Over 5 million people in England and Wales live in flats and flats account for over 75% of all the balconies in the country. While flats obviously lack garden space, those lucky enough to have balconies can bring a bit of nature to the fold with balcony plants! Creating a planted balcony is a great way to create a little oasis in the sky, even if living in a super metropolitan area.
This blog will list 6 of the best balcony plants to give you some inspiration before incorporating extra life into your urban lifestyle.
Hydrangeas
These showy, colourful flowers come in a variety of vibrant colours that change depending on the pH of the soil they’re planted in. They’re highly suitable plants for balcony planters as they thrive in pots and containers, while they also come in larger and smaller varieties, making them adaptable to different sized balcony spaces.
Tips:
- Protect from strong winds
- Keep soil moist but not too moist
- Prune regularly
Jasmine
Jasmine is one of the more fragrant balcony plants on this list, renowned for its almost universally beloved aroma used widely in perfumes. This popular climbing species is great in pots, while also being one of the best loved balcony rail plants, helping to incorporate biophilic design to the space.
Tips:
- Prune regularly
- Choose a suitable variety for your climate
- Can be invasive so give some space between Jasmine and other plants
Herbs
Herbs like Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Chives and Parsley are all perfect for planting on a balcony. Each of these herbs have great aesthetic appeal and can be grown in various pot sizes, while also being versatile ingredients in countless dishes.
Tips:
- Protect from strong winds
- Mint can be invasive
Japanese Maple
Japanese maple is renowned among gardeners for its stunning autumnal colours, growing into stunning shades of red, orange and yellow. While it’s often known as a larger tree, it can also be purchased in a balcony-friendly potted variety.
Tips:
- More vibrantly coloured in part-shade
- Sensitive to strong winds
- Require high-quality soil to thrive
Cacti/Succulents
Cacti and other succulents are a favourite in flats as is, being a mainstay on desks, kitchen tables and, of course, among plants in the balcony. The beauty of cacti and succulents is that they look stunning and are very easy to maintain, being highly resistant to droughts – perfect in lots of sun.
Tips:
- Might need a special potting mix
- Ensure good drainage
- Watch out for sharp spines!
Strawberries
Who doesn’t love a nice ripe strawberry? Well, they also make excellent balcony plants! They can be grown in hanging baskets or smaller containers and they’re pretty low-maintenance.
Tips:
- They might require some additional plant support structures installed
- They’re more vulnerable to pests and diseases than many plants
Additional tips for all balcony plants
Remember, regardless of the plant, there are several tips that every balcony gardener should use in every case.
- Make enough space for the mature size of any plant you want on the balcony
- Figure out how much sunlight your balcony is likely to receive
- Provide plenty of wind protection for your balcony
- Ensure every plant container has plenty of drainage to prevent root rot
With this guide, you should be well on your way to building your balcony garden.
