Color and Life
Hanging flowers are so popular because they’re a quick and easy way to make a stunning impression with amazing colors of live plants. Hanging plants are functionally aesthetic. They exist to be beautiful and to brighten up an area, and to that end, they are almost always bright and beautiful colors.
So how do you go about picking a hanging plant? What do you look for when choosing one? Let’s find out!
How to Pick the Right Hanging plant?
Choosing a hanging plant seems like a roulette, but it’s no gamble when you buy from somewhere trusted. At Koopman Lumber, we stock locally sourced hanging plants that are guaranteed fresh, so you know your plant will last.
Most hanging plants require very little maintenance, but there are a few additional considerations to take into mind. When choosing a hanging plant, make sure it will thrive in your situation and pick a plant that is right for your area. Consider the following:
Sun
Like any plant, you will have to consider how much sun the plant will get. Most varieties of hangers will work in the conventional hanging areas, such as your porch, railing, or garden. Some hanging plants are a bit more delicate, and they need shade – like the fuchsia. The fuchsia is sought after for its amazing flower structure, (seen below) however, it will not handle direct sunlight well. By placing it in an area that is guaranteed some shade, you can help keep it happy and healthy.
Maintenance
Another consideration to make is maintenance. Hanging plants aren’t as simple as “set it and forget it,” and a little work can go a long way to improving both the health and life of the plant.
Water Often and Thoroughly – Hanging plants need a lot of water. They are more subject to drying winds that plants in the ground, and as such need some TLC! Especially in the hotter months, your plants will need to be watered daily, if not twice a day. To check the water levels, stick your finger about 1 inch into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, then it’s time for some water!
Know When to Remove Flowers – Some varieties of flower thrive best if you remove the flowers at the end of the blooming cycle. This is common in most varieties of petunia for instance. However, the extremely popular “million bells” flower is like a miniature petunia that requires no maintenance! As flowers fade and die, give them a quick pinch near the base of the flower to remove them where they meet the stem. This will encourage the formation of new flowers instead of the plant using energy elsewhere.
Consider the Cleanup – You should also consider the color of the petals that will be dropped. For instance, if you have a red geranium, you may not want to hang it over a light composite deck. If the petals get wet or stepped on, they may stain the decking, which is a hassle to clean or replace!
Wrap Up
Overall, hangers are a fantastic way to add instant color to a front porch or deck railing. They are easy to maintain (just keep up with the water when it gets hot) and can provide months of beauty for the season.
Our plant staff at Koopmans is always ready to assist with any questions you may have, but the bottom line is, it’s tough to mess up a selection of a hanging plant! So chose with confidence, and feel free to contact us with any questions you might have! Visit us at koopmanplants.com to get a hold of our expertly trained plant staff and get your questions answered!
