Freshen up your window display with these flowers for balconies
By Philippa Thomas
Flowers can instantly transform a home. For Londoners, outdoor space may be limited but balconies allow you create your own green oasis in the heart of the city. Plus there’s no better way to spend an evening than mindfully tending to some beautiful plants. With that in mind, here are some of the best flowers for planting on windowsills and balconies.
10 Beautiful Flowers for Balconies
Lavender
Social media is ablaze at the moment with stunning photos of lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see. This little purple plant is also perfectly suitable for balconies. It handles the sun and wind well and can grow to many different sizes depending on the size of the planter. The flowers sprout straight up, helping to save space, and require little maintenance. Keep your window open and allow the plant’s beautiful, fragrant scent to drift into your home.
Pansies
For a bright pop of colour, consider pansies. These versatile flowers look beautiful planted in a window box or hanging basket and come in an array of rich, multi-coloured tones. They need a small amount of water, making them easy to maintain. Remember to put them in a sunny position as they need a lot of light to grow.
Chrysanthemums
The second most popular flower after roses, chrysanthemums are a firm balcony favourite. They are available in a large range of shapes, sizes, and colours and, with good care, can be made to bloom in every season. Plant them in well-drained soil and water them regularly.
Jasmine
If you want a climbing plant, go for jasmine on your balcony. This aromatic flower is great for growing on a trellis or acting as a screening to give you some more privacy. They grow best in shadier spots and are quite vulnerable to the wind and rain, so be careful where you plant them.
Petunias
Another favourite of gardeners is the traditional petunia. They are fast growers and bloom profusely with gorgeous colourful flowers. Popular choices include white, pink, purple, red and violet robes. They require quite a bit of moisture so daily watering is a must.
Geraniums
Geraniums are great flowers for balconies. They are very versatile plants that can be brought in a vast range of shades, from blue to white to red. They do not need a lot of attention and only need to be watered when their soil starts to get hard. These flowers also smell beautiful, making them great a great option for window boxes.
Strawberries
For something a little different, consider growing strawberries. These are one of the many fruits that do not need a lot of space to grow. Then can be planted in pots, containers, or hanging baskets and produce tiny white flowers and green berries that will turn red when ripe and ready to eat. Delicious!
Begonias
Easy to grow in small containers, begonias can make a big impact in a small space. Their golden flowers add a sense of sunshine to shady balconies and cheer up the dullest of window displays. With thick, heart-shaped foliage, these plants look great even out of season.
Fuchsia
These unique flowers are a fantastic choice for hanging baskets. Their delicate stems hang around the sides of a pot to create a beautiful, full-looking display. They can be purchased in a warm range of magentas, reds, and purples and are often bloom in interesting two-toned colour combinations.
Rosemary
Whilst they can grow up to four feet tall in kitchen gardens, with careful pruning rosemary can make for a lovely balcony display. Their fresh stems can be used in cooking and their delicate purple flowers will attract butterflies to your tiny garden. These plants also give off a beautiful aromatic smell.
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