Green Plants and Bushes for Sunny Balconies

Ornamental Grasses

• Ornamental grasses grow at different heights and provide a degree of privacy as well as decoration. Blue fescue is a bushy grass with a deep blue-green color that grows in spherical shapes. It rapidly self-pollinates but will not invade other balcony grasses. Plant blue fescue next to Japanese silver grass, a tall, feathery plant with blades tinted silver, green and copper, that produces flowers appropriate for cutting and display in indoor vases. Feather reed grass thrives in strong sunlight and is tough enough to withstand both summer and winter winds and fluctuating temperatures.

Herbs

• Herbs add visual appeal as well as interesting aromas to sunny balconies. Rosemary and thyme are especially fragrant and will grow to the size of small shrubs if pruned and transplanted to progressively larger pots as they grow. Marjoram, oregano and lemon grass thrive on sunny balconies and won’t lose their leaves in strong winds. If you want to grow more fragile herbs such as parsley and chives on a balcony, protect them from direct sunlight and wind by placing them near the back of the balcony in the shade of tall grasses or shrubs.

Ferns

• Although the fronds of many types of ferns appear lacy and delicate, most ferns prosper in the sunny, airy environment of balconies. Southern lady, asparagus ferns, braken, ostrich and royal ferns are all sun-lovers and can be cultivated in large containers to resemble shrubs and bushes, or hung from baskets on the overhang of the balcony.

Shrubs and Bushes

• Any shrub or bush used to landscape the perimeter of homes in sunny locations can be grown on balconies in large containers or planters. Juniper is a sturdy shrub variety that grows vertically and pairs well with conifers, deciduous shrubs and broadleaf evergreens, all of which add beauty to the balcony as well as provide natural shade.

Balcony Plant Care

• Since plants on balconies endure wind as well as sunlight, they dry out more quickly than those grown on indoor windowsills, and often require daily watering. Automatic watering systems keep balcony plants adequately irrigated with minimal labor. Regularly wiping the dust and dirt that accumulates on large leaves on balcony plants keeps them healthy and attractive.