Departments > Parks, Recreation and Culture > Parks Division > Hanging Baskets

Victoria's Hanging Baskets

One wonders what the Victoria City Council that first approved the hanging of flower baskets would think of their program now. The placement of flower baskets on lampposts every June has signalled the start of summer in Victoria for over 70 years. First introduced to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victoria's incorporation in 1937, they are now a trademark of the City of Victoria recognized around the world.

When Victoria's baskets were first introduced, the practice of hanging flower baskets in public areas was limited to a few European cities. Many of the plants used in those baskets would not have performed well in Victoria's climate. Therefore, in the early years many different plants and plant colours were tried in the baskets. They were selected based on their vigour, resistance to disease and insects, period of bloom and other required maintenance needs.

The present plant selection has varied only slightly since the 1960's and trials continue today to improve selection with new plants or plant varieties. In 2010, the City began piloting new sun basket plantings to see which best withstand warmer temperatures and bloom into October. Trials continue with such plants as Bidens, Calibrachoa, Verbena, and Guara.

Plants for the baskets are grown in the City of Victoria's nursery, located in the southeast corner of Beacon Hill Park. In late April, a crew of six gardeners begins construction of approximately 1,500 hanging baskets. This process takes place over a four week period. After the baskets are made, they remain in the greenhouses for one week before being moved outside to acclimatize to the conditions they will encounter on the streets. During the second week of June, the baskets are placed on the City's signature lampposts.

Parks staff water the hanging baskets every night throughout the summer, from 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Trucks transport water in 2,250 litre tanks, and handheld wands are used to water the flowers. Parks staff give each basket 6.5 litres of water containing a trace amount of fertilizer. Baskets in exposed areas are watered 6 - 7 times per week, whereas baskets in sheltered locations are watered 4 - 5 times per week, depending on the weather.

In addition, baskets are sampled weekly for moisture content, pH and soluble salt levels and appropriate corrective measures are taken, if required.

The City of Victoria Hanging Baskets remain on lampposts until mid-September. After removal, the hardware is dismantled, and the plant material is composted.

Shade baskets are a recent addition to the City's Hanging Basket Program. As the City's boulevard trees grew larger and cast more shade, it became apparent that an alternative to the 'traditional' sun basket was needed. The Nursery staff decided to try Impatiens baskets with Rhodochition as a trailing plant. Trials continue today as new Impatiens varieties become available.

Shade baskets have now expanded into new shade locations where sun baskets would never have reached their full potential.

Victoria's Hanging Baskets Brochure

To learn more about the City's hanging baskets and how to make your own, check out our hanging basket brochure - [PDF 423KB].

Print copies are available at City Hall and the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.

Contact Us

For more information, contact:
Parks Division
Parks, Recreation and Culture
City of Victoria
#1 Centennial Square
Victoria, B.C. V8W 1P6

250.361.0600
Email the Parks Division

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