Fuchsia and verbena are top hummingbird hanging basket flowers. Calibrachoa and nasturtium work great too. Fuchsia leads the pack with dangling blooms. These plants cascade over basket edges and create a feast at eye level.
I tested six different basket combos on my covered porch last summer. The fuchsia baskets drew visits within the first week of hanging them up. My calibrachoa baskets took a bit longer. They stayed in bloom through the hottest days. The nasturtiums fed both hummingbirds and my salads.
Hanging baskets give you a big advantage over ground plants. The raised position puts flowers at the same height where hummingbirds like to feed. You also get a better view from your porch chair or kitchen window. These tiny birds hover right at eye level as they drink.
Trailing flowers hummingbirds prefer each have their own strengths. Fuchsia does best in shade or part sun and blooms all summer with little fuss. Calibrachoa handles full sun and heat. Nasturtium grows fast from seed and gives you edible flowers too. Verbena stands up to drought.
I learned the hard way that basket size matters. My 12-inch baskets dried out by noon on hot days. Switching to 14-inch or larger baskets changed everything. The plants stayed happy between waterings. Bigger baskets hold more soil and need less constant care from you.
Hanging basket plants pollinators visit need more water than ground plants. The wind dries them out fast. The small soil volume heats up quick in summer. Check your baskets every morning during hot weather. Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If dry, give them a good soak.
Feed your baskets with liquid fertilizer every two weeks to keep blooms coming. Pinch off dead flowers on calibrachoa and verbena to trigger new buds. Fuchsia drops its spent blooms on its own. This saves you work. Watch for aphids on nasturtium leaves and spray them off.
Hang your baskets near seating areas so you can enjoy the show. A hook beside your porch swing or patio table works well. Keep them out of strong winds that stress the plants. Morning sun with afternoon shade suits most of these flowers.
You can mix two or three plants in one large basket for a fuller look. Try fuchsia in the center with trailing verbena at the edges. This combo gives you height and a cascading effect. Your hummingbirds will work the whole basket from top to bottom.
Read the full article: Hummingbird Friendly Flowers for Your Garden
