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Best Plants for an Apartment Balcony
One of the biggest perks of living in an apartment is having your very own private balcony or patio space. Its an amenity that blends the outdoor with the indoor, providing residents with the perfect place to enjoy their morning coffee, relax at the end of a long day, and most importantly, to create their personal garden oasis.
From flowers, to vines, to spices, to fruits and veggies, the balcony is a blank canvas that residents can fill with their favorite botanical brush strokes. Bringing in color and greenery is the easiest way to spruce up your space.
Here at Willow Crossings Apartments in Terre Haute, Indiana, our residents love to decorate their balconies and patios with flora of all kinds. Thats why we compiled this list of the best plants for an apartment balcony we want to make it easy for apartment dwellers everywhere to design the perfect balcony and patio space.
Lets dive in!
Find Your Light
When growing plants in apartments, finding the best source of sunlight is critical. Some plants do very well in full shade, but if you want to take advantage of your balcony, you need to know where the sunlight is going to hit throughout the day.Of course, these sunlight patterns will also be changing throughout the year as well.This websiteprovides a handy tool that will help you determine the sun's position in the location that you live.
Once you've determined where the sunlight is, you'll need to determine which direction your balcony faces. After nailing down these details, it's time to shop for the plants that are suited to your balcony's micro-climate and environment.
North-Facing Balcony
Because of its position in relation to the sun, a north-facing balcony won't get much direct sunlight. Dont worry though, there are many plants that THRIVE in shade or partial sunlight. Here are some of the many beautiful options that you can choose from.
Flowers
Begonias are a top pick for shady areas. They sport multi-colored flowers that pop from a bed of thick green leaves.
Fuchsia also does very well in the shade and have bell-like flowers that manifest in beautiful purples, pinks, and reds. They look fantastic in hanging baskets.
Ornamentals
Caladiums are one of those ubiquitous plants that you see in almost every garden, but dont know how to identify. The heart-shaped leaves emerge with stunning shades of green, pink, and white, and have made caladiums one of Americas favorite ornamental plants.
English Ivy is ideal for a shady balcony because it grows well in low light and drapes perfectly over the railing. Plant it at the base of a trellis for a lush privacy screen.
Vegetables and Herbs
Lucky for residents in north facing balconies, salad greens like spinach and lettuce prefer the shady life. Once these plants mature, having these on your patio or balcony space is like having a salad bar just outside your door. Step out, snip out a few leaves, wash them with water, and throw together a homemade salad!
South-Facing Balcony
If you live in an apartment with a south-facing balcony, you will have access to an abundance of sunlight. This allows you to choose from a long list of plants. Just keep in mind that with direct sunlight comes heat, so make sure you water your plants often.
Flowers
Marigolds are one of the most recognizable flowers on that market because of their bright orange petals. Another bonus is that marigolds produce a scent that helps to repel mosquitoes!
The mandala-like pattern of the Zinnia is mesmerizing and adds a carousel of color to your balcony garden. Zinnias are also known to bloom prolifically. Pro-tip: cut the flowers often to use in vases and to promote new growth.
Ornamentals
Red fountain grass is characterized by long steaks with fluffy plumage and loves to get lots of sun. The grass stalks grow to heights of three feet or more. Position them strategically so they don't block your view.
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Vegetables and Herbs
Your south-facing balcony is perfect for an herb garden. Basil, dill, parsley, rosemary, and lavender will all love your south-facing balcony and its consistent access to sun. Once the herbs are grown and mature, you’ll be able to spice many of your favorite dishes without ever having to leave your home.
West-Facing Balcony
A west-facing balcony is perfect for plants that can tolerate high heat. Because this direction receives so much sun, you can also use larger plants to create shade for your apartment.
Flowers
Consider hibiscus if you want to add a tropical flair to your balcony garden. These plants do very well in high heat. If the conditions are right, they can grow quite tall and provide some shade.
Ornamentals
Half flower, half ornamental, common jasmine smells delightful, loves to climb a trellis, and tolerates full sun. Place the trellis against a wall for a dramatic green and white effect.
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Vegetables and Herbs
Cherry tomatoes grow very well within the high heat of a west-facing balcony. Just be sure to put a cage around the plant to keep it from taking up too much room— they tend to sprawl out if left unchecked. Strawberries are also well-suited to heavy sunlight and add a sweet touch to salads and pastries.
East-Facing Balcony
The east-facing apartment balcony gets the least amount of sunlight out of all 4 directions. That said, there are still many types of plants that love the gentle eastern sunlight.
Flowers
Orchids love bright light but don't do well in direct sun. Choose a phalaenopsis for big, beautiful blooms. Pay attention to the leaves— if they begin to form brown spots, it’s a sign that they're getting too much sun.
Cosmos are another excellent floral choice. They have the appearance of a beautiful wildflower and are likely to attract butterflies.
Ornamentals
Adding greenery to your balcony garden is easy with the ornamental sweet potato vine. The stunning plant has green and purple leaves that can climb as high as three feet. The tubers are also edible, but most people say they're not as tasty as their sweet potato cousins.
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Vegetables and Herbs
Garlic, onions, and mint are great edible options for an east-facing balcony. Sugar snap peas will also do well in this location. Just be sure you don't place your vegetable containers behind other plants that you’re using as a privacy screen.
Start Growing the Best Plants for an Apartment Balcony Today
Styling an apartment balcony with plants is easy when you know how to work with the available space and sunlight. Get familiar with your location in relation to the sun, check your almanac, and then head to your local nursery to find all the tools you'll need to create a beautiful balcony garden.
If you’re looking for your next home with a balcony and patio, please visit us at Willow Crossings Apartments. Our 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom floor plans blend comfort, style, and breathability to create the ultimate living experience, something you’ll have to see to believe.
Schedule your tour today and discover your home (and personal garden) among the willows.