Plants for the balcony

There are no self-sufficient balcony plants

Even if planters or window boxes have storage containers, you can use your Balcony plants not left to your own devices. A minimum of care ensures that the Perennials look healthy and thank you with a sea of ​​flowers. Regular fertilizers and the removal of dead plant parts are compulsory in addition to the water supply.

Note the location requirements of the plants

On the name tags of the balcony flowers you will find information on the height and flowering time as well as symbols of the hunger for light. For a location that is directly north, you must not choose perennials that claim full sun. They will then not grow or bloom very sparsely and will therefore give you little pleasure. A balcony that receives only a few hours of sun a day is referred to as partially shaded. Balcony plants for this location are provided with a black and white circle logo.

Container plants for the balcony 

If you have plenty of space, you can also think of other planters than the balcony box. Perennials in planters can then also grow taller, but only a few bloom all year round. Container plants usually have to overwinter in a frost-free room. In contrast to many other balcony flowers, they are perennial. A classic of this genre is the oleander. He offers Privacy screen, is easy to care for and tolerates partial shade. An attractive alternative is the poisonous angel's trumpet. It is therefore to be kept away from children and animals. In addition, the angel's trumpet places high demands on the water supply. Both plants are also suitable for the terrace.

Early bloomers in window boxes 

If you don't want to wait for the Summer flowers bloom, you have the option of laying out your balcony planting in stages. If the early flowering varieties have faded, put fresh soil in the planters and change the plants. The pansy proves to be very undemanding for any location. You can mix in tall perennials. One suggestion here would be the horned violet or the primrose. Do you want to Flower bulbs see blooming in spring, you have to use them in autumn and preferably overwinter in a protected place. Hyacinths are mentioned here, Tulips or daffodils. Your location can also be partially shaded.

Ornamental plants for the balcony in summer

The variety of summer flowers on offer for the balcony makes a decision difficult. You should choose plants that bloom at the same time, have different and harmonious colors and grow about the same height. You can decide whether you want to replant your window boxes annually or fill them with perennial shrubs. The last-mentioned variant requires less effort, but has the disadvantage that the plants often cannot tolerate frost and that they may only bloom in a limited time frame. The balconies in Bavaria are often a prime example of color splendor with annual flowers. Petunias and Geraniums thrive in window boxes if the nutrient supply and care are right. Fuchsias (shady location) and hanging lion's mouth are recommended as hanging plants.

Grateful growths even with less care

Fan flower, gold marie, hairy two-toothed tooth, or dazette (yellow straw flower) are less demanding. Plants with fleshy leaves also survive times of hunger well, but produce fewer flowers. Those who are often not at home can make do with window boxes that have a water reservoir. Resourceful balcony gardeners like to make automatic irrigation out of plastic bottles.

The vegetable garden in front of the kitchen window 

Of course, you can also plant useful plants as decoration, privacy protection and / or for supply, if the conditions allow it. There is nothing wrong with combining ornamental perennials and, for example, tomatoes as container plants. Note the tolerance of nightshade plants, some must not come too close. Bad neighbors in this regard are tomatoes and cucumbers or fennel.