Types of Plants that Will Liven up Your Balcony/Patio

Spring is finally here and it is beginning to get warmer. This means it is time to think about ways to make your balcony or patio more beautiful. An easy way to do this is to bring plants into the area. There are a number of different types of plants that will grow beautifully on your balcony or patio. Here are some helpful tips on which plants to look for that will fit your needs well.

Plants for Balconies/Patios in a Shaded Area

Is your balcony/patio in the shade? Do not worry, there are three beautiful plants to consider that do not need a lot of sun but will definitely brighten up the area. The three plants are Begonias, Coleus, and Ferns.

Begonias

Begonias are great for areas in the shade. They add a very colorful pop and will brighten up any area. Begonias do not require a lot of maintenance and do not need as much water as other plants. Overall these plants are a great choice for your balcony/patio.

Coleus

Coleus are a wonderful choice for a spot that is in the shade almost all of the time. They can stand on their own very well or be mixed in with other plants. Coleus are described as a hardy plant that provides color through its leaves. These are nice to pot around other green plants or trees because coleuses are so colorful.

Ferns

Purchasing a fern for your balcony/patio is a great idea. They are amazing shade plants. If you have a spot where the sun doesn’t reach, a Boston fern is the best choice because it works well in the shade. If there is some opportunity for sun, then choose the Kimberly Queen fern because it can tolerate little amounts of sun.

Plants for Balconies/Patios in the Sun

Does your balcony/patio face the sun? If so, there are three excellent plants to consider that can tolerate the sun and brighten up the area. The three plants are Autumn Joy Sedum, Wave Petunias, and Lantana.

Autumn Joy Sedum

Autumn Joy Sedum is the most durable, sun loving perennial plant. This plant is almost indestructible meaning they do not freeze or get too hot. Autumn Joy Sedum come in pink and red and their colors change to become more coppery looking in the fall. They are definitely a wonderful choice for a balcony/patio.

Wave Petunias

Wave Petunias are usually preferred compared to regular petunias because they last into early fall. Standard petunias tend to get “leggy” halfway through the summer. An advantage for using Wave Petunias is they grow immensely in the sun.

They also do not need to be dead headed. This means Wave Petunias are lower maintenance than standard petunias. These plants come in a variety of colors including blue velvet, lavender, and pink to name a few.

Lantana

Lantana is a great option for areas that are located in the direct sun. According to plant experts they love the sun. These plants are easy to take care of and can tolerate droughts. Lantanas are wonderful for any hot spot and come in a variety of colors including white, orange, lavender, and yellow.

These plants look great when planted around a larger statement plant. An example of this would be in large pot with a dwarf Alberta Spruce in the middle. Once they are planted, Lantanas spread out and give a beautiful pop to any arrangement.

Summer is getting closer! In order to be sure your plants look beautiful throughout the summer, make sure to plant them in good soil, water them, and fertilize them. Happy planting!