These ten flowers and plants are best for pots and hanging baskets

Colourful flowers and plants can completely change the look of your home, and can lift your spirits.

When creating hanging baskets, window boxes and pots, some plants and flowers are noticeably better than others at flourishing in less space.

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Plant experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have revealed ten of the best species to buy and grow when planting in shorter containers.

Caring for plants and flowers is known to be great for mental health and having something to look after and focus on can offer much needed relief in times of stress.

A spokesperson for Gardening Express.co.uk said: “Not everyone is lucky enough to have a big garden where they can place all of their plants.

“These varieties will all thrive in hanging baskets, window boxes and pots, meaning they can be placed on balconies or on window ledges.

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“They will help to brighten the area and hopefully bring a smile to your face when you see them each day.”

These are GardeningExpress.co.uk’s suggestions for hanging baskets:

1. Fuchsia

These hardy plants are perfect for hanging baskets, with their downward facing flowers hanging and draping beautifully over the basket. If kept frost free over winter, they will bloom again the following year.

2. Lantana

These bright orange flowers are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, inviting some wildlife into your outside area. They also tolerate dry conditions, meaning they need very little water.

3. Snapdragon

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Also known as Antirrhinums, these upright flowers will help add height and drama to your low-lying pots. The vivid splash of colours will grab your attention.

4. Petunia

An extremely popular flower that comes in several varieties and can survive in most conditions, but will thrive when placed in sunlight. Water on a weekly basis to keep them healthy and happy.

5. Impatiens

These are very easy to maintain and can grow and survive well in containers. A great addition to any window box, they need plenty of water and will thrive in shady areas.

6. Wisteria

This decadent climber is moderately easy to grow and produces a rich fragrance during the spring. Wisteria needs plenty of sunlight but also needs to be regularly watered. It can be quite time-consuming due to it needing to be trained, otherwise it will be popping up randomly throughout the garden.

7. Clematis

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The rambling plant will become a centre piece when put into a hanging basket. It will drape over the side creating a natural chandelier, with the pale colours standing out against a wall or fence as backdrop.

8. Lobelia

Although the flowers of the lobelia are small in size, the sheer quantity of flowers, and blanket of colour it produces is impressive. They can survive in heat and will thrive in full sunlight coupled with moist soil.

9. Geraniums

These hardy plants can survive most conditions and are drought tolerant meaning they can cope for longer periods in hanging baskets that are positioned where it’s more difficult to water the plants.

10. Nasturtiums

One of the easiest flowers to grow from seeds, Nasturtiums offer a great deal of colour variety. You can choose your favourites from bright orange flowers to the creamy white option, or display a mixed show of colour for full effect.