Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001581
11/12/99

Hanging Containers


Annuals are often grown in hanging pots. Select the
annual most adapted to the amount of light available in
the selected growing area. Make sure dripping water from
the plants won't ruin objects beneath the hanging pot.
Large hanging plants can litter porches with leaves and
spent flowers. A soil mix suitable for hanging pots is
one part soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite.
To have full looking pots in early summer, put at least
six plants in one pot. If small plants are used more will
be needed, but fewer than six if large plants are used.

Watering becomes increasingly important during the
summer. The temperature increases causing the plants to
lose more water. In addition, the plants get larger so
give off more water. Check the soil at least once a day
and perhaps twice. Regular fertilization will help keep
the plants growing but over fertilization will aggravate
watering problems. Most fertilizers used according to
label directions will be adequate. Take the plant down to
water then check for pests and remove any dead flowers or
leaves. If plants are hung high, pots with wire hangers
are easier to take down and hang back up. Select a height
which best displays the plant. If hung too high,
relatively little of the plant is seen. Some plants used
in hanging pots are fuchsia, verbena, some types of
impatiens, hanging begonias, ivy geranium, and thunbergia.


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