Top 10 Hanging Plants for a Dreamy Outdoor Nook

8. Trailing Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) – The True Blue Beauty

If you’re a fan of blue in the garden (and let’s be real, who isn’t? It’s such a calming color!), then Trailing Lobelia is a must-have for your hanging baskets. It offers some of the most stunning, true blue flowers you can find, and they just spill and cascade beautifully over the edges of containers. It’s a real showstopper!

A Cascade of Intense Color (Especially That Blue!)

While Lobelia does come in other pretty shades like purple, pink, and white, it’s that vibrant, electric blue that really steals the show. It’s not a washed-out blue, or a purplish-blue – it’s a genuine, eye-popping blue that is pretty rare in the flower world. The flowers themselves are small and delicate, but there are so many of them that they create this incredible waterfall of color.

I remember the first time I saw a hanging basket just dripping with blue Lobelia. It was at a local nursery, and I literally stopped in my tracks. It was so vivid! I immediately bought one and hung it in my outdoor nook, and it instantly became a favorite. It’s the kind of plant that draws your eye and makes you say “Wow!”

A Bit of a Cool Customer: Understanding Its Needs

Now, here’s something really important to know about Trailing Lobelia: it’s a bit of a cool weather lover. It really prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade, especially if you’re in a climate that gets hot summers. Think of those lovely, mild summers you might find in places like San Francisco or Seattle – that’s Lobelia’s idea of paradise!

If you live somewhere with really intense summer heat (you know, like those scorching days in Dallas or even parts of LA), your Lobelia might struggle a bit in full, direct sun. It can get a bit stressed and stop blooming as much. I learned this when I tried to keep one going through a particularly hot spell. It looked great in the spring, but once the real heat hit, it started to look a bit sad and sparse. It definitely appreciates some protection from that blistering afternoon sun.

Keeping Lobelia Looking Lovely: Moisture and Patience

So, what does this cool customer need to thrive? Consistent moisture is key. The soil should be kept evenly moist, especially when it’s in a hanging container that can dry out quickly. Don’t let it get bone dry, but also avoid soggy conditions.

And here’s the deal with summer heat: your Lobelia may slow down its blooming when temperatures really soar. Don’t panic and think you’ve killed it! Often, if you keep it watered and give it some shade, it can revive and start blooming again once the weather cools down a bit in the fall. I’ve had some that looked like they were on their last legs in August, only to perk up and give another beautiful show in September and October. So a little patience can go a long way! Some gardeners even trim it back by about a third during the hottest part of summer to help it conserve energy.

The Dreamy Factor: A Serene Pop of Rare Blue

The “dreamy factor” of Trailing Lobelia is all about that stunning pop of rare blue. Blue is such a calming and serene color, and having it cascade from a hanging basket creates an instantly cool and captivating focal point in your outdoor nook. It’s like adding a little piece of the sky or a clear blue ocean to your personal retreat.

It pairs beautifully with white flowers or silvery foliage for a really elegant, calming look. Or, you can mix it with brighter colors for a more vibrant contrast. Either way, that true blue is something special that adds a touch of magic and tranquility. It’s perfect for creating a space where you can just relax and unwind.

That incredible blue of Lobelia is just so special, isn’t it? It’s worth a little extra attention to keep it happy. Now, if you’re looking for something with a totally different texture, something wonderfully tactile and a bit quirky, our next plant is a succulent sensation! Click the “Next” button below to get acquainted with Plant #9: Burro’s Tail Sedum!