Hanging basket recipe!

THE CENTREPIECE
For a fully rounded basket you will need a plant that grows upright to act as your centrepiece. Among the best for the job are Pelargoniums (aka Zonal Geraniums), Begonias and Fuchsias. These will prevent the flat ‘bad hair day’ look that can otherwise afflict baskets!

THE TRAILERS
The stars of the show. These provide that characteristic cascade of blooms. Petunias, Begonias and Million Bells (Calibrachoa) trail the furthest, while Ivy Geraniums, Fuchsias, Lobelias, Brachyscombe and Scaevola can add extra substance, texture and interest.

THE FILLERS
One of the many pluses of having larger baskets is having room to add upright and semi-trailing plants. Their role is to give the basket a full shape. Impatiens (Busy Lizzies) are great for the job, as are Verbenas, Lantanas, Nemesias, Diascias, Bacopa and Bidens.

THE FOLIAGE
If you want that really impressive ceiling-to-floor effect make sure you include one of the trailing foliage plants. Silvery Nepeta works with pastel colour schemes; use Lysimachia for hotter themes. Dichondra and Helichrysum are other options.