just keep in mind that these vigorous growers need regular trimming to stay in check – trust me on this one!
9. Trailing Verbena
When I want a softer, more romantic look, trailing verbena is my go-to choice.
Its clusters of dainty flowers create a subtle yet stunning display that works beautifully in mixed plantings.
I love how it adds depth and texture without overwhelming other plants in the arrangement.
10. Lobelia
The delicate nature of lobelia never fails to charm visitors to my garden.
Its mass of tiny leaves creates the perfect backdrop for those gorgeous jewel-colored flowers that keep blooming from summer through autumn.
I’ve had great success starting them from both plug plants and seeds, and they reliably bloom until the first October frost.
Plant Care Considerations
Remember that each plant has its own specific needs when it comes to light and water.
Some of my hanging baskets need daily watering during hot spells, especially those placed up high.
The key is to consider the placement height when planning your vertical garden – make sure you can easily reach your plants for regular maintenance.