Including plants on your balcony is a rewarding endeavour that brings numerous benefits to both your living space and well-being. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, balcony plants contribute to improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and a connection to nature. Choosing the right plants can significantly simplify the care routine, making the entire experience enjoyable rather than burdensome. By carefully selecting plants that align with your balcony's specific conditions, you not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space but also create a sustainable and manageable garden that brings joy and tranquility to your daily life.
Citrus (Dwarf)
Dwarf Citrus are ideal for growing in containers or pots as they can be kept a manageable size and will grow well in these conditions. A citrus provides an attractive feature to your balcony, as well as easy access to collecting fruit that can be used for cooking or garnishing. Growing citrus on your balcony provides a direct connection to nature. Tending to these trees, watching them bloom, and harvesting your own citrus fruits offer a therapeutic and rewarding experience. Citrus trees are renowned for their fragrant blossoms and aromatic leaves. The refreshing scent of citrus adds a pleasant and invigorating ambiance to your balcony, creating a sensory delight for you and your guests. Regular watering, well-draining soil, and occasional fertilising are usually sufficient to keep them healthy and productive. Citrus will do best in a larger sized pot, which will also reduce the need for watering. Remaining space in the pot can be used for underplanting with flowers or cascading plants or herbs like Thyme.
A citrus underplanted with creeping thyme is the feature of this corten steel pot, designed by Sculpt Gardens.
Topiary (Buxus, Wistringia, Pittosporum etc.)
Topiary can be used to enhance the architectural features of your balcony or to soften harsh lines. Placing topiary plants strategically can create a harmonious balance between the natural and built elements of your outdoor space. Topiary allows you to introduce artistic elements to your balcony without sacrificing space. The controlled and sculpted shapes of topiary plants add visual interest without overwhelming the limited area of a balcony. Topiary in the form of Buxus, Wistringia, or Pittosporum bring form to your space. A lush, trimmed ball of greenery creates a sense of cleanliness and structure. They look great as a group of 3 planted in a cluster or staggered throughout your balcony. Contrasting plants with a wild and free-flowing structure pair well alongside topiary.
In these Sculpt Gardens planters, cloud-pruned topiary Buxus are the feature, with Dichondra 'Silver Falls' and Gypsophila underplanted.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea's are dormant throughout winter, conserving their energy for when they put on a spectacular display of bold, textured flowers in the warmer months. Many hydrangea varieties undergo beautiful colour changes in the autumn, adding warmth and charm to your balcony garden. Hydrangea is available in various shades including blue, pink, purple, and white. Decorate your home with the flowers, which look excellent fresh and dried. Their presence on your balcony adds a touch of sophistication, creating a refined and charming atmosphere.
A bold burst of white hydrangeas to brighten this space.
Rosemary
Rosemary is renowned for its delightful fragrance, emitting a pleasant aroma that can enhance the overall ambiance of your balcony. The scent is not only enjoyable for humans but also acts as a natural deterrent for certain pests. Having fresh rosemary on your balcony allows you to conveniently harvest it for cooking, ensuring a ready supply of this flavourful herb for your kitchen. Rosemary's slender and upright form can be visually appealing, either as a standalone potted plant or as part of a herb garden arrangement. Its versatility allows you to incorporate it into different balcony design styles. They can be shaped to create form and structure, or used as a feature that overhangs and spills from a pot. Rosemary is a hardy and drought-tolerant herb, requiring less frequent watering compared to some other plants.
Dainty purple flowers are a beautiful feature of Rosemary.
Petunias
First and foremost, these flowering plants are incredibly versatile, available in various colours, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to customise your balcony garden to suit your aesthetic preferences. Their vibrant and abundant blooms add a burst of colour, transforming your balcony into a lively and inviting space. Their cascading and compact growth habits make them perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or containers, creating a dynamic visual impact.
In this Sculpt Gardens design, a newly planted Camelia is the feature tree at this front entrance, underplanted with Petunias for a soft touch of colour.
Senecio mandraliscae (Chalksticks)
As succulents, chalksticks are highly drought-tolerant. They can withstand periods of dryness, making them a resilient choice for balconies, especially in regions with hot and dry climates. The blue-green colour of chalksticks provides a unique and contemporary aesthetic. Their sleek, architectural appearance complements modern balcony designs, adding a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space. Chalksticks maintain their colour and form throughout the year, offering year-round interest on your balcony. Introducing chalksticks to your balcony garden adds a touch of contemporary elegance and requires minimal effort to maintain their stunning appearance.
The blue hues of the chalksticks compliment the ocean's backdrop in this balcony design by Sculpt Gardens.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Balconies with filtered sunlight or dappled shade can offer an ideal environment for these plants, allowing them to flourish without direct exposure. The Fiddle Leaf Fig's distinctive, large leaves contribute to a sense of structure and form in your balcony garden. This architectural element adds interest and complements various design styles, whether your balcony is modern, tropical, or wild.
Simple tropical elegance in this Sculpt Gardens balcony design.
Crassula Blue Bird
Crassula Blue Bird is a relatively small succulent with a neat and compact growth habit. This makes it an ideal choice for balconies, especially those with limited space. Its size allows for easy placement on shelves, tabletops, or as part of a succulent arrangement. Succulents are renowned for their ability to thrive in arid conditions, and Crassula Blue Bird is no exception. Its fleshy leaves store water, making it well-suited for balcony gardens where consistent watering may be challenging. This characteristic also makes it a resilient choice for those with busy lifestyles. Unlike some plants that may go dormant or lose their appeal during certain seasons, Crassula Blue Bird maintains its attractive appearance year-round. Its evergreen nature ensures a constant source of beauty on your balcony, providing visual interest even in the colder months.
Freshly planted pots, featuring Crassula underplanted with Dichondra 'Silver Falls' in this Sculpt Gardens balcony makeover.
Ligularia reniformis
Ligularia reniformis is renowned for its large, kidney-shaped leaves that resemble a tractor seat. The bold, dark green foliage provides a striking and unique visual appeal, making it a standout feature on your balcony. This plant is well-suited for balconies with partial shade or filtered sunlight. Ligularia reniformis thrives in locations where other plants might struggle, making it an ideal choice for balconies with varying light conditions. While Ligularia reniformis appreciates consistent moisture, it is relatively low-maintenance. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a suitable choice for balcony gardeners looking for a visually striking plant without demanding extensive care.
Ligularia reniformis pops through textured natives in this Sculpt Gardens design.
Casuarina Cousin It
'Cousin It' has a trailing and dense growth habit, making it well-suited for smaller spaces like balconies. Its compact size allows you to enjoy the beauty of this plant without it overwhelming the limited area. The fine, cascading foliage of 'Cousin It' adds a distinctive texture to your balcony garden. The weeping branches create an attractive and graceful display, adding visual interest to your outdoor space. Given its trailing and dense growth, 'Cousin It' can act as a natural windbreak on balconies that are exposed to strong winds. This feature is particularly beneficial in coastal areas or high-rise buildings where wind can be a challenge for other plants. The evergreen nature of Casuarina 'Cousin It' ensures that your balcony remains vibrant and green throughout the year. This constant appeal makes it an excellent choice for those who want a balcony garden with enduring beauty.
Image from Pinterest
With these top 10 plants we recommend for balcony gardens, we hope you feel inspired to transform your space into a lush green oasis. Enjoy sparking your creativity and coming up with your own unique combinations. If you would prefer to leave it to the experts, book a consultation with us now and we can get things underway!
