Perennial Trailing Plants for use in 12" Wall Baskets?

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by Kevin Cowans, Jul 29, 2018.

  1. Kevin Cowans

    Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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    Hello all

    I have got three 12" Wall Baskets down the side of my house and would like to plant them with some perennial trailing plants that are preferably low maintenance due to my health.

    I am more than likely looking at doing the planting next year in the Spring but I wanted to do my research now.

    I have looked at Trailing Fuchsia and they seem to be suitable but I wanted to check first.

    Any other suggestions are of course welcome.

    Thanks in advance

    Kevin
     
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    • Linz

      Linz Total Gardener

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      In Jersey plants catalogue* I came across a trailling heuchera that is pre-planted in a basket.. rattan or plastic..although cheaper looking I'd go for plastic as it doesnt dry out as much, plus if it does what it says it should cover the pot in time (plus it was 5 quid cheaper...)

      *Other suppliers available.
       
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      • Selleri

        Selleri Koala

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        Hi Kevin,
        how much sun will the baskets get and how often are you willing to water them? Watering is probably the key factor in maintenance, baskets dry out very quickly.

        Trailing fuchsia is a great choice, they flower all summer but will need feeding and frequent watering. Check Morrisons in the spring if you live near one, I got a perennial bushy type for £1.49 this spring and it's now filling its 30cm container and has flowered non stop since early June.

        If you want lush, low maintenance greenery all year round, ivy is a super plant. It's very humble, will tolerate occasional neglect and looks very stylish on its own. You'll not get (noticeable) flowers though, but if greenery is your thing you can't go wrong with ivy. There are variegated types, but my absolute favourite is the wild type with so glossy leaves they look almost artificial :)

        For sunny, dry spot you could also consider alpine or even succulent plants. They are smaller and sometimes not fully hardy, but can have very exotic feel. Here's one online retailer: Trailing Succulents | Surreal Succulents
         
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        • Marley Farley

          Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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          Hi @Kevin Cowans my first choice would be Aubretia as after a year or so they will form a solid beard of green with flowers in spring.. Lots of different colours too...

          Ajuga trail as well colourful leaves as well as flowers..

          There quite a few hardy ferns and painted ferns that are fairly compact too..

          Hostas dont trail but would be up away from slugs and snails and look pretty impressive..

          Your only problem would be keeping them fed and watered in hot dry times like we have experienced.. Maybe could be succeptable to frost though if on an exposed wall.. :SUNsmile:
           
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          • BigC

            BigC Super Gardener

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            Maybe consider adjustable pull down/retractable hangers if you have health concerns they make make watering a little bit easier...just a thought.
             
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            • Kevin Cowans

              Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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              Hello @Selleri

              Thanks for the reply.

              The Wall Baskets are all on a wall that faces North East (ish).

              Watering should not be too much of an issue, I do have rough days but even then I would be able to water them somewhat.

              Unfortunately, over the years, I have grown to hate Ivy so that is out, sorry :)

              I actually have a Morrisons in the village so I will keep an eye out.

              Thanks

              Kevin
               
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              • Kevin Cowans

                Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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                Hello @Marley Farley

                Thanks for the suggestions.

                The wall where they are does face North East (ish) but is not too exposed as there are 6' fences running parallel roughly 2 meters away.

                Kevin
                 
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                • Kevin Cowans

                  Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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                  Hello @BigC

                  Thanks for the suggestion, however, the baskets are fixed to the wall and not hanging.

                  Watering should not really be an issue for me as being 6'5" I can easily reach them.

                  Thanks

                  Kevin
                   
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                  • Kevin Cowans

                    Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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                    Hello @Linz

                    Thanks for the reply and the suggestion, I will have a look.

                    Also, the Wall Baskets I have are metal, permanently attached to the wall and use the Coco Liners.

                    Thanks

                    Kevin
                     
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                    • Gail_68

                      Gail_68 Guest

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                      Hello @Kevin Cowans I hope your keeping ok mate :)

                      I've had Fuschia baskets in the past and they're adorable with a nice mixture but this link shows all the plants for asking baskets and even better if you ask Shiney he does his own and sells them and may be able to give you some more advice.

                      Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets | Gardening Direct
                       
                    • Kevin Cowans

                      Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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                      Hello @Gail_68

                      I am coping, thanks for asking, and you?

                      Thanks for the link, I will have a peruse.

                      Kevin
                       
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                      • Gail_68

                        Gail_68 Guest

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                        Nice to hear your doing ok mate :thumbsup:...I feel slightly better with no humidity it was over powering :phew:

                        I thought the link might give you a rough idea of what may catch your eye :)
                         
                      • Kevin Cowans

                        Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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                        Hello @Gail_68

                        Glad to hear you feeling better, personally I am looking forward to September as the weather is then more comfortable for me.

                        I think I have decided on using Trailing Fuschias, I just need to know how to look after them, especially over winter.

                        Thanks

                        Kevin
                         
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                        • KFF

                          KFF Total Gardener

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                          I think either I've misread the meaning of your original request Kevin or we are getting seriously off course here.

                          Trailing Fuchsiaa are fantastic for Summer baskets but can not be used as a permanent perennial type of planting in a basket. They come with a whole lot of work attatched. ( Getting them out in Autumn, potting them up and keeping them indoors frost free, pruning, taking cuttings, keeping them well fed etc etc ). Amd then you're left with empty containers over Winter.

                          I would go for some of the smaller Campanula or other rockery/Alpine plants which would cascade over the sides, and underplant them with some small Spring bulbs such as Botanical Crocus.

                          You could also try some Dianthus. You can get larger Pinks or Carnations to trail down the sides. There are strains of Carnations that are specially bred for baskets that are grown a lot in Austria etc. These are also evergreen so would provide Winter interest as well.
                           
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                            Last edited: Jul 30, 2018
                          • Gail_68

                            Gail_68 Guest

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                            Good morning kevin,

                            I had Fuchsia in the basket but come the end of summer that's it and I had to water them daily with the heat here besides sun :)

                            @KFF as given you sound advice regarding Fuchsias as he as a lovely selection :thumbsup:
                             
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