Herb Hanging Basket Ideas: 8 Best Plants For Long-Lasting Edible Splendor

Growing herbs in hanging baskets can be especially useful for gardeners with limited space, or those hoping to enhance the look and feel of common areas. Most are surprised to find that a large number of species are suited to the creation of herb hanging baskets, offering growers a wide selection of plants from which to choose.

Careful planning and consideration at planting time will help to ensure that the needs of each type are met. The best herbs to grow in hanging baskets are those suited to the space. Growing herbs in containers is a great way to have herbs close at hand when cooking or if you only have a small space like a patio for a mini garden.

In most cases, hanging baskets for herbs will be positioned near porches or patios. This results in containers that receive varying amounts of sun and shade throughout the day. Other factors, such as moisture, will also play a role in deciding which plants might perform well.

Choosing The Best Herbs For Hanging Baskets

Diverse plantings, featuring an array of annual and perennial species can help growers to extend displays and add interest to the space. Varying heights, colors, textures and growth habits will further the appeal of mixed containers.

Taking design needs, light needs, and culinary desires into consideration can help you decide which herbs will work best for you. Let's explore some favorite herbs that do well in hanging baskets.

1. Creeping Thyme

Those in search of trailing herbs for hanging baskets often make use of creeping thyme. Though the plants are used most frequently as ground cover, mature specimens will flow freely from the sides of containers. Attractive foliage provides growers with memorable fragrance, giving way to a profusion of blooms in early spring.

Drought-tolerant plants aid in the creation of carefree mixed baskets, thriving through the entirety of summer. Varieties suited to growth in this manner include ‘Purple Carpet,’ ‘Pink Chintz,’ and ‘Elfin.’ Plants are considered hardy throughout USDA zones 4-9.

2. Greek Oregano

Greek oregano is ideal for hanging baskets due to its dense growth. Mature plants fill containers quickly, spilling from the edges. Like many other herbs, gardeners can expect the plant to fill the air with immense fragrance. Producing large numbers of flowers, the species serves both an ornamental and culinary purpose.

Plants are also known to attract pollinators, which feed on their nectar-rich blooms. Greek oregano is generally considered hardy throughout USDA zones 5-9.

3. Lavender

Growing lavender in containers or as part of a hanging basket garden is easy and a good idea if you have poor soil for lavender in the rest of your garden. Known for its preference for dry conditions, established plants will thrive within container culture. This is especially true of plants that receive bright sun throughout the day, aiding in the production of flowers. The plant's rich fragrance furthers the appeal of baskets situated where the delicate scent can be best enjoyed.

Types of lavender most suited to use in containers include ‘Sweet Romance,’ ‘Dwarf English,’ and ‘Dwarf Munstead.’ Plants will be hardy throughout USDA zones 5-9.

4. Marjoram

Similar to oregano, marjoram is beloved for its savory-sweet flavor. It also offers a great deal of ornamental value when used in hanging baskets. Herbs such as these will be tolerant to drought, making them ideal for use in carefree containers. Ample sunlight throughout the early morning hours will help to promote bloom, resulting in the prolific production of small purple-pink buds.

Popular species for use in containers include both wild and sweet marjoram types. Gardeners can direct the plant to behave as a perennial throughout USDA zones 4-10, varying accordingly.

5. Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are best known for their unique foliage and peppery taste. Vibrant, richly-colored flowers are especially attractive to pollinators, luring a wide range of beneficial insects. While some varieties will demonstrate an upright habit, trailing types will grow to spill gracefully from containers.

Nasturtiums planted as companions are believed to help repel pests and conserve moisture. Common cultivars for use in hanging baskets include ‘Peach Melba,’ ‘Amazon Jewel,’ and ‘Salmon Mousse.’

6. Parsley

Grown for its nutritional value, parsley is a welcome addition to edible hanging baskets. Compact plants add much-needed texture to mixed containers, with cool conditions allowing for continued harvest throughout the growing season. Plants will require routine watering in order to perform their best, preferring consistently moist conditions.

Types suited to use in hanging baskets include both flat leaf and curled varieties. The 'Lisette' parsley variety is a fast grower and is resistant to bolting. Growers living throughout USDA zones 5-9 can expect the plants to behave as a perennial.

7. Purple Sage

Known for their robust nature and resistance to disease, purple sage is a good choice for those hoping to attract pollinators. Plants grown in hanging baskets will remain relatively small, thriving even when conditions are less than ideal. Annual pruning of the woody perennial can help to promote growth, and aid gardeners in maintaining the desired size and shape of plants.

Purple sage can be used in cooking just as other varieties of culinary sage. Plants are generally considered perennial throughout USDA zones 5-9.

8. Scented Pelargonium

Pelargonium plants, or scented geraniums, are treasured for their immense fragrance and they are not true geraniums. Their scent, which ranges greatly by type, adds allure and appeal to most any container. This is especially true of hanging baskets that have been positioned so that they may be most enjoyed. Their leaves can be added to salads and their flowers are tasty in jellies, cakes, drinks and are great for candying!

Growers can expect the best performance where conditions remain relatively cool through summer. Scented geraniums for use in hanging baskets include ‘Attar of Roses,’ ‘Chocolate Peppermint,’ and ‘Northern Pine.’ Plants are considered hardy throughout USDA zones 10-11.

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