If you want to add a splash of color and fragrance to your balcony, growing flowers in pots is the way to go. Not only are flowers beautiful to look at, but many of them also release a pleasing aroma. Plus, if you choose the right plants, you can even enjoy blooms all year round.
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Growing Potted Flowers On Your Balcony
Flowers are a great way to add some color and life to your balcony, and they can be relatively easy to take care of if you choose the right type of plant. Here are a few tips on how to grow flowers in pots on an apartment balcony:
Choose The Right Flowers
Some flowers are better suited for growing in pots than others. Consider whether you want annual or perennial plants and whether you want to focus on flowering plants or green foliage plants. Some examples of good flowers for balcony gardens include impatiens, petunias, geraniums, and marigolds.
Take a look at the amount of sunlight that your balcony gets. This will help you determine which plants will do best in the space. If your balcony gets a lot of sun, opt for heat-loving plants like impatiens, petunias, and marigolds. If it’s on the shady side, go for begonias, coleus, and fuchsias.
Pick The Right Pot
It’s important to pick a pot that is the right size for your plant. If the pot is too small, the roots will be constricted and the plant won’t be able to grow properly. If the pot is too large, the soil will retain too much moisture and the plant could get root rot.
The type of pot you choose will also make a difference in how easy it is to take care of your plants. A plastic pot will be lighter and easier to move around than a ceramic one, for example. You’ll also want to make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom so that excess water can drain out.
Get Your Soil Ready
When you’re growing flowers in pots, it’s important to use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mix is lighter and has better drainage, which is essential for potted plants. Use a potting mix specifically designed for flowers, and make sure to add some perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Plant Your Flowers
Once you have your pot and soil, it’s time to plant your flowers. Make sure to space the plants out evenly in the pot and to give them room to grow. It’s also a good idea to water the plants before you put them in the pot.
Be sure to loosen the roots of the plant before putting it in the pot, and make sure to replant at the same depth that the plant was originally growing.
Water And Fertilize Your Plants
Potted plants will need to be watered more often than plants in the ground since the soil in containers tends to dry out more quickly. Depending on the type of plant, you may need to water every day or every other day. It’s a good idea to check the soil before watering to make sure it is actually dry.
Watering plants in the morning is best, as the sun has not had a chance to dry them out. If you know there is going to be a hot day, water your plants the night before. This will help them retain some moisture and make it through the heat of the day.
Fertilizing is also important for potted plants. You can use a liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions. Fertilize them every two weeks or so with a water-soluble fertilizer specifically designed for flowers.
Keep An Eye On Your Plants
Even if you’re taking good care of your plants, they may still start to look unhealthy. Check them regularly for pests and diseases. If you see any problems, treat them right away.
If you know there is going to be a hot day, move your potted flowers into a shady part of your balcony. If you don’t have a shady spot, consider using a parasol or sunshade to provide some relief from the sun.
If you know there is going to be bad weather, move your potted flowers into a protected area of your balcony, or bring them inside.
Enjoy your beautiful flowers! With a little bit of care, you can have a beautiful balcony garden filled with colorful flowers. Enjoy your handiwork and take pride in knowing that you grew them yourself!
How to Make Your Balcony Flower Garden More Interesting
- Group plants together for maximum impact. A few large pots filled with a variety of plants will give you more bang for your buck than a dozen small pots filled with a single kind of plant.
- Use color to your advantage. A few well-placed pots of bright flowers can really perk up a drab balcony. Consider using annuals such as impatiens, geraniums, or petunias for a splash of color that will last all season long.
- Get creative with containers. You don’t have to use traditional flower pots. Consider using hanging baskets, window boxes, or even repurposed items like an old wheelbarrow or wash tub.
- Don’t forget the foliage plants. Foliage plants are often overlooked in favor of showy flowers, but they can be just as important in creating a beautiful balcony garden. Hostas, ferns, and coleus are all good choices.
- Add interest with texture. In addition to using plants with different leaf shapes, consider adding some with interesting textures, such as lamb’s ear or artemisia.
- Use lighting to your advantage. Apartment balconies can be pretty shady, so consider using solar-powered fairy lights or LED candles to add a bit of light in the evening.
What Is The Difference Between Annual And Perennial Flowers?
Annual flowers are those that last for one season only, while perennial flowers come back year after year.
There is a third type of flower, which is the biennial. A biennial flower is a plant that completes its life cycle in two years. Examples of biennials: Sweet William, Hollyhock, Foxglove.
Annuals
Annual flowers are a great choice if you want to change up your garden every season. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, and they’re easy to find at garden centers. Plus, they’re affordable, so you can buy a lot of them without breaking the bank.
One downside to annual flowers is that they typically don’t last very long. Once they finish blooming, they die and need to be replaced. This can be a bit of a hassle if you have a lot of them in your garden.
Annual flowers are great for people who don’t have a lot of time to take care of their plants. They bloom quickly and die soon after, so you don’t have to worry about them taking over your balcony.
Examples of annual flowers include: Petunias, Lobelia, Alyssum, Dianthus, Zinnias
Perennials
Perennial flowers are a great option if you want something that will last for a while. They don’t bloom as quickly as annual flowers, but they will come back every year. This can be nice because you don’t have to worry about buying new flowers every season.
However, they can be more expensive to buy, and they may take up more space on your balcony. Typically, perennials need a bit more attention than annuals, so they may not be the best choice for people who are short on time.
Perennials may need more attention to make sure they don’t die in the winter. They should be mulched in the fall to protect their roots from cold weather.
Some examples of perennials: Roses, Lavender, Daisies, Fuchsia, Azalea.
10 Best Annuals For Your Balcony
Perhaps you don’t have a lot of space for a garden or maybe you just want to add some color and life to your outdoor space. Whatever the reason, growing flowers on your balcony can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and brighten up your home.
Annuals are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Because they only live for one season, you can experiment with various types every year.
Petunia
Petunias are one of the easiest flowers to grow on a balcony. With their large, trumpet-shaped flowers, Petunias come in a wide range of colors including pink, purple, and white. They have a long bloom season, making them a perfect choice for adding a splash of color to your balcony garden.
These beautiful blooms thrive in warm, sunny conditions. Petunias are also relatively low-maintenance, meaning that they can be enjoyed with minimal effort. Furthermore, Petunias are excellent at deterring pests, making them ideal for balconies where space is limited. If you’re looking for a stunning and easy-to-grow flower for your balcony, Petunias are an excellent choice.
Lobelia
Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants that includes both annual and perennial varieties. Many Lobelia species are popular as garden plants, and they make wonderful apartment porch plants. They are also commonly used in hanging baskets and window boxes.
If you’re looking for a colorful and easy addition to your balcony garden, Lobelia is a great option. These annual flowers come in a variety of shades, from deep blue to rich purple. They’re also relatively easy to care for, and they don’t require a lot of space. Just make sure to plant them in a spot that gets plenty of sun.
Lobelia is also a great choice if you’re looking to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your balcony garden. The flowers are rich in nectar, making them a perfect food source for these pollinators.
Plus, the bright colors are sure to add a touch of beauty to your outdoor space. Another great thing about Lobelia is that it blooms all summer long, providing months of enjoyment.
So if you’re looking for a versatile and eye-catching addition to your balcony garden, Lobelia is definitely worth considering.
Pansy
Pansies are one of the best-value flowers to grow on a balcony. They are easily grown from seed, and they bloom throughout the spring and summer. Pansies are small, yet they pack a lot of color and personality. Their bright, cheery faces are a welcome sight in any garden.
Pansies come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant purples and yellows to pastel pinks and blues. You can choose the perfect shade to match your balcony décor. In addition, pansies are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring only occasional watering and occasional deadheading.
Pansies also have a long blooming season, which means that you can enjoy their cheerful flowers for months on end. What’s more, pansies are relatively easy to care for and don’t require a lot of space. So if you’re looking for a small flower that makes a big impact, the pansy is a great option for your balcony garden.
Impatiens
One of the best things about Impatiens is that they come in a wide variety of colors, so you can find the perfect shade to match your décor. And if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant, Impatiens are a great choice. They don’t require deadheading and can be kept looking tidy with just a little pruning. With their bright blooms and easy care, they’re one of the best flowers to grow on a balcony.
One important thing to keep in mind with Impatiens is that they prefer partial sun to shade. So if your balcony gets direct sunlight for most of the day, you may want to consider another type of flower. But if you have a spot on your balcony that’s sheltered from the afternoon sun, Impatiens will thrive.
Marigold
If you’re looking for a cheerful addition to your balcony garden, look no further than the Marigold. These vibrant flowers come in a range of sunny colors, from lemon yellow to deep orange, all the way to white and red and they make a great companion plant for other annuals and herbs. Marigolds are also quite easy to care for – they prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they don’t need much fertilizer or water. They bloom prolifically from early summer until the first frost. Just be sure to deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
They have a pleasant fragrance that can help to mask the smells of city living. In addition, Marigolds are known for their ability to deter pests, making them an ideal choice for balcony gardens. Marigolds are also attractive to bees and other pollinators, making them a great addition to any balcony garden.
With their cheery blooms and pest-repelling properties, Marigolds are a perfect addition to any balcony garden.
Alyssum
Alyssum is a delightful little flower that is perfect for growing on a balcony. Also known as sweet Alyssum, this plant produces a profusion of small, sweet-smelling flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It produces small, cup-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple. Alyssum is also known for its sweet fragrance, making it a perfect choice for a balcony garden.
Alyssum is incredibly easy to grow, and it will bloom continuously from spring until fall. Although it prefers full sun, this hardy plant only requires partial sun and can tolerate some shade.
This versatile plant can be grown in containers or in the ground, making it ideal for any type of balcony garden. With its compact growth habit and easy-care requirements, Alyssum is an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for low-maintenance color in their outdoor space.
Due to its cheerful bloom production and easy-care requirements, Alyssum is one of the best flowers to grow on a balcony. With proper care, this hardy plant will provide months of enjoyment.
Zinnia
One of the best flowers for balcony gardening is the Zinnia. Zinnias are easy to grow and come in a wide variety of colors, from classic red and white to more unusual shades like lime green and purple.
Zinnias also attract bees and butterflies, so you can enjoy watching these pollinators at work while you relax on your balcony. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower for your balcony, look no further than the Zinnia.
These vibrant flowers are also easy to care for and only require minimal watering, making them ideal for busy gardeners. With their long blooming season, Zinnias are a great choice for adding color to your balcony garden from spring all the way through to fall. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance flower for your balcony, be sure to add some Zinnias to your shopping list.
Ageratum
Ageratum, commonly known as floss flower, is a popular choice for growing on balconies. This low-maintenance annual grows best in full sun and average soil, and it produces clusters of small blue, purple, or white flowers from summer to fall. If you’re looking for a colorful and easy-to-care-for plant for your balcony, Ageratum is a great choice.
Are you looking for the perfect flower to brighten up your balcony? Look no further than the Ageratum! This pretty little bloom comes in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, and pink. It’s also relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. Ageratum also attracts butterflies and makes an excellent addition to cut flower arrangements.
Ageratum plants prefer to grow in full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. Once established, Ageratum plants are relatively drought tolerant.
However, it is important to deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering throughout the season. With a little TLC, Ageratum makes a wonderful addition to any balcony garden.
Nemesia
If you live in an apartment or lack a garden, you may think that your green thumb is doomed. However, there are plenty of beautiful flowers that thrive in small spaces. One of the best flowers for a balcony is Nemesia. Also known as “broom bloom,” this pretty flower comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and yellow. Nemesia plants are characterized by their opposite leaves and two-lipped flowers. Many species are highly scented, making them ideal for use in potpourri or perfume.
Nemesia is also a fairly low-maintenance plant. What’s more, it’s not susceptible to most common pests and diseases.
When it comes to watering, Nemesia is fairly drought tolerant once established. They will need more water during hot, dry periods, however. To keep your plants looking their best, deadhead regularly and fertilize monthly. With just a little care, Nemesia will provide months of color for your balcony garden.
Although they are annuals, they often self-seed, so you may find yourself with new plants the following year. To encourage self-seeding, let the flowers go to seed at the end of the season.
As a result, Nemesia is an ideal choice for gardeners with limited space and time. With its wide range of colors and pleasant fragrance, it’s sure to add beauty and style to your outdoor space.
Sweet Pea
If you’re looking for a flower that will add a touch of elegance to your balcony, Sweet Peas are a great option. These delicate blooms come in a variety of colors, from pale pink to rich purple, and their fragrance is simply unforgettable.
Sweet Peas are also relatively easy to grow, so even if you don’t have a green thumb, you should be able to achieve success with these pretty flowers.
One important tip for growing Sweet Peas is to provide them with support. They can be trained to climb up a trellis or lattice, and this will help them to stay upright and produce more flowers. With a little care and attention, Sweet Peas can transform your balcony into a beautiful oasis.
Sweet Peas also have a long blooming season, so you can enjoy their beauty for months at a time. While Sweet Peas do require some care and attention, they are relatively easy to grow and make an excellent choice for beginning gardeners.
If you are looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower for your balcony, Sweet Peas are an excellent choice.
10 Best Perennials For Your Balcony
For anyone lucky enough to have a balcony, the question of what to grow up there can be a tough one. There are so many beautiful options out there, and it can be hard to narrow it down.
Lavender
There are few things as tranquil as the scent of Lavender in the air. For centuries, this fragrant herb has been used to soothe the mind and body, and its many benefits make it a popular choice for home gardens. These pretty purple flowers are easy to care for, and they will fill your balcony with their lovely scent.
Lavender is relatively easy to grow, and it thrives in sunny, well-drained spots. Although it can be planted in the ground, it also does well in containers, making it an excellent option for balcony gardens.
In addition to its lovely scent, Lavender also attracts bees and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to any garden. You can even use the flowers in cooking or crafts. With its low-maintenance requirements and undeniable charm, Lavender is a perfect choice for anyone looking to add a little beauty to their balcony garden.
Dianthus
If you’re looking for a flower to add some color to your balcony, Dianthus is a great option. Also known as Sweet William or Pinks, Dianthus flowers come in a variety of colors including pink, red, white, and purple. They are also very fragrant, and they make a great addition to any balcony garden.
They’re relatively easy to care for and don’t require a lot of attention. Just make sure to plant them in well-drained soil and water them regularly. When it comes to blooming, Dianthus flowers typically bloom from late spring to early summer.
Dianthus is a genus of flowering plants that includes a wide variety of species, from delicate alpine flowers to robust garden varieties. Many Dianthus plants are well suited for growing in containers, making them ideal for balconies and other small spaces. When choosing a Dianthus plant for your balcony, consider whether you want a low-growing groundcover or a taller plant that can be used as a border. Either way, you will be rewarded with a profusion of brightly colored blooms that will add life to your outdoor space.
Dianthus flowers come in a wide range of colors, including pink, white, purple, and red. Another great thing about Dianthus flowers is that they are very easy to care for. They don’t require a lot of water or maintenance, and they will bloom from spring through fall. If you are looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for flower for your balcony garden, look no further than Dianthus!
Hosta
Hosta plants are a great option for balcony gardens, as they are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate partial shade.
These beautiful plants come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can easily find one to suit your space. Hostas also make great container plants, so they are perfect for balconies.
However, Hostas do require some care, so be sure to water them regularly and fertilize them every few weeks. With a little TLC, your Hostas will thrive and add beauty to your balcony garden.
Just make sure to give them plenty of room to spread out, as they can get fairly large. Hostas also do best in partial shade, so they’re perfect for balconies that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight. And since they’re not particularly fussy about soil, they’re easy to grow in pots or planters. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance flower for your balcony, consider Hostas.
Geranium
If you are looking for a sun-loving flower that is also tolerant of high winds, Geraniums are an excellent option. Geraniums are a classic choice for a reason: they’re beautiful, easy to care for, and bloom all summer long. Geraniums come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant reds and pinks to more subdued hues like white and lilac.
Best of all, they don’t require much maintenance – a little water and some occasional deadheading are all they need to thrive. With a little care and attention, Geraniums can thrive on balconies, providing you with a beautiful display of color all summer long.
Liriope
Liriope is a hardy plant that thrives in both sun and shade, making it an ideal choice for a balcony garden. This evergreen groundcover produces delicate purple flowers that add a splash of color to any landscape. Liriope is also low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and pruning.
Also known as monkey grass or lilyturf, Liriope is a perennial that comes in both purple and green varieties. Liriope is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners. Best of all, Liriope is perfect for small spaces, as it grows in clumps that can be easily contained in pots or planters.
It also has long, strap-like leaves that add an attractive touch to any balcony garden. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower for your balcony, Liriope is an excellent choice.
Aster
While most people associate Aster flowers with Fall, these beautiful blooms can actually be enjoyed all summer long. A member of the daisy family, this flower comes in a wide range of colors, from white and pale pink to deep purple and their petals have a beautiful, ruffled appearance.
As one of the best flowers to grow on a balcony, the Aster provides a cheerful splash of color that is sure to brighten up any outdoor space and they make excellent cut flowers. Although they are relatively small, they pack a big punch in terms of color and texture.
Asters are also relatively easy to care for, and they attract bees and other pollinators. One important tip for growing Aster flowers is to deadhead spent blooms regularly. This will encourage the plant to produce even more flowers. With a little love and attention, Asters can provide months of enjoyment.
Phlox
Phlox is a versatile plant that can be used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, or as a colorful addition to any garden. These tough and easy-to-grow plants are a great choice for beginners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance garden. Phlox blooms from early summer to fall, making it a welcome addition to any balcony garden.
Phlox are known for their showy clusters of fragrant flowers, which bloom in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, purple, and blue. Phlox are also very fragrant, making them a perfect choice for balconies where you want to enjoy the smell of fresh flowers. They are also attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
Another advantage of Phlox is that they are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, so be sure to choose a location on your balcony that meets these requirements. With a little care, Phlox will bloom reliably every year, providing a colorful display that is sure to please any balcony gardener.
Bergenia
If you are looking for a colorful and low-maintenance option for your balcony garden, Bergenia is an excellent choice. Bergenia is a stunning flowering plant that is perfect for growing on balconies. Also known as elephant’s ears, the large, leathery leaves are a beautiful deep green, and the bell-shaped flowers range in color from pale pink to rich crimson.
Bergenia is a low-maintenance plant that is both drought-tolerant and shade-loving, making it ideal for balcony gardens. What’s more, this hardy plant is virtually indestructible, meaning it will thrive even if you forget to water it occasionally. Bergenia is an evergreen plant, meaning it will provide year-round interest.
Whether you are an experienced gardener or a complete novice, Bergenia is the perfect choice for adding a splash of color to your balcony garden.
Bellflower
Whether you’re looking for a plant that can tolerate some neglect or you simply want to add some color to your balcony, Bellflowers are an excellent choice.
Additionally, Bellflowers come in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find one that will complement your existing décor. Whether you’re looking for a delicate pale blue or a rich purple, you’re sure to find a Bellflower that suits your taste. And with their long-lasting blooms, Bellflowers are a great choice for gardeners who want to enjoy continuous color throughout the summer months.
One of the best things about Bellflowers is that they can be grown in a wide range of climates. Whether you live in an apartment with a small balcony or a house with a large garden, Bellflowers can thrive in both sunny and shady areas.
Another advantage of Bellflowers is that they are low-maintenance plants. They do not require frequent watering or fertilizing, and they are resistant to many common pests and diseases. However, Bellflowers do need to be deadheaded regularly to promote continuous blooming.
So if you are looking for a plant that is easy to grow and care for, consider adding some Bellflowers to your garden.
Acanthus
Acanthus is a stunning flowering plant that can add beauty and elegance to any balcony garden. Also known as Bear’s Breeches, this perennial features glossy, dark green leaves and large, white, pink, purple or blue flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Acanthus is a popular choice for balcony gardens due to its compact size and tolerance of full sun or partial shade.
Acanthus is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it does require full sun and well-drained soil in order to thrive. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant and can tolerate some shade. When choosing a pot for your Acanthus, be sure to select one that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots. With its striking foliage and showy flowers, Acanthus is an excellent choice for adding drama and intrigue to your balcony garden.
Best of all, the Acanthus is a fast-growing plant that can quickly fill up an empty space.
Conclusion
Balcony gardens can be a great way to enjoy flowers and plants without having to have a large yard. There are many different types of flowers that do well in small spaces, so you should be able to find one that fits your personality and style.
