Perennial plants for your balcony: the top species to choose from for decorating your outdoor areas
Even if you have limited outdoor space - like a small balcony - don't despair: you can still enjoy nature by decorating your balcony with potted perennial plants.
The characteristics of your balcony will determine the plants most suitable for your location: exposure to sunlight, temperature and humidity levels are all factors you will need to consider. Below, we suggest a range of perennial plants you might consider growing in pots on your balcony:
1. Jasmine
If you love flowering plants, jasmine is undoubtedly the plant for you. Choose a large pot - with a diameter of at least 30cm. Cover the bottom of the pot with expanded clay or gravel to allow for drainage and insert wooden supports to allow the plant to climb on. Alternatively, you can let the jasmine climb on the balcony railings.
Put your jasmine plant in a place sheltered spot, away from direct sunlight and wind. Water several times a week.
2. White bellflower
Another captivating flowering plant, Campanula persicifolia (aka peach-leaved bellflower) is perfect for shaded balconies. Its ideal positioning is facing east, where it can catch the sun's rays for a few hours in the morning. Ideally, this plant should have wooden supports provided for the stems. The large, white flowers can be cut off and used to decorate inside your home.
3. Echinacea
With its large, multi-colored, daisy-shaped flowers, Echinacea is a perfect, decorative plant for your balconies. Echinacea requires generous watering to maintain its beautiful blooms and should be fertilized every 15 days. The substrate and soil will need to be completely renewed every 2/3 years.
4. Japanese maple
The Japanese maple is a deciduous shrub which is much appreciated for the beauty of its red leaves. This plant can be grown in pots positioned in brightly lit locations (but must be sheltered from direct sunlight) and requires constant watering (but avoid over-watering which will cause root rot). Since this plant is slow-growing, the Japanese maple will need to be repotted only after 2/3 years.
5. Heather
A plant beloved for its winter flowers, heather is amongst the most popular of perennials grown in balcony pots. This plant is also quite robust and will not require much care. It requires regular watering immediately after planting, but once established, it can tolerate drought periods. Protect your heather from frost during the winter.
6. Hostas
Easy to cultivate in pots and quick-growing, hostas - aka plantain lilies - produce fragrant flowers ranging in color from white to purple and dark blue. Depending on the variety chosen, hostas prefer sunny areas for the darker varieties) and shaded spots for lighter varieties. All varieties require generous watering in summer if they are in pots.
7. Hyssop
Hyssop is an officinal plant (ie. is used for medical purposes) and has edible flowers and leaves which are widely used in the kitchen. Hyssops do well in pots on a balcony as it is a resilient plant that does not require much attention. Just place it in a sunny, bright spot and water moderately.
8. Stag's Tongue Fern
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz/Wikimedia Commons
Finally, if you prefer an evergreen plant, the Stag's tongue fern is for you. This plant resists the cold very well and can be grown in the shade. Stag's tongue is famous for the sheen of its bright green leaves (as shown here). Protect this plant from drafts and always ensure it has the correct humidity levels (if necessary, placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles).
Which of these plants will you choose for your balcony?
