Plants for the balcony: from flowers to herbs
Plants for the balcony in their beauty will make every balcony like little oases! It is very easy to create your own green, fragrant relaxing oasis even if you have the smallest balcony in the sun or even in the shade. It is only important to study the conditions in which certain plants thrive.
Whether it will be evergreen plants, flowers for the balcony, hanging plants, climbing plants or herbs depends only on you and your balcony. The combination is countless, and here is how you will choose the best plants for the balcony and allow them to fully express their beauty.
1. PLANTS FOR THE BALCONY IN THE SHADE
Plants for a shady balcony will thrive even when they don’t get enough light. This does not mean that you have to limit yourself to only green leafy plants. Your small north balcony can be a real blooming oasis if you want it to be. In addition, you can plant herbs, but also perennials in the form of climbers or creepers. You should plant these plants in May if you want your terrace to be colorful and tasty all summer long.
- Flowering plants for the balcony in the shade
Water lilies are among the most popular flowers that enjoy the most in shady balconies. These annual plants with delicate flowers in all possible colors would have a hard time surviving direct sunlight, but that’s why with a little attention they bring liveliness to shady balconies. Water lilies love moist soil and moisture, and they grow up to 15-30 centimeters. For a ‘wow effect’, you can plant several plants of different colors together, but make sure you do it at intervals of 20-30 centimeters.
Begonias in balcony planters and flower pots can easily survive in places in the shade or semi-shade where other plants cannot. Many consider them the best plants for balconies in the shade as they bloom even until October in white, pink and red colors. Many people also like the heart-shaped leaves, but also the fact that they can overwinter indoors and then bloom again on balconies in the spring. Begonias like moist and fertile soil, so regular feeding is desirable.
Fuchsia will love the shaded habitat of your balcony, especially if it is protected from the wind. As a reward, you can enjoy the beauty of the red, pink, white or two-color flowers of this plant. In addition, you can get it as a hanging plant, but it also belongs to the bushy or upright plants that can grow up to 40 cm. In addition to sufficient water, fuchsia should also be provided with regular feeding, and in order for the plant to be in full bloom, it is necessary to regularly remove flowers that have withered. It is usually planted seasonally, but it can also be a perennial plant for the balcony if adequate shelter is found for it during the winter.
- Green plants for the balcony in the shade
If you are wondering what to plant on a shady balcony next to beautiful flowering plants, and by the way provide your balcony with a kind of shelter, resistant ivy can help you. An evergreen climber that can live to a very old age is quite undemanding and usually does not need to be fed, just make sure that there is no excess water in the pots. Shady balconies will usually be decorated with smaller leaves. It can be directed and shaped as desired and is a really grateful perennial plant for the balcony.
A fern can be an excellent potted plant for the balcony. The perennial plant that decorates the space with its playful leaves is also very resistant and thrives well even in outdoor areas completely left to the shade. A young plant will initially produce light green leaves that darken as the plant matures.
Herbs In addition to decorating your green balcony oasis, will serve you well in the kitchen. If you are a fan of coriander, parsley, chives, watercress or mint, these spices will perfectly adapt to your shady balcony, and we believe – to the dishes as well.
2. PLANTS FOR THE BALCONY IN THE SUN
Some plants will show their flowers only under direct, hot sun, and green perennials and herbs will also enjoy it. Also, the lucky ones whose balconies receive enough sun can also opt for Mediterranean plants, and the braver ones can even plant plants whose fruits they can enjoy – like strawberries or tomatoes.
- Flowering plants for the balcony in the sun
Gazanias with their yellow and orange flowers seem to be the embodiment of the sun itself. Beautiful African daisies open their flowers with the appearance of the sun’s rays, and then close them in the evening. They like sandy soils and quite a bit of water. However, as undemanding as gazania is to grow in the summer, it usually cannot survive the winter conditions outdoors.
Petunia is a plant that most often catches the eye from hanging baskets on balconies. The luxurious bloom comes in various colors and their combinations. It is also a great plant for beginners as it is easy to maintain. It needs to be regularly fertilized, watered and, of course, exposed to the warm rays of the sun that spend most of the day on our balconies. The delicate flowers of nemesia look like a lace pattern on the balconies. It can be displayed especially in hanging baskets, but can also be combined with other annuals for a special impression. With plenty of sun, regular watering and feeding, it still needs a little admiration in order for it to thrive.
- Green plants for the balcony in the sun
If you want to add texture to your sunny balcony garden, Cacti, which really come in a large number of shapes and variations, can be grear choises. It will especially appeal to those who forget to water their plants or often leave their homes.
Succulents are slightly more delicate green perennials that you can always count on. You can easily forget about feeding and frequent watering as these plants are also adapted to almost desert conditions. At the same time, they look great!
- Herbs for the balcony in the sun
An effective corner on the balcony can really be created by plants that you will be happy to use in your culinary specialties. Basil, organo, thyme will do best on sunny balconies, and you can also plant rosemary or lavender in jars for a little Mediterranean flair.