20 Best Outdoor Hanging Plants

Ferns are pretty plants with feathery leaves that can significantly improve the decor of your home. These non-flowering spores are easy to care for, especially if you hang them on your porch away from direct sunlight.

There are different kinds of ferns, so pick one that suits your weather. Tropical ones like it hot, while perennial ones are good for places with cold winters. Ferns are fond of water, especially when they’re in hanging baskets. In hot or windy weather, they might need water more often.

• Name: Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• Light: Indirect light to partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall

The string of pearls is a special succulent that looks like beads hanging from its pot. It’s great for hanging baskets, but it’s crucial to know your location and how to care string of pearls. The plant mostly thrives outdoors in USDA Zones 9 through 12.

If your winters are too cold, bring  the plant inside when it gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The string of pearls loves warmth and bright, indirect sunlight. Hanging it on your porch provides just enough shade to protect it from the sun.

• Name: String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: Trailing, up to 3 feet long

Begonias are lovely plants with vibrant flowers blooming in summer, displaying hues of green and flowers in pink, orange, red, yellow, or white. Ideal for your patio or porch, they prefer partial shade to avoid burning.

While they crave sunlight, it’s essential not to place them in shade, especially in the Northeast as it hinders their blooming. They thrive in slightly acidic soil, benefitting from regular fertilization. Warm weather without strong winds suits them best. Water every two to four days, but more in hot, dry conditions. 

• Name: Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
• Light: Partial sun to shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall

Pothos, a popular indoor plant, can thrive outdoors if you’re in USDA Zones 10-12. These resilient plants can tolerate low light and irregular watering but thrive with partial shade.

To prevent harm, ensure temperatures don’t dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, bringing it indoors or covering it during chilly spells. With proper pothos care and nurturing, the plant can grow longer vines and bigger leaves.

• Name: Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
• Light: Low to bright, indirect light
• Water: Allow soil to dry out before watering
• Mature Size: Trailing, varies but can be several feet long

Burro’s Tail is a unique succulent with tail-like foliage, resembling knobs densely packed together. The plant’s health is evident in its overlapping leaves, signaling the right balance of sunlight and water.

This trailing plant thrives with bright to full sun but benefits from some shade to avoid burning. Perfect for hanging on your porch, it requires well-draining soil and a pot with holes, as it only needs watering once a month. Occasionally, aerate the soil by poking holes to prevent clumping in the potting mix.

• Name: Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: Trailing, up to 4 feet long

The Spider Plant, known for its air-purifying qualities, features arching, grass-like leaves with baby plantlets dangling from long stems, resembling spiders. Commonly green, it may have white stripes or edges.

The herb is suitable for hanging due to its cascading habit. Easy to care for, the spider plant thrives in indirect sunlight and well-draining soil, requiring moderate watering. Although it has no specific cultural or religious significance, the plant is admired for its resilience and adaptability.

• Name: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Light: Indirect light to partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide

Petunias are popular flowering plants with trumpet-shaped blooms in various colors like pink, purple, and red. They come in different sizes, from compact to trailing varieties suitable for hanging baskets, making them a versatile choice for gardens and containers.

Additionally, these plants prefer well-drained soil and sunlight. Petunias are admired for their vibrant display and are often associated with positive emotions. While they lack specific cultural or religious significance, they bring joy to many gardeners.

• Name: Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering, keep soil evenly moist
• Mature Size: 6 to 18 inches tall

Verbena is a versatile flowering plant with clusters of small, fragrant blooms. Available in various colors like purple, pink, and white, it ranges from compact to trailing varieties.

Well-suited for hanging baskets, the verbena adds a cascade of color to gardens and balconies. These plants are easy to care for and thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. While not holding specific cultural or religious significance, it’s valued for its ornamental beauty. With its vibrant appearance and low maintenance, verbena is a popular choice for those seeking a charming and fuss-free garden addition.

• Name: Verbena (Verbena spp.)
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, spreading

Moss Rose, also known as Portulaca, is a low-growing succulent with vibrant, cup-shaped flowers. They come in various colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white. These sunlight hungry plants boast a trailing nature that make them suitable for hanging baskets or ground cover.

Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, moss rose blooms throughout summer. While it lacks specific cultural or religious significance, its resilience and cheerful appearance make it a garden favorite.

• Name: Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: 6 to 8 inches tall, spreading

The Lobelia flowering plant is known for its cascading clusters of tubular flowers. Available in various colors like blue, purple, and red, it ranges in size from small edging varieties to taller, bushier types. Its dainty appearance makes it beautiful hanging outdoor plants, adding a pop of color to gardens and balconies.

To care for lobelia, provide well-draining soil, partial sunlight, and consistent moisture. While it lacks specific cultural or religious significance, its charming aesthetic and easy care make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with a touch of beauty.

• Name: Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, spreading

Nasturtiums are edible flowering plants with round, vibrant blossoms and distinctive, round leaves. Available in hues like orange, yellow, and red, they come in both compact and trailing varieties, making them great for outdoor hanging plants or ground cover.

They’re not known for specific cultural or religious significance, but their peppery leaves and flowers are often used in salads. Loved for their bright colors and versatility, nasturtiums bring a burst of charm to gardens, balconies, and even salads for those who appreciate both beauty and taste.

• Name: Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: 8 to 12 inches tall, spreading

Calibrachoa, often called a Million Bells, is a low-maintenance, trailing plant resembling small petunias. It comes in various colors, including vibrant shades of pink, purple, and yellow, with some varieties displaying bicolor patterns.

These ideal hanging plants bloom profusely throughout the growing season. They are appreciated for their ornamental value, creating a cascade of colorful blooms that enhance garden aesthetics and bring joy without demanding much fuss in return.

• Name: Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa spp.)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6 to 10 inches tall, spreading

Sweet Alyssum is a delightful and easy-to-care-for annual plant with tiny, fragrant flowers. Its low-growing, spreading nature makes it a ground cover favorite. Available in various colors like white, pink, and purple, it adds a charming carpet of blooms to gardens.

Well-suited for hanging baskets or containers, Sweet Alyssum cascades gracefully. Known for its resilience and adaptability, the plant thrives in well-drained soil and partial sunlight, requiring minimal care. Their unique appearance makes it a popular choice for those seeking a fuss-free, visually appealing addition to their outdoor spaces.

• Name: Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 4 to 6 inches tall, spreading

Pansies are easy-to-care-for flowering plants renowned for their vibrant, face-shaped blooms. They come in a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from purples and yellows to blues and whites. With a compact size, pansies work well in borders, containers, and hanging baskets, adding a burst of color to gardens.

Resilient and cold-tolerant, they prefer well-drained soil and partial sunlight. They have been associated with love and affection in Victorian flower language. Their cheerful appearance and adaptability bring joy and charm to the landscapes.

• Name: Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6 to 9 inches tall, spreading

Diascia, commonly known as Twinspur, is a non-toxic, flowering perennial appreciated for its delicate beauty. Sporting tubular flowers in shades like pink, peach, and lavender, it adds a soft touch to gardens.

With compact sizes and a trailing habit, certain varieties are suitable for hanging baskets or as ground cover. Easy to care for, Diascia thrives in well-drained soil and partial sunlight. You can add this beauty to your outdoor space for a vibrant and attractive-looking garden.

• Name: Twinspur (Diascia spp.)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, spreading

Geraniums, often confused with Pelargoniums, are versatile flowering plants with distinct five-petal blooms. Available in various hues, including red, pink, and white, they come in different sizes, from compact to trailing varieties suitable for hanging baskets.

These plants are generally to care for and thrive in well-drained soil and sunlight. It’s crucial to note that true geraniums are generally non-toxic, but Pelargoniums, commonly referred to as geraniums, may cause mild irritation if ingested. As always, it’s wise to keep plants out of reach of curious pets and children.

• Name: Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: 6 to 24 inches tall, depending on variety

Fuchsia plants are charming and relatively easy to care for. With pendulous, tubular flowers hanging gracefully, they showcase a stunning color palette, including shades of pink, purple, and red.

Available in various sizes, some varieties are ideal for hanging baskets, creating an elegant cascade of blooms. Just provide well-drained soil, partial sunlight, and regular watering for their growth. Try keeping this plant away from children and pets as they are toxic when ingested.

• Name: Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 12 to 36 inches tall, depending on variety

Osteospermum, commonly known as African Daisy or Cape Daisy, is a flowering plant known for its daisy-like blooms. Available in vibrant hues like purple, pink, and white, it varies in size from compact to trailing forms.

While very rarely used as a hanging plant, it adds a burst of color to gardens and containers. Easy to care for, Osteospermum prefers well-drained soil and sunlight. It is appreciated for its beauty and vibrant nature in the landscape garden. Generally non-toxic, it’s still advisable to keep it out of reach of pets and children as they may be allergic to some.

• Name: African Daisy (Osteospermum spp.)
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, spreading

Bacopa, also known as Sutera, is a versatile trailing plant. With small, five-petaled flowers in shades of white, blue, and lavender, it adds a delicate charm to gardens. Several of its compact varieties make beautiful-looking hanging plants for planters. 

Bacopa thrive in well-drained soil and partial sunlight. Not generally considered toxic, this plant is safe for households with pets or children. Regular pruning helps maintain its lush appearance, making it a delightful addition to outdoor spaces, and offers enduring beauty.

• Name: Bacopa (Sutera cordata)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: Trailing, up to 12 inches long

Ivy Geranium, a type of Pelargonium, is a charming trailing plant with glossy, lobed leaves and clusters of vibrant, five-petaled flowers. Available in various colors such as red, pink, and violet, it offers both compact and cascading varieties.

Well-suited as hanging plants and flowers, it creates an elegant, flowing display. Care involves well-drained soil, sunlight, and regular watering. It’s important to note that Pelargoniums may cause mild irritation if ingested, so it’s best to keep them out of reach of pets and children.

• Name: Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: Trailing, varies but can be several feet long