Five Fabulous Plants for a Shady Balcony
Do you have a shady balcony that you’re not sure what to do with? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people have shady balconies, and there are plenty of plants that can thrive in these conditions.
In this article, we’ll share our top five favorite plants for shady balconies. These plants are all easy to care for and will add a touch of beauty to your outdoor space.
Coleus
Coleus is a shade-loving plant that comes in a variety of different colors. It’s easy to grow from seed and can also be propagated easily in water. Coleus can be grown on its own or with other plants in a container to create a vibrant display. However, it’s not hardy, so you’ll need to bring it inside over the winter.
Caladium
Caladiums are often grown indoors as houseplants, but they can also be grown outside in containers in warmer months. They come in an array of different colors and make a particularly striking statement plant due to their patterned leaves. Caladiums do well in full shade or even in dappled sun. Bring them indoors to overwinter.
Heuchera
Heuchera come in many different shapes and sizes, and they make exceptional container plants that thrive in shade or partial sun. You can find them in a range of different colors, including purple, green, and yellow. Heuchera are also known for their attractive foliage, which makes them a great choice for adding interest to your balcony.
Begonias
Begonias are a staple in many container gardens, and they do well in partial shade. There are lots of different varieties of begonias, with some producing double flowers as large as small roses. Most begonias are grown as annuals, but some are tuberous and can be overwintered indoors.
Ligularia
If you have an exposed, north-facing balcony, you may be wondering what you can plant. Ligularia is a large herbaceous perennial that enjoys wet boggy soil. It produces huge bronze-tinted leaves with deep purple undersides, and sends up plumes of yellow daisy-like flowers in late summer and into autumn. Ligularia is a real show-stopper!
Tips for Choosing Plants for a Shady Balcony
When choosing plants for a shady balcony, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Light requirements: Make sure to choose plants that are well-suited to the amount of light that your balcony receives.
- Size: Consider the size of your balcony and the size of the plants that you choose. You don’t want to overcrowd your balcony, but you also want to make sure that your plants have enough room to grow.
- Maintenance: Choose plants that are easy to care for and that don’t require a lot of maintenance. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
How to Create a Container Garden for a Shady Balcony
Creating a container garden for a shady balcony is easy! Here are a few tips:
- Choose the right containers: Choose containers that are large enough to accommodate the plants that you choose. Make sure that the containers have drainage holes to prevent the plants from sitting in water.
- Use a good potting mix: Use a potting mix that is well-draining and contains plenty of organic matter. This will help the plants to grow healthy and strong.
- Water regularly: Water the plants regularly, especially during hot weather. Make sure to check the soil moisture before watering, and only water when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilize monthly: Fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer. This will help the plants to grow healthy and produce beautiful flowers.
With a little care and attention, you can create a beautiful and thriving container garden on your shady balcony. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
