Which plants are suitable for balconies?
The night frosts of this spring have passed and the balcony or terrace can safely be decorated with all kinds of flowers, potted plants, herbs and vegetables or smaller decorative trees. Itās a great opportunity for city-dwelling plant enthusiasts to enjoy some gardening or even grow tomatoes.
Speaking of flowers, for instance, Sirje recommends pansies for balconies, as they can tolerate bad and windy weather. In warmer weather, hyacinths, petunias or lobelias flower beautifully. When it comes to perennials, various rose varieties such as Aspirin or Frankfurter can grow well in containers on balconies. Of leafy houseplants, peace lily is a species that enjoys fresh air ā these houseplants thrive on a balcony or a terrace in the summer.
Maarja-Linda notes that container plants that have long dominated street environments elsewhere in Europe are seen more and more in Estonia. āPeople are becoming more confident in choosing perennials for balconies and terraces,ā she adds. āLarger containers and pots also allow growing more tropical plants such as palm, banana and olive trees on balconies or terraces.ā
Growers of tropical plants should keep in mind to avoid damage due to intense sunshine or wind outside. āIf a person is exposed to sun unprotected after the winter, they get sunburn ā the same applies to plants,ā Sirje explains. āPlants are not used to bright sunlight after the long winter, so they should be kept in a more shady place in the beginning or gradually acclimated to morning or evening sun.ā
Sirje notes that itās not only beautiful flowers and leafy plants that can grow well on a balcony but also grasses, which are suitable for those who prefer low-maintenance plants. Grasses are fast-growing, undemanding and remain attractive well into late autumn. āThere are all kinds of grasses: low and tall, with various colours, stripes or tufts,ā says Sirje. āBesides annual options, there are also species that come back next spring.ā
Even larger plants may be considered for more spacious balconies or terraces. Decorative trees such as lilacs, apple trees and magnolias but also e.g. box trees, smaller pine species, thujas or cypresses look very impressive on a balcony. āThe last-mentioned trees are evergreen and donāt need to be moved indoors for the winter, they may overwinter on an insulated balcony,ā Sirje explains. āJust keep an eye on them and donāt let them get scorched in the hot spring sun.ā
Itās always a good idea to have a couple of lavender pots on the balcony, this plant has a pleasant aroma and repels nasty mosquitoes. The flowers can be dried after blooming to make natural aroma sachets for the home.
You get the most interesting results by combining different species, colours and shapes. Donāt hesitate to ask experts for advice, they are even willing to do home visits in order to help the customer to design a beautiful balcony or terrace according to personal taste.
