8 Low Maintenance Outdoor Hanging Plants You Will Love

Do you want to grow low-maintenance hanging plants but don't know where to begin? Are you wondering which hanging plants require the least care and upkeep? We've researched these questions and have plenty of great options to share!

If you're looking for low-maintenance, outdoor hanging plants, here are a few that any gardener should be able to manage:

  1. Geranium
  2. Begonia
  3. Petunia
  4. String of Pearls
  5. Fuchsia
  6. Burro's Tail
  7. Fern
  8. Pothos

All these hanging plants are relatively low maintenance and can be kept outside if you live in their preferred growing zone/climate.

In this article, we will cover hanging plants and discuss which low-maintenance species you should grow in your landscape. Whether you're new to hanging plants or need some tips and tricks, we're here to assist. With that said, let's dive right in!

Colorful petunias in hanging pots, 8 Low Maintenance Outdoor Hanging Plants You Will Love

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Low-Maintenance Hanging Plants for Outdoors

Hanging plants require less maintenance than other types of plants. Since they grow in hanging pots, they don't require much pruning. Of course, that's not to say all hanging plants are the same, but most will be easy to manage.

It's also worth noting that hanging plants tend to do well indoors and outside. A hanging plant can be transferred between locations if you live somewhere with fluctuating weather.

Colorful petunias in hanging pots

Many hanging plant species are annuals. That means they'll only live for one year, ultimately dying back. You can choose perennials instead, as they should live for many years in their pots.

The key to growing hanging plants is giving them enough light. Think of this type of gardening as decorative, above all else.

Here are some low-maintenance hanging plants you can try:

1. Geranium

Pelargonium peltatum flowers. Geranium red flowers

Geraniums are one of the easier and most popular hanging plant options for the outside. Since most of these flowers will be annual, caring for geraniums should not be difficult.

One of the most critical parts of caring for hanging geraniums is giving your flowers enough water each week. Ideally, you will water hanging geraniums every 7-10 days or whenever the top inch of soil feels super dry.

These plants don't require much pruning, which is excellent for people who do not want to spend hours in the garden.

Focus on maintaining a consistent environment for your geraniums, and don't let them sit in full sun during hot days.

It's also worth noting that once established, perennial geraniums can withstand periods of moderate drought, hanging or not. They don't mind being slightly dry between waterings.

2. Begonia

Beautiful Begonia flowers in a hanging basket against brick wall

This flowering species thrives in partial or dappled shade and doesn't require much upkeep throughout the year.

The main thing to avoid doing when growing begonias is having them hanging from a south-facing position. This is because the sun can damage the leaves on your plant and could cause issues with dryness.

Furthermore, begonias prefer evenly moist soil and don't mind a bit of warm weather if they aren't in the direct sun. Humid environments work best for begonia plants, although they aren't required for a successful bloom.

3. Petunia

Baskets of hanging petunia flowers on balcony. Petunia flower in ornamental plant

Petunias thrive in partial to full sun as long as they get roughly six hours. They need daily-weekly watering. If the soil feels dry on the top one to two inches, it's time for more water.

You should be able to enjoy petunias in a hanging planter year-round in warm climates. For those in cooler USDA zones, your petunia will likely die in late fall or early winter.

Petunias are gorgeous during the spring, summer, and early fall, so they are perfect for anyone wanting a splash of color near their home!

4. String of Pearls

gardener woman hand holding hanging Senecio Rowleyanus commonly known as a string of pearls

This hanging plant will usually do best with a combination of direct and indirect sunlight: between six and eight hours a day.

This unique plant will showcase pea-like foliage, making for a great statement planter near your house. The care routine for the string of pearls is minimal. This plant is susceptible to overwatering, so less is more.

This is a succulent plant species that might be an excellent idea for desert gardeners, as too much rain won't be good either.

5. Fuchsia

hanging red and white fuchsia flowers potted plant basket at porch of home house

This hanging plant prefers indirect light or dappled shade. Too much sun can cause it to stop flowering, as it's more light-sensitive.

However, full morning sun for fuchsias can be beneficial. The plant requires weekly watering, although this could need to be done daily during periods of intense heat or drought.

Pruning for this plant can be minimal, as it won't get very large in a hanging planter.

Hanging plants don't have deep roots to store moisture, so they'll depend on you during hot weather.

6. Burro's Tail

Sedum morganianum is popular succulent with trailing stems and fleshy blue-green leaves

This succulent species option won't require pruning or much water/attention.

A burro's tail plant typically needs four hours of sun exposure daily. We recommend hanging it in a south-facing location to ensure that it receives plenty of sunlight.

When it comes to a watering routine, your burro's tail will only require water every 14 or so days. Like a string of pearls succulent: your burro's tail also thrives in drier soil conditions.

You could even grow these two succulents beside each other to give your home a desert flare.

7. Fern

Green Ferns

One of the more common hanging plants for outside is a fern. In general, the only maintenance your fern needs is regular watering, as these dry out quickly in certain climates.

In addition, you want to hang a fern somewhere with a few hours of morning sun or gently filtered light throughout the day. This plant species is more prone to wilting and dehydrating, which is a big deal.

However, in moister climates, you can do less watering for your fern. Ferns usually need bi-weekly watering, although they might need daily watering if it's the heat of summer.

This applies to almost all hanging plants (unless they're succulents), so expect to up your watering schedule in the summer season.

8. Pothos

Golden pothos plant in a hanging basket

This species doesn't require frequent watering or pruning, making it perfect for those with busy schedules.

Specifically, you can water a pothos every one or two weeks, letting the soil dry out before adding more moisture to its planter. This plant doesn't like sitting in soggy soil, so it's better to hold off watering during wetter seasons.

You might want to feed pothos yearly or twice yearly, although this species doesn't require fertilizer to grow.

Instead, focus on giving your hanging plant bright, indirect light. Pothos can survive in lower light, although we don't recommend this if you find a better-hanging location.

What Is The Easiest Type Of Hanging Plant To Grow?

Although most hanging plants are considered easy to manage and grow, pothos is among the better low-maintenance choices.

Because this plant doesn't need much watering and thrives in low to bright lighting, pothos can adapt quickly to its surroundings. It long trailing stems are perfect for hanging planters, giving new life to your suspended garden.

Gardeners find luck growing pothos indoors and outside, as long as the weather is mild. Generally, you don't want to grow plants outdoors in a hanging container if they'll be exposed to intense heat and dryness.

Again, succulents are great for drier conditions, and some may even be fine to put together in a single hanging container. The key is finding a suitable location around your house with enough light and then creating a watering schedule.

How Long Do Hanging Plants Typically Live?

Most hanging plants are annuals, meaning they'll continue to grow for about one year.

The lifespan of hanging plants is often shorter than those in the soil. This could be because of the lack of space, which causes shallower root systems.

Older plants will extend their roots as they mature, which can help keep them alive and thriving past the first year. Of course, this is different by species and type of hanging plant: so everyone's experience will be unique.

To Wrap Things Up

Whether you're new to hanging plants or already have a few, it's always good to know which ones require less care.

We found many low-maintenance hanging plants, including geranium, begonia, petunia, string of pearls, fuchsia, burro's tail, fern, and pothos.

All these plant options will thrive in varying conditions, although a common theme is that they're adaptable. If your plant gets enough light and regular water, it should be fine hanging above.

While we have your attention, check out these related posts!

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