In Scottish gardens, where the weather can swing from blazing sun to chilly winds, even in one day, careful plant choices and a little prep work can ensure baskets thrive all summer, even while you’re away on holiday.
Before choosing plants, decide on the right basket type for your location and watering habits.
Wicker baskets are ideal for windier spots, these retain moisture well.
Plastic baskets are great for beginners as many include water reservoirs, ideal for hot spells or holiday-proofing. They can be used for years so keep using them to reduce plastic waste.
Wire baskets allow for planting through the sides for a lush, trailing effect. They dry out faster, so are best in sheltered positions. Use a strong liner such as coir, pre-formed felt, or burlap, and add a saucer, scrap of compost bag, or folded newspaper at the bottom to act as a water reservoir.
N.B. Make sure you have a strong bracket or book on which to hang your basket, a watered basket can be heavy.
Traditionally, hanging baskets are planted on the basis of thrillers, fillers and spillers.
This is usually the largest plant, placed in the centre of the basket, often with a tall and upright growing habit.
As the name suggests this plant should be striking in as many ways as possible. Look for plants that have continuous flowering or can give colour and texture in both flowers and foliage.
These are used to add colour, body, and texture to the container. They are usually placed around the base of the thriller plant so the choice of the thriller will have an effect on the plants that you chose as fillers.
Plant flowering and foliage plants around the side of the basket to soften the appearance by allowing them to trail over the sides.
Scotland’s weather can be changeable, but knowing your garden’s sun patterns is key.
Perfect for south or west-facing spots that get at least 5–6 hours of sun per day.
Zonal geranium, Pelargonium × hortorum
African daisy, Osteospermum jucundum
English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia
Marguerite daisy, Argyranthemum frutescens
Dwarf dahlia, Dahlia Gallery Series
Petunia, Petunia × hybrida
Nemesia, Nemesia strumosa
Bacopa, Sutera cordata
Twinspur, Diascia barberae
Bidens, Bidens ferulifolia
Million bells, Calibrachoa × hybrida
Trailing petunia, Petunia (Surfinia Group)
Silver nickel vine, Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’
Trailing nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus
Creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia
Ideal for north or east-facing locations, or spots shaded by walls or trees.
Miniature hosta, Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’
Hardy fuchsia, Fuchsia magellanica
Coral bells, Heuchera ‘Obsidian’
Tuberous begonia, Begonia × tuberhybrida
Busy Lizzie, Impatiens walleriana
Cascading begonia, Begonia ‘Illumination’ Series
Horned pansy, Viola cornuta
Ivy, Hedera helix
Creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
Trailing lobelia, Lobelia erinus ‘Cascade’
For a bold, cohesive look, use a single plant species per basket. Mix upright and trailing forms of the same plant for texture and shape. This type of basket is ideal for repeat plantings and will look simple and stylish, and be low-maintenance.
Perfect picks for one-variety baskets:
Fuchsia ‘Tom Thumb’, ‘Swingtime’, or ‘Dark Eyes’
Calibrachoa × hybrida ‘Can Can’ or ‘MiniFamous’ series
Trailing petunia, Petunia (Surfinia Group) –like ‘Hot Pink’ or ‘Blue Vein’
Begonia × tuberhybrida ‘Illumination’ Series – weather-resistant and colourful
Trailing lobelia, Lobelia erinus ‘Cascade’ or ‘Regatta Marine Blue’
Ivy-leaved geranium, Pelargonium peltatum – ideal for trailing displays
Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus ‘Alaska’ (variegated leaves) or ‘Whirlybird’ (semi-double flowers)
Bacopa, Sutera cordata ‘Snowflake’ or ‘Blue Sensation’
Nemesia, Nemesia ‘Wisley Vanilla’ or ‘Sundae’ series – great scent and colour
Who says plants in hanging baskets have to be flowering plants? An edible hanging basket at the back door or beside your barbecue area can be both handy and handsome. Why not try planting baskets full of these suggestions.
Strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa. Choose trailing varieties like ‘Toscana’ (pink flowers) or ‘Mara des Bois’ for flavour.
Cherry tomato, Solanum lycopersicum ‘Tumbling Tom’ or ‘Hundreds and Thousands’
Basil, Ocimum basilicum - use small-leaved or Greek basil for compact growth)
Thyme, Thymus vulgaris - spills nicely over basket edges and thrives in sun)
Parsley, Petroselinum crispum - curly-leaved forms hold their shape well and add volume and texture
Chives, Allium schoenoprasum - upright and architectural, with edible purple flowers
Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus - both the peppery leaves and bright flowers edible
Lettuce, Lactuca sativa - Pick compact or loose-leaf types like ‘Little Gem’ (compact cos type) or red oakleaf
Use 5–8 plants per 12-inch basket, depending on size. Fewer if using large plants like pelargoniums or herbs.
Mix compost with slow-release fertiliser and water-retaining granules.
Plant in layers: thrillers in the centre, fillers around them, and spillers near or through the basket sides.
Leave a gap at the top of 2.5cm (1 inch) to prevent compost from washing out when watering.
Check compost moisture daily, especially during heatwaves. If the top 1-2cm is dry, water thoroughly. If you cannot reach into your hanging basket to feel the compost, try lifting it from beneath – if it is lightweight and easy to lift then it definitely needs watering!
Use a high-nitrogen feed early on to encourage growth, switching to a potassium-rich feed (like tomato food) by mid-season, and remember to deadhead regularly to extend the flowering season and keep baskets looking fresh.
Going off on holiday? The fastest thing to run out of water will be plants in baskets and containers so take extra precautions with their care to keep them alive and thriving while you are away.
Take down baskets and sit them in a shaded trug or bucket with a small reservoir of water.
Group containers together in a shady corner to reduce drying from wind and sun.
Use a bottle dripper: pierce the lid of a 2L plastic bottle, fill with water and invert into the basket’s compost.
Deadhead and harvest before you leave to encourage new growth while you’re away.
Water deeply the day before you go.
Mulch the top of the basket with fine bark, wool pellets, or even damp newspaper to lock in moisture.
With the right basket, thoughtful planting, and a few well-timed tricks, your hanging baskets will be bursting with colour from June right through to the autumn chills, whether you're in the garden every day or soaking up the sun somewhere else.