Geraniums in Hanging Baskets — Tips for Success

Ivy-leaved pelargoniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are arguably the best plants for hanging baskets in a sunny position. Their trailing stems cascade beautifully, and they flower continuously from late spring until autumn with remarkably little effort. Upright zonal pelargoniums also work well in baskets, adding height and bold colour blocks to mixed plantings.

Choosing the right type

For pure trailing effect, ivy-leaved pelargoniums are the top choice — varieties like 'Cascade', 'Ville de Paris', and the Surfinias series trail 60–90cm and produce masses of flowers. For mixed baskets combining trailing and upright plants, zonal pelargoniums add a central focal point. Avoid planting hardy geraniums (cranesbills) in hanging baskets — they don't have the trailing habit needed and are better suited to borders.

Planting a hanging basket

Line a wire basket with moss, coconut fibre liner, or a purpose-made liner and fill with a good multipurpose compost mixed with water-retaining gel crystals — baskets dry out extremely fast in hot weather. Plant ivy-leaved pelargoniums around the sides for trailing effect and an upright variety in the centre if using a mixed planting. Water thoroughly after planting. Do not put baskets outside until all risk of frost has passed.

• Add water-retaining gel to the compost mix.
• Use ivy-leaved varieties for best trailing effect.
• Plant after the last frost — late May or June.
• Site in full sun for best flowering.

Watering baskets

Hanging baskets dry out very quickly, especially in warm, windy weather. In summer, a well-established basket may need watering once or even twice a day in hot spells. Check the weight of the basket — a light basket is dry. Water thoroughly each time until water drains freely from the base. Allowing baskets to dry out severely causes wilting, leaf drop, and reduced flowering that takes days to recover from.

Feeding basket geraniums

Frequent watering washes nutrients out of baskets very quickly. Feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser — tomato feed is ideal — once a week through summer. If you used a slow-release fertiliser granule at planting time, reduce liquid feeding to every two weeks. Deadhead spent flower stalks regularly to maintain continuous blooming. Remove any yellow leaves promptly to keep the basket looking its best.