Best Red Flowers For Hanging Baskets

Last updated on July 17th, 2023 at 08:07 am

Hanging baskets are a beautiful and practical way to add color and interest to your outdoor space, and red flowers are a great way to make a bold statement. Whether you prefer deep, rich burgundy, or vibrant scarlet, red flowers can add drama and depth to your hanging baskets.

In addition to their visual impact, red flowers are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding an extra element of interest to your garden. Choosing the right red flowers for your hanging baskets is important because they will be exposed to different conditions than plants in the ground.

Types of red flowers suitable for hanging baskets

There are many types of red flowers that are suitable for hanging baskets, each with its own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Some popular choices include geraniums, petunias, fuchsias, impatiens, and begonias. These plants offer a range of red hues, from deep burgundy to bright scarlet, and they can provide long-lasting color from spring through fall. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at each of these types of red flowers and their specific growing requirements.

Geraniums

Geraniums are a classic choice for hanging baskets and offer a range of red hues, from deep burgundy to bright pinkish-red. They are a popular choice for their long-lasting blooms and ease of care. Geraniums thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, and they prefer to be watered regularly but allowed to dry out slightly between watering.

They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making them a suitable choice for many climates. Geraniums also have good pest and disease resistance, making them a low-maintenance choice for hanging baskets. In addition to their visual appeal, geraniums are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding an extra element of interest to your garden.

Petunias

Petunias are a popular choice for hanging baskets and offer a wide range of red hues, from deep burgundy to bright scarlet. They are known for their abundant, trumpet-shaped blooms and their ability to provide long-lasting color from spring through fall. In my opinion, one of the best things about petunias is their versatility – they can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and they are relatively easy to care for.

They prefer well-draining soil and regular watering, and they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Petunias also have good pest and disease resistance, making them a reliable choice for hanging baskets. Overall, I think petunias are a great choice for adding a pop of color to your hanging baskets.

Fuchsias

Fuchsias are a popular choice for hanging baskets due to their delicate, pendulous flowers and their ability to provide a splash of color in partial shade. They offer a range of red hues, from deep burgundy to vibrant pinkish-red, and they can provide long-lasting blooms from summer through fall.

Fuchsias prefer cool temperatures and moist, well-draining soil, and they should be protected from the hot afternoon sun. They do best with regular watering, but they should not be allowed to dry out completely. Fuchsias are also susceptible to pests such as aphids and whiteflies, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and take appropriate action.

Despite these considerations, I think fuchsias are a beautiful and rewarding choice for hanging baskets, particularly in cooler climates.

Impatiens

Impatiens are a popular choice for hanging baskets due to their ability to provide long-lasting color in partial to full shade. They offer a range of red hues, from deep burgundy to bright scarlet, and their small, delicate flowers add a touch of whimsy to your garden. Impatiens prefer moist, well-draining soil and regular watering, and they should be protected from the hot afternoon sun.

They are relatively low-maintenance and have good pest and disease resistance, making them a reliable choice for hanging baskets. One thing to keep in mind with impatiens is that they are not winter hardy and will not survive freezing temperatures, so they are best grown as annuals in most climates. Despite this, I think impatiens are a beautiful and easy-to-grow option for adding color to your hanging baskets.

Begonias

Begonias are an excellent choice for hanging baskets, adding a splash of color and interest with their brightly-colored flowers and unique foliage. These plants are well-suited for partial shade and will thrive with regular watering and protection from the hot afternoon sun.

Begonias come in a range of red hues and can be started indoors early or planted directly in the ground as annuals. Some hybrid tuberous begonias have a trailing or climbing growth habit, making them particularly well-suited for hanging baskets. Whether grown on their own or combined with other summer-flowering bulbs and annuals, begonias are sure to bring beauty and joy to your garden.

Factors to consider when selecting red flowers for hanging baskets

Light conditions

When selecting red flowers for hanging baskets, it’s important to consider the light conditions in the location where they will be placed. Some red flowers, such as geraniums and petunias, prefer full sun, while others, such as fuchsias and impatiens, do better in partial shade. Be sure to choose plants that are well-suited to the light conditions in your location to ensure their success.

Temperature

The temperature range in your area will also play a role in which red flowers are best for your hanging baskets. Some plants, such as geraniums and petunias, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are suitable for many climates. Others, such as fuchsias and impatiens, prefer cooler temperatures and may not thrive in very hot or dry conditions.

Watering and humidity needs

Proper watering is essential for the success of your hanging basket plants. Some red flowers, such as geraniums and petunias, prefer to be watered regularly but allowed to dry out slightly between watering, while others, such as fuchsias and impatiens, prefer consistently moist soil. It’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to the humidity levels in your area and to provide them with the appropriate amount of water.

Soil type

The type of soil in your hanging baskets will also affect the success of your plants. It’s important to choose a potting mix that is well-draining to prevent waterlogging but also contains enough nutrients to support the plants. Some red flowers, such as geraniums and petunias, are more forgiving of poor soil conditions, while others, such as fuchsias and impatiens, prefer richer, more nutrient-dense soil.

Pest and disease resistance

Pests and diseases can be a problem for any type of plant, and it’s important to choose red flowers that are resistant to common issues in your area. Some plants, such as geraniums and petunias, are generally more resistant to pests and diseases, while others, such as fuchsias and impatiens, may be more prone to certain issues. Consider the specific pests and diseases that are a concern in your area and choose plants that are known to be resistant to these problems.

Tips for planting and caring for red flowers in hanging baskets

• Choose a basket with good drainage: To ensure the health and success of your red flowers, it’s important to choose a hanging basket with good drainage. Look for baskets with multiple holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain away, and consider adding a layer of gravel or small rocks to the bottom of the basket to help with drainage.
• Use a quality potting mix: The type of potting mix you use can have a big impact on the health and success of your red flowers. Choose a mix that is well-draining and contains the appropriate nutrients for the plants you have selected. If you’re not sure which mix is best, ask for recommendations at your local garden center or nursery.
• Water regularly, but do not over-water: Proper watering is essential for the success of your red flowers. Water them regularly, but do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or soggy. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other problems, so be sure to monitor the moisture levels in your baskets closely.
• Fertilize as needed: Red flowers in hanging baskets will benefit from regular fertilization to ensure they have the nutrients they need to thrive. Choose a fertilizer that is formulated for the specific plants you have selected and follow the application instructions carefully.
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth: Removing spent blooms, or deadheading, can help to encourage new growth and prolong the flowering season of your red flowers. Simply snip off the spent blooms at the base of the stem to remove them. This simple task can help to keep your hanging baskets looking fresh and colorful throughout the growing season.

Conclusion

There are many types of red flowers that are suitable for hanging baskets, including geraniums, petunias, fuchsias, impatiens, and begonias. Each of these plants has its own specific growing requirements, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your location and climate.

When selecting red flowers for hanging baskets, consider the light conditions, temperature range, watering and humidity needs, soil type, and pest and disease resistance in your area. Proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, and the removal of spent blooms, can help to ensure the success and longevity of your red flowers in hanging baskets. By carefully choosing and caring for the right red flowers, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting hanging baskets that will add color and interest to your outdoor spaces.