Most plants described as lovers of shaded balconies can tolerate shade during most hours of the day. However, they need a certain amount of sunlight every day to develop well. “Partial shade” is defined by gardeners as a location that provides 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plants classified as such for “dense shade” are the only ones that thrive in a complete lack of sunlight, but they are relatively rare. We dedicate this article to the suitable plants for shady balconies.
Plants for a shady balcony – which ones are suitable for this?
Coleus is one of the most famous balcony flowers
Coleus is one of the most well-known shade plants, and for good reason - almost everyone recognizes this plant when they see it. It is grown for its unique and interesting leaf colors rather than its flowers. Coleus is one of the few plants that truly thrives in full shade. If you think coleus is old-fashioned, it's worth taking another look, as new colors and leaf shapes are constantly being developed. Some new varieties now thrive in partial shade and even full sun.
The colors of coleus are often so intense that you have to be a little careful when mixing them with other plants. Have fun and try unlikely color combinations - sometimes they work wonderfully. Or plant them on your shady balcony as solitary plants.
Fuchsias also thrive in full shade
Fuchsias are easily identified by their pendulous, brightly colored flowers that bloom almost all season long. The hanging habit makes it an excellent flowering plant for hanging baskets. There are around 100 species of the fuchsia genus, all of which produce great flowers even in full shade. The reputation for being very demanding is not really justified, as fuchsias are quite easy to grow under the right conditions, although they require a lot of water andneed fertilizer.
Fuchsias are a classic in hanging baskets, but also look great in mixed containers. They look great in combination with complementary or contrasting colors. Fuchsias bloom all summer long on your shady balcony, and if you live in a cold climate, you can bring them indoors to overwinter.
Torenia is easy to care for and heat tolerant
Torenia is an elegant and vigorous annual plant for shady balconies that blooms all summer long. It is heat tolerant and very easy to care for. With regular watering and fertilization, this gem will thrive until frost.
The flower is great for combinations, but in the right container it can also be beautiful on its own. You can use them in hanging baskets, window boxes, or any container with good drainage. It is relatively short, 15 to 45 cm, and hangs over the edge of the vessel. In warm climates, the Torenia needs to be protected from heat.
Hardy plants for shady balconies – coral bells
Coral bells are standard garden perennials, but are also well suited to shady containers. Most commercially available varieties are hybrids bred from parent species such as Heuchera americana, H. sanguinea, H. americana, H. micrantha, H. villosa or H. cylindrica. Some popular varieties include “Dolce Licorice,” “Dolce Key Lime Pie,” and “Dolce Creme Brulee.”
Coral bells are magnificent and almost indestructible. Although they thrive in shade, most coral bells can tolerate some sun and are quite drought tolerant. The flowers of coral bells are rather small and often indistinct, but the foliage comes in many unusual colors, from almost black-purple to peach to bright lime green. Coral bells attract butterflies and some of them are hardy down to a spectacular minus 30 degrees Celsius and look fantastic until the snow falls. Although removing the flower stalks after flowering is not necessary, it will keep the plant looking good.
Begonias are shade plants
With more than 1,800 species in the genus divided into several major groups, there are literally hundreds of begonias to choose from.For container gardensThe most popular begonias are the tuberous or rhizome begonias with their neon-colored flowers or the rex begonias, whose leaf colors, shapes and structures can border on psychedelic.
Many newly developed trailing, angel and dragon wing begonias bloom like crazy all summer long. Most begonias need good drainage and don't want to be too wet. Some thrive in full shade, others prefer filtered shade. Almost all flowering begonias need to be fertilized regularly and generously with diluted fertilizer.
Persian shield lives easily in partial shade
Persian Shield is a magnificent foliage plant - a broad-leaved, evergreen perennial generally used as an annual. With its purple-silver flowers, it is a classic climbing plant in every pot and grows up to three or four meters high. The Persian Shield is very easy to grow and will add an exotic touch to your containers as it is unusual and can be difficult to find in garden centers. Buy it early as it often sells out. The Persian Shield prefers a little sun, but can also be easily grown in partial shade. If you cut back the stems a little, it will stay bushy and full.
Herbs that love the shade balcony
Most plants, especially herbs and vegetables, need lots of sun to thrive. Five hours in the sun is considered a minimum for most edible plants. Fortunately, there are some herbs that thrive in the shade. Here are some that also thrive in partial shade.
Parsley tolerates almost all conditions
Parsley is a biennial plant that is usually grown as an annual plant. It is one of the herbs that can tolerate almost all conditions. As with all herbs that spend much of their time in the shade, parsley should be cut back to stop it growing. Plants grown in shade tend to become unwieldy, and frequent pruning can help you keep the plant compact.
Plant a shady balcony with lemon balm
Lemon balm is an easy-to-cultivate perennial that causes few problems. This can thrive in both shade and full sun, but should be pruned to keep it compact. Lemon balm has a long history as an herbal remedy with its mildly calming properties. It can be used in teas and drinks or as an accompaniment to salads and main courses.
Balcony herbs that need little sun – thyme
Thyme is a perennial herbaceous plant that comes in many sizes and colors. If planted in the shade, thyme may bloom less, butthe intoxicating scentand the beauty is always preserved. Thyme does not like damp locations, but is ideal for dry partial shade. Thyme is available as fresh ordried herban excellent addition to soups, stews and fish or meat dishes.
Plants for shady balconies – rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial and inconspicuous plant. It can grow in both shade and full sun. Water them regularly, but don't overwater them.
