Flowers or something...

[Gryfon]

...for hanging baskets? And it has to cope with the soil drying out quickly in this weather!

My violas which have done so well, just aren't coping with it being so hot and they're ending up dried and baked So I want to try and rescue those and put something else in.

I already have varigated ivy which is looking alright but really need something that trails faster.

Any ideas?

[SueA]

Hi Rachel. how about some 'Surfinia' Petunias, they grow rapidly & trail but would still need plenty of water, they do recover pretty well if you forget though & perk up after a good soak. Or a trailing nepeta (cat mint) or chilean glory vine? You might have problems getting hold of something now though as most places have sold all their basket & bedding plants. I did get a couple of trays of trailing lobelia cheap from Focus DIY the other week though which perked up after a good watering & trail nicely & don't mind sun, but they do need regular watering. Try mixing some water-retaining granules in the compost which should help.

[nick the grief]

Geraniums - they don't mind heat or better still how about some herbs - they will be really happy

Just thought after posting, try a trick an old boy who I used to help taught me. At night put about 4 ice cubes in you hanging baskets they will melt slowy (relative) & the water will soak in better then top up with water the following morning...... Hmm, must try this myself

[sewer rat]

Lysmachia - specifically the form commonly known as Golden Creeping Jenny, or Dichondra, variety "Silver Falls" - if it was next year I'd send you some for free but it's not so I can't
Both of these are quick growing foliage plants for hanging baskets - I especially like the creeping jenny

[Gryfon]

Thank you! Might go for the herbs as I do love them! And some geraniums for colour.

It's alright there in the morning but in the afternoon it's like a furnace! I can water in the morning and it's dry by the evening!

[bramble]

Gryfon, try putting a plastic saucer or a dish in the bottom of your hanging basket. This will help hold some extra water for you.

[nick the grief]

NA Kays do (or did) a "feed n water" mixture for hanging baskets. It's a slow release fertiliser & water retaning gel, have a look for this as well.

Also you might want to change the way you do your hanging baskets. Either buy the Hanging pots (plastic with saucers - Kays do them upto 10" dia) or do what I did to some of mine. Rather than use Moss I bought some re-usable liners & put some old compost bag inside this with so holes inabout 2/3's of the way down so they have a resevoir. I have used plastic or terracotta plant saucers in the past & they work well too.

[Gryfon]

Thanks all, when I redo them this weekend I'll probably put a plastic bag inside as the rate it dries up they won't get waterlogged!