Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Although balconies may be small, don’t let this stop you from creating your very own miniature Eden. There are some things you should keep in mind when buying plants, pots, and other items for your balconies.
Weight of pots for plants in balcony gardens
The first is weight. Terracotta pots and concrete can be quite heavy. Be aware of the maximum weight that your balcony can support and make sure to choose lightweight plastic containers or resin containers instead. Consider buying lightweight compost.
Consider how exposed your balcony may be. You will need to create shelter by installing windbreaks or plants that can be used in exposed areas. Get inspired by plants that thrive in windy coastal gardens.
How much light does your plant need on balcony gardens
You should also consider how much sunlight your balcony gets. Shade-loving plants are best if your balcony is in shade most of the day or all of it. Clear glass or perspex can cause sun scorch to plants that are placed on sunny balconies. Plants with silver leaves, such as lavender or artemisia which reflect sunlight better, are a good option.
We also included an in-depth guide on balcony gardens where you can read more about setting up your balcony!
List of Plants In Balcony Gardens
Herbs
The best plants for balconies are herbs. You can enjoy fresh, fragrant pickings and most herbs are small enough to be stored in containers. Thyme, rosemary, sage and chives are good choices for sunny balconies.
Houseplants
If you have houseplants, let them enjoy a summer vacation on your balcony. Cacti and succulents love the warmth and brightness of a sunny balcony. However, shade-loving houseplants such as philodendrons, calatheas, and tender ferns can be provided with shelter from the sun.
Bedding Plants
There are many varieties of bedding plants that you can grow. You can also mix and match them. Many are perennials and can be grown as annuals. This allows you to easily refresh your displays every year. Consider coleus, pelargoniums, and zinnias for sun. These plants will thrive in shaded areas, such as on balconies.
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum Japanese maples are great for shaded, protected balconies. Choose a dwarf, slow-growing variety like ‘Crippsii” or ‘Baldsmith which won’t grow too large and heavy. Learn how to plant an Acer in a Pot. Other shade-loving plants, such as hostas and hostas will not be affected by slugs on a balcony.
Strawberries
Strawberries can be grown in containers, pots and hanging baskets. Learn how to plant this strawberry container.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be grown in many containers, including window boxes and hanging baskets. However, they thrive best on a sunny balcony. You can also grow runner beans, spring onions, and lettuce on your balcony. These space-saving vegetable crops are easy to grow.
Jasmine
Scent plants such as jasmine will make you feel like summer nights spent on your balcony. You can also use climbers to screen your balconies.
Bulbs
These do not require a large root run and will happily grow in pots. Bulbs are often inexpensive to purchase. Cyclamen coum or snowdrops are good options for winter color. You can extend the color into spring by using tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
Vigorous Perennials
On a balcony you can keep vigorous perennials within bounds in a pot or container, while providing lush, vigorous growth and flowers. Vigorous perennials to consider include lady’s mantle, crocosmia, muehlenbeckia, lamium, adenophora, catmint and erigeron.
Tip: Accessorize!
You can enhance the atmosphere on your balcony by adding accessories such as lanterns, small tables and chairs, bug boxes and bee hotels to it. Make these glass jar lanterns, or see the different types of bee hotels that you can put up.
