Celebrity
How to plant a stunning hanging basket that cascades with foliage and flowers for years to come
Hanging baskets are always a delight to look at whether it’s on your patio, in the backyard or inside the home.
It’s no different at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show where the hanging basket competition is always a huge attraction.
Judging the designs at the event this year is landscape designer and gardener Inge Jabara, who shared her tips for planting a winning hanging basket with 9honey Living.
READ MORE: Shoppers in a frenzy over Aussie details in Bunnings $13 garden range
“A great hanging basket is a balance of creativity, scale, and plant health. The size of the plants should complement the basket, and since we’re at a garden show, everything needs to be in peak condition,” she says.
Starting with the pot or vessel you’ll put your plants in, Jabara prefers coir liners for good drainage and moisture retention but the choice is ultimately yours and can depend on things like the style of the space it will go in and your budget.
10 easy-grow flowers and plants for a beautiful window box
A hanging basket can be a combination of multiple plants or just one that has huge impact.
Jabara’s top three for a singular plant basket are convolvulus cneorum, also known as silver bush and dichondra silver falls for outside. Inside she loves rhipsalis ‘mistletoe cactus’.
READ MORE: The $10 Kmart hack pro organiser uses to transform wardrobes
If using multiple plants there is a handy formula to keep in mind that will allow all of them to shine and it’s known as the ‘thriller, filler, spiller’ method. However, with hanging baskets it’s more of a thrill and spill situation.
“I prefer a traditional approach – taller plants in the centre (the ‘thriller’) and long, soft plants trailing over the edges,” she says.
“But with hanging baskets the rule book is out the window and you can get as creative as you want! Just make sure you can see all your elements and they do not over crowd.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about nasturtiums, the edible flower loved by Meghan Markle
Once you’ve selected your plants and are ready to plant them, you don’t need to worry too much about your choice of potting mix and use the information on the plant label to guide how often you water them.
More important than potting mix, Jabara says, is fertiliser.
“Feed with a quality liquid fertiliser every 14 days and keep a slow-release fertiliser in the soil. Since basket plants have limited root space, they rely on regular feeding to stay healthy,” she explains.
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Space is another a consideration when planting a hanging basket as you don’t want the plants too crowded or too sparse.
“Ensure plants have enough space to be seen but not excessive gaps,” she says.
When it comes to hanging your basket, Jabara recommends using plants that suit the area it’ll be hung in such as full sun, shade or part sun, part shade.
You should also consider other elements that may impact the longevity and condition of the plants.
READ MORE: Our honest review of the Bose QuietComfort SC headphones
“Avoid areas with strong winds or near air-conditioning units, as these can damage delicate blooms,” she said.
And when it looks like plants are starting to fade it’s time to bring out the snips.
“Cut them back! Many hanging basket plants can last for years with proper care. Care for them and enjoy them long term,” Jabara says.
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show runs from Wednesday March 26 to Sunday March 30, 2025 at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
