Personally I prefer a small species of Surfinia - 'Million Bells' with Diascia and trailing Fuschia in hanging baskets. The smaller surfinia seem not to go all 'leggy' and retain their flowers until well into October. Some even survived the snow! If you want the 'ball' effect this seems to be achieved with Impatiens, but the secret is plenty of watering when it is hot. The number of plants really depends on the size of the container, hope this helps, but I am certainly not an expert! There are also lovely trailing Geraniums and climbing Fuschias for other containers, not forgetting the Sweet Peas which we don't seems to have much luck with, however my Poppies, a real favourite of mine are going great guns, and the wonderful Wisteria is losing its blossom, it has been really magnificent this year.
Vanessa Smith ● 5814d