Top 10 Stunning Plants for Hanging Baskets

5. Lobelia: The Tiny Blue Wonder I Almost Overlooked

Okay, let me tell you about lobelia—because if you’re like me and tend to go for the big, bold blooms every time, this little plant might not even catch your eye at first.

But oh man, was I missing out.

I almost skipped over lobelia at the nursery last spring because it looked… well, delicate. Like the wallflower of the hanging basket world. But my friend insisted I give it a try, and honestly? It ended up being one of the best additions to my baskets all season long.

That “Waterfall” Effect You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s start with what makes lobelia so special—those tiny blue flowers that spill over the edge of a basket like a soft, flowing waterfall.

I used to think only ivy or sweet potato vine could do that dramatic trailing thing, but lobelia surprised me. It doesn’t just drape—it dances in the breeze with this light, airy feel.

I planted mine near the edge of a larger basket filled with begonias and violas, and the effect was unreal. It added movement and texture without stealing the spotlight. Think of it as the supporting actor who still gets a standing ovation.

Cool Weather Rockstar

Here’s the deal: lobelia isn’t a summer diva. It thrives in cool spring and fall weather, which made it perfect for my Chicago balcony where temps can swing wildly.

I actually had better luck with lobelia in May and September than in July when things got too hot. Once the temps climbed above 85°F, mine started looking sad and sparse. Lesson learned: don’t expect miracles in the middle of summer.

If you live in Seattle or San Francisco where it stays milder most of the year, though? Lobelia could be your year-round BFF.

Water, Water, Please!

Now, fair warning—this plant is thirsty. It requires moist soil and regular watering, especially if it’s in a hanging basket exposed to wind and sun.

I set mine on a small drip tray to help retain some moisture (not sure if that’s a real gardening term or just something I made up), and I watered it every other day during dry spells.

It also prefers partial sun, so I tucked it into a spot that got morning light but afternoon shade. If you’ve got a north- or east-facing balcony, this might be your jam.

Soft, Dreamy, and Totally Worth It

Lobelia gives off major soft, dreamy aesthetic vibes. I mean, it looks like something out of a fairy tale garden.

I paired mine with white alyssum and some silver-foliage dichondra, and it felt like I’d stepped into a cottagecore Pinterest board. Honestly, I took way too many photos just to send to friends with captions like “My balcony today 😍🌿”

And while it’s often used as a filler plant in mixed baskets, don’t sleep on how much character it brings. It fills in gaps, adds depth, and creates that lush, full look without taking over.

So if you’re after something subtle, romantic, and totally charming—especially in early spring or late fall—lobelia deserves a spot in your basket lineup.

Ready to move on to something bolder? Click “next” below—we’re diving into geraniums, those iconic summer bloomers that bring serious color and old-school charm to any space. 🌸