What to Plant in Hanging Baskets in March: Ultimate Guide

March signals a pivotal shift in the gardening calendar, a moment when the lingering chill of winter begins to relinquish its grip. For those looking to jumpstart their season with vibrant colour, hanging baskets offer an immediate and impactful solution. Knowing what to plant in hanging baskets in March is essential for establishing a stunning display that will flourish through the coming months.

Embracing the Transitional Month

As the days lengthen and temperatures slowly climb, March is the ideal window to move beyond cool-weather staples and introduce plants that thrive in strengthening sunlight. The key is to strike a balance between resilience and early-season brilliance. You are not only planting for now, but for the robust summer displays to come, ensuring your baskets evolve gracefully with the season.

Cool Champions: Frost-Tolerant Leaders

Early in the month, it is wise to utilise plants that can handle a surprise frost, allowing you to get a head start. These tough specimens form the structural backbone of your basket, providing volume and colour while you wait for warmer conditions to introduce more tender varieties.

• Primroses and polyanthus for a classic, cheerful carpet of colour.
• Trailing nemesia, which offers delicate flowers and a spreading habit.
• Sweet alyssum, renowned for its fragrance and ability to fill in gaps.
• Stock (matthiola) for its elegant, spicy-scented blooms.

Introducing the Warm-Loving Stars

As the month progresses and the threat of severe frost passes, it is time to integrate the vibrant heat-lovers that define summer baskets. These plants will elevate your display with lush foliage and intense blooms, transforming your hanging creation into a showpiece.

• Petunias, available in endless varieties from grandiflora to trailing types.
• Begonia semperflorens, reliable and outstanding in shaded or partially lit spots.
• Fuchsia, perfect for adding drama with its distinctive, pendant flowers.
• Lobelia, an excellent spiller over the edges with dense blue or white flowers.

The Structural Element: Soil and Support

Success is not solely determined by the plant choices, but by the foundation they are planted in. A high-quality, peat-free multi-purpose compost enriched with water-retaining crystals and slow-release fertiliser is non-negotiable. Furthermore, ensure your basket liner is properly secured and that the hanging mechanism is robust, as the weight of a fully planted and watered basket can be substantial.

Strategic Planting for Lasting Impact

When assembling your basket, think in layers. Position your taller, upright plants like fuchsia or small dahlias in the centre or slightly to the back. Arrange the cascading specimens, such as petunias or bacopa, towards the edges to create a dramatic waterfall effect. Finally, fill the mid-levels with compact, mounding plants like verbena or diascia to ensure the basket looks full and abundant from every angle.