Balcony Plants: Sun, Shade & Style

Balcony Plants: Sun, Shade & Style

Transforming a bare balcony into a thriving green space is a rewarding endeavor. Whether you have a sun-drenched oasis or a shady retreat, selecting the right plants and designing with style in mind can create a beautiful and functional outdoor living area. This guide provides comprehensive advice on choosing plants for various light conditions, dealing with windy environments, and incorporating design elements to maximize your balcony's potential.

Understanding Your Balcony's Microclimate

Before selecting any plants, it's crucial to assess your balcony's unique environmental conditions. This involves understanding the concept of a microclimate – the specific set of climatic conditions in a localized area, which can differ significantly from the surrounding regional climate. Several factors contribute to a balcony's microclimate:

• Sun Exposure: How many hours of direct sunlight does your balcony receive each day? South-facing balconies typically get the most sun, while north-facing balconies receive the least. East-facing balconies get gentle morning sun, and west-facing balconies get intense afternoon sun.
• Wind Exposure: Is your balcony sheltered or exposed to strong winds? High-rise balconies often experience stronger winds than ground-level patios [7, 10].
• Temperature: Balconies can experience temperature extremes, with heat reflected from walls and pavement. Elevated positions can amplify heat and wind [10].
• Shade and Reflection: Overhanging roofs can create shade, while light-colored walls can reflect sunlight, increasing the amount of light your plants receive [15].

Assessing Sunlight

Knowing how much sunlight your balcony receives is key to choosing the right plants. Most vegetables and flowers need 6-8 hours of sun daily [8]. To determine your balcony's sunlight exposure:

1. Observe your balcony throughout the day to track how many hours of direct sunlight it receives.
2. Use a compass to determine the direction your balcony faces.
3. Consider the impact of surrounding buildings or trees that may block sunlight [21].

Understanding your balcony's microclimate will enable you to select plants that thrive in its specific conditions, increasing your chances of success.

Best Plants for Sunny Balconies

Sunny balconies, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, are perfect for sun-loving plants that thrive in warm conditions. Here are some excellent choices:

• Geraniums (Pelargonium): These classic balcony plants are heat-tolerant and come in various colors, blooming all summer long [4, 18, 22].
• Petunias: Another popular choice, petunias offer a wide range of colors and bloom continuously from spring to fall [4, 18]. They prefer a sunny spot with some shelter from the rain [4].
• Marigolds: These bright yellow or orange flowers are easy to grow and can help repel pests [18].
• Lavender (Lavandula): Thriving in direct sunlight, lavender plants are adapted with sun-loving foliage and efficient water retention mechanisms [22].
• Succulents: Aloe Vera, Echeveria and Jade Plant are low-maintenance plants that store water in their leaves, making them drought-tolerant and ideal for sunny balconies [3, 18, 22].
• Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and oregano are Mediterranean herbs that flourish in sun-exposed areas [10].
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers need plenty of sunlight to produce a bountiful harvest [8, 18].
• Lantana: These colorful flowering plants withstand direct sunlight with their succulent leaves that reduce water loss and attract pollinators [22].

Practical Tip: When selecting plants for a south-facing balcony, opt for drought-tolerant varieties that can withstand the intense heat and sunlight [10].

Shade-Loving Plants for Balconies

Shady balconies, receiving less than four hours of direct sunlight per day, require plants that tolerate low-light conditions. Here are some great options:

• Begonias: These easy-care plants thrive in partial to full shade and bloom until late in the season [2].
• Impatiens: Also known as Busy Lizzies, impatiens bring bright color to shady balconies [20, 27].
• Fuchsias: These plants hate full sun and prefer sheltered locations [1, 2].
• Hostas: The definitive shade garden plant can liven up areas plagued by deep shade [29].
• Ferns: Classic choice for shady balconies, ferns come in a variety of sizes and shapes [18].
• Coleus: Coleus are not fussy about lighting and will tolerate everything from full sun to full shade [29].
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce and kale can grow with less light [8, 25].
• Herbs: Mint, parsley, chives, wasabi and dill all grow well in shaded spots [20].
• Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas thrive in shaded areas and can be grown in large containers on balconies and terraces [1].

Practical Tip: If your balcony faces west, it will be in full shade in the morning and blasting sun throughout the afternoon [10]. Choose plants that can tolerate both conditions, or provide shade during the hottest part of the day.

Designing for Windy Balconies

Windy balconies present unique challenges, as strong gusts can damage plants, dry out the soil quickly and even knock over pots [9]. To create a flourishing garden in a windy environment, consider the following:

• Choose Wind-Tolerant Plants: Select plants with strong stems and flexible branches that can withstand bending and swaying [3, 9]. Succulents, ornamental grasses, and herbs like rosemary and thyme are excellent choices [9].
• Use Windbreaks: Install a trellis or screen on your balcony to reduce the impact of the wind and create a more sheltered environment [9]. Consider using slatted or mesh screens that filter the wind [30].
• Secure Pots: Use heavy pots made of materials like concrete or terracotta to prevent them from being blown over. Arrange plants in clusters to create a more stable environment [7, 15].
• Brace Plants: Use plant ties to secure plants to supports, allowing for flexibility and growth without restricting movement [3].
• Consider Low-Growing Plants: Avoid tall plants that can break easily in the wind. Grow low, mound-forming plants [15].
• Watering: On windy days plants dry out quicker so they will need more attention [14].

Wind-Resistant Plant Examples:

• Agave
• Sedum
• Echeveria
• Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
• Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
• Lavender
• Marigolds
• Cosmos
• Nasturtiums
• Ornamental grasses (Feather Reed grass, Fountain grass, Blue Fescue, Switchgrass) [3]
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Catmint
• Feather reed grass
• Rockcress
• Globe thistle
• Star of Bethlehem
• Hawthorn
• Brachyglottis
• Crane's-bill
• Feather grass
• Oleanders
• Agaves
• Aloes

Practical Tip: Opt for shrubs with flexible branches that can bend without breaking in strong winds [3].

Container Gardening Essentials

Container gardening is essential for balconies, as it allows you to create a portable garden that can be adapted to your space and needs. Here are some key considerations for successful container gardening:

• Choosing the Right Containers:
  • Drainage: Make sure your containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging [6].
  • Material: Terra cotta pots dry out more quickly than plastic pots, while unglazed pots dry out faster than glazed ones [6, 13]. Plastic pots retain water more effectively than ceramic ones [6].
  • Size: Small pots dry out faster than larger pots [6]. The soil in small pots (less than 10-12 inches) will dry out so quickly it will be a challenge to keep up with watering [11].
  • Weight: Plastic and fiberglass plant containers are lighter in weight than terracotta or ceramic pots [24].
  • Color: Light-colored pots reflect heat, while dark-colored pots absorb it [10].
• Selecting the Right Soil:
  • Use a good quality "potting mix" or "potting soil" [19]. Avoid using garden soil, as it is too heavy and may contain weed seeds [16, 19].
  • Some potting soils contain fertilizer pre-mixed into the soil [19].
• Watering and Fertilizing:
  • Water thoroughly, especially during hot weather, making sure the water soaks through to the plants' roots [16]. Check containers daily [19].
  • Plants in pots have less access to nutrients than those in the ground, so will need additional feeding [16]. Use slow-release fertilizers or add liquid feed to your watering can [16, 19].

Practical Tip: Put planters on casters or rolling plant caddies to make them easy to move [6].

Balcony Garden Styles and Design Ideas

Creating a stylish balcony garden involves incorporating design elements that reflect your personal taste and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. Here are some design ideas to consider:

• Vertical Gardens: Maximize space by utilizing walls, railings, and overhead structures [24]. Attach pots, shelves, or trellises to the walls. Use hanging baskets and railing planters to grow herbs, houseplants, or trailing vegetables [24].
• Color Coordination: Choose plant colors and textures that echo the interior design to create a cohesive look [24, 26].
• Privacy Screens: Use tall grasses, bamboo, evergreen shrubs, vines or fast-growing annuals to create a secluded space [25]. Trellises or slatted walls can also provide privacy and support climbing plants [9, 28].
• Furniture: Arrange furniture, such as a loveseat or bistro set, to create a comfortable outdoor living area [28]. Consider using furniture made of scrap wood and pallets for an edgy look [26].
• Container Grouping: Arrange containers in clusters to create visual interest and a sense of abundance. Use pedestals or plant stands to mix up the heights of containers [28].
• Thematic Gardens:
  • Mediterranean: Use terracotta pots, gravel mulch, and plants like lavender, rosemary, and olive trees.
  • Tropical: Incorporate lush foliage, bright flowers, and elements like bamboo and water features.
  • Modern Minimalist: Use simple cane furniture, subtle lighting, and delicate porcelain pots [26].
• Storage: Use shelves for storage to display your plants and keep your balcony garden spick and span [31].

Practical Tip: When growing multiple plants in the same container, select plants with similar light and water requirements [14]. Avoid overcrowding [14].

Conclusion and Next Steps

Creating a thriving balcony garden is within reach, regardless of your space's unique conditions. By understanding your balcony's microclimate, selecting appropriate plants, and incorporating stylish design elements, you can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant and inviting oasis.

Next Steps:

1. Assess your balcony's microclimate and determine the amount of sunlight, wind exposure, and temperature variations it experiences.
2. Choose plants that are well-suited to your balcony's conditions, considering both sun exposure and wind tolerance.
3. Select containers that are appropriate for your plants and your balcony's aesthetic.
4. Incorporate design elements to enhance the overall look and feel of your balcony garden.
5. Monitor your plants regularly, adjusting watering and fertilization as needed.

With a little planning and effort, your balcony can become a beautiful and functional extension of your living space, providing you with a peaceful retreat and a connection to nature.