One might think that almost any flower is a good choice for the balcony, since what do plants need besides pleasant sunlight, well-draining soil, and ample watering? Shade, for example! Many plants particularly prefer shady spots on terraces, and fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful flowers to choose from that only feel good outside if they are not constantly scorched by the sun.
Here are the most beautiful shade-tolerant balcony plants just waiting for you to finally plant them!
1. Fuchsia
Fuchsia blooms earliest when placed in a shady spot outside. It’s worth choosing a trailing variety for your balcony, which hangs beautifully in a hanging flower pot – with its bushy form. Protect it from strong winds, as it does not like them, and really follow the instructions to keep it out of direct sunlight, because if you put it there, it definitely won’t produce its beautiful petals. If you want to propagate it, you can still do so by cuttings in May and early summer.
2. Impatiens
Contrary to its name, impatiens is not “impatient” at all; it’s an extremely easy-to-care-for, undemanding little plant for which you only need to ensure a shady spot. Always provide moist soil, which you should water again every 3-4 days. Its beautiful shades of white, red, pink, and orange can delight you from May through autumn on your shady balcony.
3. Begonia
Begonia is an extremely undemanding, beautiful little plant that thrives perfectly in semi-shady places, available in various shades at flower shops. Tubular begonias are especially suitable for shady balconies, where they bloom all summer long. Protect them from direct sunlight, provide well-draining soil, and ensure regular but moderate watering.
4. Lobelia
Although it can survive in sunny spots, lobelia produces the most abundant flowers when planted on a shady balcony. It’s a modest plant in terms of needs, feeling best in moderate temperatures (15-25 degrees Celsius). During dry periods, water it continuously, and if it has spread excessively on your balcony and you don’t know where to put it, plant it in your garden soil if you have one, as it also works perfectly as ground cover.
5. Pansy
Pansy typically prefers semi-shady to shady spots, because if exposed to direct sunlight and scorched by the sun all day, its leaves and flowers dry out very quickly. Pay attention to providing proper nutrients for pansies, which is very important. It’s good to know that you can decorate beautiful food creations with its flowers, and you can even eat them. They make perfect decoration on fruit bowls, desserts, or cold platters.
6. Hydrangea
Although hydrangeas are primarily planted in soil and gardens outside, you can keep them in your balcony box until they strengthen. When the roots of potted hydrangeas have grown strong enough and outgrown their previous place, it’s worth transferring them to a pot 3-4 cm larger. Hydrangeas prefer acidic soil and well-draining earth, and they do not like direct sunlight, so a semi-shady spot is an ideal choice for your balcony. Their flowers are very durable and can even last indoors as cut flowers.
7. Ferns
If you want to brighten up your balcony outside with some greenery, choose a beautiful fern for your balcony. Generally, ferns like shady, humid places – although there are always exceptions. It’s important to plant them in a wind-protected spot. They bring natural elegance to balcony life, filling the outdoor space with life and greenery. Shield fern, Japanese umbrella fern, holly fern, and lady fern are all excellent choices for your shady balcony. Among these types, you can find medium-sized ones that will thrive beautifully on your balcony.
