The right plant in the right place is the answer to keeping hanging baskets alive in the heat. Certain plants thrive in hot temps so look for ivy geraniums, sedums and succulents, lantana and other plants you see that survive in your area. You did not mention where you live and in some areas it is the humidity in warm weather that also destroys plants. I suggest you visit a local nursery and note what types of plants are doing well in hanging baskets. Dry heat is different from high humidity for  plants. Ferns in hanging baskets that are kept in the shade will work in New Orleans but not in Palm Springs. Don't give up, you will crack the code. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti