Top 10 Stunning Plants for Hanging Baskets

10. Trailing Lantana: My Go-To for Bold, Heatproof Color

Let me tell you about trailing lantana—because if you live in a place where summer means serious heat, this plant might just be your new best friend.

I first tried lantana when I was visiting family in Dallas and saw it thriving in a parking lot planter. In a parking lot. No shade, no fancy irrigation—just brutal sun and concrete. And it looked fabulous. I thought, If this thing can survive here, maybe it can handle my neglect too.

Turns out, I was totally right.

Clusters of Color That Don’t Quit

One of the things I love most is how clusters of colorful blooms keep coming all season long. Seriously, this thing doesn’t know the meaning of “taking a break.”

Mine came in shades of coral, lavender, and sunny yellow. I planted a mix in a hanging basket on my balcony and—boom—it looked like a tropical getaway in minutes.

It’s not just pretty either—trailing lantana adds a bold, tropical feel to urban gardens, which is exactly what I was going for in my tiny, concrete-walled space.

Butterfly Magnet (And Drought Lover)

Okay, real talk: I didn’t expect much beyond color when I planted lantana—but then the butterflies showed up. Like, a lot of them.

It turns out, lantana attracts butterflies like I attract coffee in the morning. One day I was watering my plants and realized my basket had turned into a full-on butterfly hangout.

And as for care? It’s basically self-sufficient. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant, so even if you forget to water it (like I do), it’ll still look good.

Just make sure it’s in well-draining soil and gets plenty of sun—and don’t overwater. Less is more with this one.

Perfect for Hot Cities (Even If You’re Not a Gardener)

If you’re in a warm-weather city like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, or Phoenix, trailing lantana should definitely be on your list.

It thrives in high heat, which makes it perfect for southern-facing windows, rooftop gardens, or balconies that turn into saunas by noon.

I’ve used it both in mixed baskets with silver foliage plants for contrast and on its own for a bold, statement look—and both ways worked great.

It’s also super easy to find at most nurseries, so no need to hunt around for specialty plants.

A Tropical Touch Without the Hassle

Honestly, one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to lantana is because of that tropical feel it brings without needing a greenhouse or a gardener on speed dial.

It looks lush, feels wild, and gives off major vacation vibes—even if I’m just sitting outside with a glass of wine and my laptop.

If you’re into home decor, event planning, or just want your space to feel like a resort, give trailing lantana a shot. It’s seriously one of those plants that does most of the work for you.

Conclusion

Whether you’re styling your apartment in Chicago or hosting a brunch on your rooftop in San Francisco, these top 10 stunning plants for hanging baskets offer something for every taste and climate. From the timeless elegance of ivy to the bold vibrance of geraniums, each plant brings its own personality to your space.

So grab a basket, pick your favorites, and start creating your own little slice of paradise. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your setup — share it with friends or pin it for future inspiration! 📸✨

Ready to shop for your next hanging basket star? Visit your local nursery or explore online retailers for fresh, seasonal picks today.