No-Fail Plants for a Balcony Garden
This eclectic mix of plants will have your balcony looking well-kept and welcoming all year long
We’ve all seen a failed balcony garden; outdated pots and weeping plants that just don’t go together. The secret to a successful balcony garden is to choose plants that will not only survive but thrive. Below is an eclectic mix of plants from cacti and succulents, to large-leafed, shade-loving plants. A balcony garden should be an extension of your home – choosing the correct plants will create an urban oasis you will want to escape to.
Photos & Advice
Blue chalk sticks
Known for their finger-like, striking blue foliage, Blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens) are a perfect balcony-friendly plant.
Blue chalk sticks are a drought-tolerant succulent that prefer a sunny position, but do well in part shade, too. If you’re after a shade-friendly variety, try researching S. herrenaus and S. rawleyanus for more options.
I use blue chalk sticks for underplanting feature trees with an elevated canopy, such as frangipanis and magnolias. They also look particularly good with the silvery foliage of olive trees.
Known for their finger-like, striking blue foliage, Blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens) are a perfect balcony-friendly plant.
Blue chalk sticks are a drought-tolerant succulent that prefer a sunny position, but do well in part shade, too. If you’re after a shade-friendly variety, try researching S. herrenaus and S. rawleyanus for more options.
I use blue chalk sticks for underplanting feature trees with an elevated canopy, such as frangipanis and magnolias. They also look particularly good with the silvery foliage of olive trees.
Buxus balls
Everyone’s favourite formal hedging plant, Buxus microphylla, also works fantastic on balconies when shaped into spheres to create what’s commonly known as buxus balls.
Buxus prefer full sun, but also do just as well in part shade. I have had success in full shade, however you will need to start with a mature plant because the growth rate will be much slower.
While they are one of the more maintenance-intensive balcony-friendly plants, the trimmed and clean look is worth the work.
Don’t feel like you can only use buxus balls in formal gardens, either; they work just as well mixed up alongside architectural contemporary plants, too.
Everyone’s favourite formal hedging plant, Buxus microphylla, also works fantastic on balconies when shaped into spheres to create what’s commonly known as buxus balls.
Buxus prefer full sun, but also do just as well in part shade. I have had success in full shade, however you will need to start with a mature plant because the growth rate will be much slower.
While they are one of the more maintenance-intensive balcony-friendly plants, the trimmed and clean look is worth the work.
Don’t feel like you can only use buxus balls in formal gardens, either; they work just as well mixed up alongside architectural contemporary plants, too.
Golden barrel cactus
Golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) originate from Central Mexico and are superb desert plants requiring minimal care and attention, which makes them perfect for hot and dry balconies. Not only do these spiky balls of fun thrive in full sun, they also do well in reduced light but with slower growth.
Depending on the position of your balcony and how much natural light you receive, golden barrel cacti will survive for up to six months with no water or care during the non-growth period.
I recommend planting them singularly in a circular-shaped pot such as an egg pot or cylinder.
Do you want more gardening advice? Look for a landscape contractor on Houzz
Golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) originate from Central Mexico and are superb desert plants requiring minimal care and attention, which makes them perfect for hot and dry balconies. Not only do these spiky balls of fun thrive in full sun, they also do well in reduced light but with slower growth.
Depending on the position of your balcony and how much natural light you receive, golden barrel cacti will survive for up to six months with no water or care during the non-growth period.
I recommend planting them singularly in a circular-shaped pot such as an egg pot or cylinder.
Do you want more gardening advice? Look for a landscape contractor on Houzz
Red pencil plant
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’, or the red pencil plant as it’s commonly called, is a hardy succulent plant capable of reaching 10 metres, but will remain stunted when planted in a pot or container. The ‘Sticks on Fire’ cultivar lacks the chlorophyll of the parent plant and as such is much slower growing.
The longer, pencil-like foliage gives the plant a striking look that’s sure to enhance any balcony.
Euphorbia like full sun, however they do fine in part shade, too. If you’re prone to plant allergies, this might be one to avoid as it’s been known to cause skin and allergy reactions.
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’, or the red pencil plant as it’s commonly called, is a hardy succulent plant capable of reaching 10 metres, but will remain stunted when planted in a pot or container. The ‘Sticks on Fire’ cultivar lacks the chlorophyll of the parent plant and as such is much slower growing.
The longer, pencil-like foliage gives the plant a striking look that’s sure to enhance any balcony.
Euphorbia like full sun, however they do fine in part shade, too. If you’re prone to plant allergies, this might be one to avoid as it’s been known to cause skin and allergy reactions.
Silver falls
When it comes to under-planting, there really isn’t a better plant than Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’. The grey silvery foliage, which weeps downwards, looks stunning against a charcoal-coloured pot.
I’ve used Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ in full sun to part shade. They require very little water. Once established, the foliage will weep down as much as two metres!
For best results, try planting a feature tree in a large pot, and under-plant around the inside edge of the rim every 20 centimetres. Over time, this will form a complete curtain around the pot.
It’s a good idea to regularly go around the pot with a pair of hardy scissors and trim the foliage to promote new growth.
When it comes to under-planting, there really isn’t a better plant than Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’. The grey silvery foliage, which weeps downwards, looks stunning against a charcoal-coloured pot.
I’ve used Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ in full sun to part shade. They require very little water. Once established, the foliage will weep down as much as two metres!
For best results, try planting a feature tree in a large pot, and under-plant around the inside edge of the rim every 20 centimetres. Over time, this will form a complete curtain around the pot.
It’s a good idea to regularly go around the pot with a pair of hardy scissors and trim the foliage to promote new growth.
Lady palm
Finding a privacy solution for a shady balcony is also a difficult task. Fortunately, Rhapis excelsa, commonly called lady palm, is perfect for screening out those unwanted neighbours in shady areas.
This multi-stemmed dwarf palm, originally from the rainforests of southern China, is commonly used as an indoor plant.
Raphis are slow-growing and can remain in the same pot for many years, making them perfect for shady balconies. They also look stunning planted on their own as a feature in a large pot.
Browse more beautiful balconies on Houzz
Finding a privacy solution for a shady balcony is also a difficult task. Fortunately, Rhapis excelsa, commonly called lady palm, is perfect for screening out those unwanted neighbours in shady areas.
This multi-stemmed dwarf palm, originally from the rainforests of southern China, is commonly used as an indoor plant.
Raphis are slow-growing and can remain in the same pot for many years, making them perfect for shady balconies. They also look stunning planted on their own as a feature in a large pot.
Browse more beautiful balconies on Houzz
Gollum
A popular indoor plant, Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ works just as well on balconies and rooftop gardens. Its coral-like foliage creates a striking feature that looks amazing planted in small egg pots.
Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ is a slow-growing plant and, except for a monthly water, requires literally no maintenance.
I’ve had great success with this hardy succulent in full sun to full shade. I love creating a contrasting cluster of three pots using Crassula ‘Gollum’, buxus balls, and golden barrel cactus.
A popular indoor plant, Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ works just as well on balconies and rooftop gardens. Its coral-like foliage creates a striking feature that looks amazing planted in small egg pots.
Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ is a slow-growing plant and, except for a monthly water, requires literally no maintenance.
I’ve had great success with this hardy succulent in full sun to full shade. I love creating a contrasting cluster of three pots using Crassula ‘Gollum’, buxus balls, and golden barrel cactus.
Alocasia
Alocasia ‘Calidora’ is one of my favourite balcony plants. The large leaves remind me of something Cleopatra would have been fanned with.
I’ve used these in full sun to full shade, however Alocasia need moist soil, so unless you’re prepared for a big water bill, I’d stick to part shade and full shade.
Alocasia are fantastic for screening out neighbours and unsightly aspects. Keep the water up and they take off like crazy. I generally plant these in large egg-shaped pots around three to four times the size of the plant’s root ball.
Your turn
What plants do you use on your balcony? Are they thriving or struggling? Tell us in the Comments.
More
Want more advice for your balony? Read How to Take Your Balcony From Bland to Grand
Alocasia ‘Calidora’ is one of my favourite balcony plants. The large leaves remind me of something Cleopatra would have been fanned with.
I’ve used these in full sun to full shade, however Alocasia need moist soil, so unless you’re prepared for a big water bill, I’d stick to part shade and full shade.
Alocasia are fantastic for screening out neighbours and unsightly aspects. Keep the water up and they take off like crazy. I generally plant these in large egg-shaped pots around three to four times the size of the plant’s root ball.
Your turn
What plants do you use on your balcony? Are they thriving or struggling? Tell us in the Comments.
More
Want more advice for your balony? Read How to Take Your Balcony From Bland to Grand
Useful article - however information on climate suitability would have been an added bonus. I'm in NZ but even in Aus there are massively varying climatic conditions to contend with. Don't think all of those would cope equally well with tropical heat and Tasmania's chilly winters!
Inspirational article...I'm going to get me some of these! How would Alocasia do in Melbourne? They look quite tropical...
Lara Wilson, they will grow in Melbourne, as long as you are in an area that doesn't get frost.