Growing herbs in hanging baskets is a great solution for gardeners short on space or those looking to spruce up common areas. Many are pleasantly surprised to learn that a wide variety of herbs thrive in hanging baskets, giving growers plenty of options to pick from.
A little planning at planting time goes a long way in making sure each herb’s needs are met. The best herbs for hanging baskets are those that suit the space well. Container-grown herbs are perfect for keeping them within easy reach while cooking or for creating a mini garden on a small patio.
Most hanging herb baskets end up near porches or patios, meaning they get a mix of sun and shade throughout the day. Other factors, like moisture levels, also help determine which plants will do best.
Choosing The Best Herbs For Hanging Baskets
Mixing annuals and perennials can keep displays fresh and interesting. Combining different heights, colors, textures, and growth habits makes mixed containers even more appealing.
When picking herbs, think about design, light conditions, and how you’ll use them in cooking. Here are some top choices for hanging baskets:
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is a favorite for trailing over the edges of hanging baskets. Though often used as ground cover, mature plants spill beautifully from containers. Their fragrant foliage is a delight, and they burst into bloom in early spring.
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, creeping thyme thrives all summer. Great varieties include ‘Purple Carpet,’ ‘Pink Chintz,’ and ‘Elfin.’ Hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
2. Greek Oregano
Greek oregano is a must for hanging baskets thanks to its bushy growth. It fills containers fast, spilling over the edges with fragrant foliage. Besides its culinary uses, it produces plenty of flowers, making it both pretty and practical.
A magnet for pollinators, Greek oregano thrives in USDA zones 5-9.
3. Lavender
Lavender does wonderfully in hanging baskets, especially if your garden soil isn’t ideal for it. This drought-loving herb flourishes in full sun, producing fragrant blooms that make baskets even more inviting.
Top container varieties include ‘Sweet Romance,’ ‘Dwarf English,’ and ‘Dwarf Munstead.’ Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
4. Marjoram
Like oregano, marjoram has a sweet-savory flavor and looks great in baskets. It’s drought-tolerant, making it perfect for low-maintenance containers. Morning sun encourages blooming, with tiny purple-pink flowers appearing in abundance.
Both wild and sweet marjoram work well. It grows as a perennial in USDA zones 4-10, depending on the variety.
5. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums stand out with their bold foliage and peppery taste. Their bright flowers attract pollinators, and trailing varieties spill beautifully from baskets. Some gardeners use them as companion plants to deter pests and retain soil moisture.
Great choices for baskets include ‘Peach Melba,’ ‘Amazon Jewel,’ and ‘Salmon Mousse.’
6. Parsley
Parsley is a nutritious addition to edible hanging baskets. Its compact growth adds texture to mixed plantings, and it keeps producing in cooler weather. Just keep the soil consistently moist for the best results.
Both flat-leaf and curled varieties work well. The ‘Lisette’ parsley is fast-growing and slow to bolt. Perennial in USDA zones 5-9.
7. Purple Sage
Purple sage is tough, disease-resistant, and great for pollinators. It stays compact in baskets and tolerates less-than-perfect conditions. A little pruning keeps it shapely and encourages new growth.
Just like other culinary sages, it’s edible. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
8. Scented Pelargonium
Scented geraniums (Pelargoniums) aren’t true geraniums but are loved for their incredible fragrance. Their leaves can jazz up salads, and their flowers are great in jellies, cakes, drinks, or candied.
Conclusion:
Growing herbs in hanging baskets is a fantastic way to save space while enjoying fresh, flavorful additions to your meals. By selecting the right herbs and providing the proper care—like ensuring adequate sunlight, proper watering, and good soil—you can enjoy an abundant supply of homegrown herbs right at your fingertips. Whether you’re creating a beautiful hanging herb garden on your patio or adding some greenery indoors, these plants offer both beauty and practicality for any space. Happy gardening!
