A backyard with hanging plants is like a living work of art—lush, colorful, and always changing with the seasons. Whether you want cascading flowers, leafy green trails, or fragrant blooms, the right plants can transform any space into a dreamy retreat. Some of these have been my personal favorites for years, adding charm and character to even the smallest backyard nooks.
1. String of Pearls
This quirky succulent looks like a string of green beads draped from its planter. I once hung one on my patio, and it became the star of the show. It thrives in bright, indirect light and needs minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance yet visually striking option.
2. Trailing Petunias
With their vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers, trailing petunias are like a fireworks display in plant form. They bloom profusely throughout the season, adding waves of color to any hanging basket. My grandmother swore by these, and I still plant them every year as a nod to her love for vibrant gardens.
3. Boston Fern
Few plants scream “classic porch decor” like a Boston fern. Their feathery fronds spill elegantly from their baskets, creating a lush and timeless look. I had one on my front porch for years, and no matter how hot it got, it always made my space feel cooler and fresher.
4. English Ivy
This evergreen beauty is perfect for a cascading effect. It clings to its surroundings, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. I once used English ivy to cover an unsightly railing, and before I knew it, the space looked straight out of an English countryside garden.
5. Sweet Alyssum
For those who love a subtle yet intoxicating fragrance, sweet alyssum is a must. It produces clusters of tiny flowers that smell like honey and attract pollinators. Place it where the breeze can carry its scent, and you will feel like you are walking through a field of wildflowers.
6. Lobelia
The deep blue and purple hues of lobelia make it an instant eye-catcher. It thrives in cooler weather and creates stunning draping foliage. I once mixed it with petunias in a hanging basket, and the contrast was absolutely stunning.
7. Fuchsia
If you want hummingbirds to visit, fuchsia is your best bet. These dangling, bell-shaped flowers look exotic but are surprisingly easy to grow. My first attempt at growing them resulted in daily hummingbird visits, which made morning coffee on the patio much more magical.
8. Bacopa
This delicate trailing plant produces small white, blue, or pink flowers that bloom non-stop throughout the season. It pairs beautifully with other flowers, adding a soft, flowing look to mixed baskets.
9. Creeping Jenny
This fast-growing, bright green vine spills effortlessly from hanging baskets. It is practically impossible to kill, which is why I always recommend it to new gardeners. Its lime-green color pops beautifully against darker flowers.
10. Spider Plant
Spider plants are fantastic air purifiers and require little attention. Their baby offshoots dangle from the plant like little parachuters, making them a charming addition to any outdoor space.
11. Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
If you love petunias but want something even easier, million bells are the way to go. They bloom non-stop and do not require deadheading. They remind me of confetti, bursting with color all season long.
12. Nasturtium
This edible flowering plant offers vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. The peppery leaves and blossoms make a tasty, decorative salad topping. Growing these feels like having a living, edible artwork hanging on your patio.
13. Black-Eyed Susan Vine
This vine produces cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers, climbing and spilling over edges gracefully. It grows quickly and thrives in warm weather, making it a great choice for summer.
14. Swedish Ivy
Swedish ivy grows in lush, rounded cascades, making it ideal for softening the look of a space. It is easy to care for and thrives in indirect light, which is why I have kept one on my shaded balcony for years.
15. Hanging Begonia
Begonias bring bold colors and unique leaf shapes to your hanging garden. They thrive in partial shade and bloom continuously, providing a bright pop of red, pink, or orange.
16. Golden Pothos
This tough and forgiving plant can handle neglect while still looking gorgeous. It thrives in various light conditions and cascades beautifully from its pot. I have had one for years that has survived every missed watering and still grows like a champion.
17. Hoya
Hoyas have thick, waxy leaves and produce clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. They prefer bright, indirect light and can live for decades. My mother had one that bloomed consistently for years, filling our patio with a subtle, sweet scent.
18. Morning Glory
If you want a fast-growing, flowering vine, morning glories will not disappoint. Their trumpet-like flowers open in the morning and come in stunning shades of blue, pink, and purple. They can easily take over their space, so regular trimming is a good idea to keep them under control.
19. Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
This vigorous grower boasts trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves in shades of green or deep purple. It is perfect for adding bold foliage to your hanging baskets, and it pairs well with flowering plants for extra visual appeal, creating a lush, cascading effect.
20. Cuphea (Cigar Plant)
Hummingbirds adore this plant’s tiny, tube-like flowers. It blooms profusely in warm weather and thrives in full sun, making it a fantastic addition to a bright backyard. I planted one last summer, and it became a constant source of activity as birds hovered around it all day long.
21. Verbena
Verbena blooms continuously and attracts butterflies with its clusters of vibrant flowers. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a low-maintenance favorite. Pairing it with trailing greenery in a hanging basket creates a dynamic, eye-catching display that never fails to impress.
22. Asparagus Fern
This feathery, delicate plant adds texture and elegance to any hanging basket. It is easy to grow and provides a lush, full look. It thrives in partial sun and needs occasional trimming to keep its cascading growth in check while adding an airy feel to the space.
23. Bird’s Nest Fern
With its bright green, wavy fronds, this fern is a unique and attractive choice. It thrives in humid environments and prefers indirect light, making it great for patios with some shade. Its compact growth means it will not take over a space but will still provide a lush presence.
24. Impatiens
If you need a flowering plant for shade, impatiens are the answer. They bloom profusely in a variety of colors and thrive in cool, moist conditions. I had a hanging basket full of impatiens once, and their continuous blooms made my shaded patio pop with color all season long.
25. Coral Honeysuckle
This twining vine produces tubular, coral-red flowers that hummingbirds cannot resist. It is a native plant in many areas, making it a great choice for eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local pollinators. It adds a splash of color while attracting beneficial wildlife and bringing energy to your backyard.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.