Undersized flowers for the balcony. What flowers to grow on the balcony. Names and photos of colors suitable for the south balcony

Not every city dweller has a dacha, but if you have a loggia, you can arrange a green corner on it. With the right approach, this will not be difficult to do.

What flowers to plant on the balcony? There are many suitable varieties, but when choosing a particular variety, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the culture, such as frost resistance and the ability to grow in the shade or in the sun. In other words, first of all, you need to focus on the degree of illumination of the loggia and climatic conditions terrain.

For reference. Balconies facing south, southwest and southeast are considered sunny. They are illuminated for more than 12 hours a day. Penumbral loggias are located on the northwestern and northeastern sides, their rays of the sun illuminate less than 10-12 hours. And, finally, the sides located in the north are considered shady, where the sun penetrates no more than 6 hours a day.

Flowers for balconies: name, description and photo

Flowers for balconies should be unpretentious and suitable for growing in urban areas. Below are the most common varieties.

Begonia - plant for partial shade

Many people want to plant such plants on the balcony so that they bloom all summer. In this case the best choice will be begonia undersized varieties. The flowering period of this culture lasts from May to October, and the range of shades is striking in variety. Petals can be painted in white, yellow, salmon, raspberry and bright red. Flowers simple, double or semi-double.

It is better to place begonia pots in the northwest or northeast, and in winter time remove the tubers in a cool room and store until the beginning of March in sand or peat chips at a temperature of 8-12 degrees.

Bougainvillea - light-loving plant for the balcony

It is a climbing plant with purple flowers will become a real decoration of a balcony or terrace. Graceful shoots wrapping around the railing, placed on specially installed gratings, will look simply luxurious.

The culture prefers to grow in lighted places with normal humidity, so for its location it is better to choose loggias located in the south, southwest or southeast.

Verbena - a medicinal plant with a long flowering period

In the people, this plant is called "pigeon grass" or "Juno's tears." Culture is valued not only for its decorative qualities, but also for its medicinal properties. Since ancient times, it has been used to prepare healing decoctions and tinctures.

You can grow verbena both in pots on the balcony and in flower beds. The flowering period of the culture is long, and lasts from June to November. Lighting for verbena needs moderate, and it is better to place this flower on the east or west side.

Heather - beautiful balcony in winter time

To keep the balcony beautiful in winter, it is worth planting heather. This is a frost-resistant shrub, the flowering period of which lasts from January to April. Even in severe frosts, the culture does not lose its decorative effect.

Such a plant needs moderate lighting, and it will feel best on a loggia located on the east or west side.

Bindweed - ease of care and unpretentiousness

Often on city balconies you can see one or another type of bindweed. This is due to the fact that such plants are undemanding to the composition of the soil and do not need abundant watering. In addition, bindweed has a high "tenacity" and is able to braid any support.

Despite resistance to drought, in very dry soils, the culture loses its decorative effect, its leaves and flowers become smaller. Therefore, the sunny side is not the best place to accommodate bindweed. But in cases where there is nowhere else to put the pots, you will need to ensure that the earth in the containers does not dry out, and also regularly spray the plant with water. The main thing is not to do this at the moment when the sun "looks" at the balcony, and to perform manipulations in the early morning or in the evening.

Geranium (Pelargonium) - a flower that needs a lot of sun

By placing such a plant on a balcony located with south side, do not be afraid that the leaves will get sunburn. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, pelargonium only grows better and enhances flowering, which lasts quite a long time.

To keep the geranium from dying, it needs abundant daily watering, as it quickly draws moisture from the soil.

Godetia - a cold-resistant annual for a sunny or penumbra balcony

This beautiful plant with large silky inflorescences of white, pink or red colors can be grown both in flower beds and in pots. If the dried buds are cut off in time, the bush will bloom again and this process will last until the frost.

Godetia is resistant to cold, but demanding on watering, which will need to be done regularly. The best place to place this culture will be the south, southwest and southeast side. However, with proper care, the flower will feel great in the northeast and northwest.

Ipomoea - a bindweed that loves shade

This lush liana with beautiful bright flowers is a great option for landscaping a balcony. The main thing is to make sure that the shoots have something to cling to. To do this, you need to install a grid or pull the ropes.

In general, such a culture is unpretentious, but from direct sun rays it is better to protect her. Therefore, the northwest or north side will be the best place to place it.

Calistegia - perennial bindweed for a sunny or semi-shaded balcony

This is a beautiful climbing plant with bright green leaves and luxurious pale pink flowers. Their shape is most often bell-shaped, but there are varieties with a terry type of petals.

Calistegia is not capricious and easy to care for, it takes root well in any type of soil, it feels best on the south or east side.

Clematis - light-loving flower for the south or east side

This plant with small herbaceous emerald leaves and flowers ranging in color from white-lilac to deep purple is perfect for growing on a sunny balcony. The main thing is to choose a frost-resistant variety of culture, and then there will be no problems.

Owners of dimly lit loggias facing the north side, it is better to opt for another plant. Clematis in conditions of lack of sun will grow poorly and quickly die.

Daisy - unpretentious culture with a long flowering period

Daisies, depending on the variety, have rounded or elongated, "needle" leaves of a dark green color, and the shade of the flowers can be very diverse.

They are unpretentious and undemanding to the composition of the soil and watering. However, it should be taken into account that a large number of sunlight does not affect the plant too well, so shaded balconies are best for it.

Nasturtiums - annuals for the southern balcony

This is an unpretentious culture that even a novice gardener can grow from seeds.

The abundance of varieties that are completely different from each other allows you to create original compositions from nasturtium, which can be:

bushy;
ampelous;
curly.

The flowering period of the culture begins in July and lasts until the end of September. Since this plant is photophilous, it should be placed on the loggia, located on the south side.

Primroses - a kaleidoscope of colors in early spring

Most often, early flowering plants are found in city flower beds and front gardens. household plots planted in open ground. But they can also be grown on the balcony, in separate containers or in a common pot, into which other flowers will then be “settled”.

Such crops bloom early, and this period does not last long, but if you combine them with plants with later bud formation, the loggia will look attractive throughout the warm season.

Petunia - ampelous annual with abundant flowering

If there is not enough space on the loggia to arrange containers with flowers, you should pay attention to the petunia. This is an ampelous plant suitable for growing in "hanging" pots.

Such a culture reaches 25 cm in height and is characterized by a compact form of a bush and abundant, bright flowering, lasting until the November cold.

On the south or southeast balcony, you can grow any variety of petunia, and if the loggia is on the north side, only frost-resistant hybrids will survive here.

Ivy - a thick "veil" for any loggia

Ivy, densely wrapping around the balcony, will reliably protect the room from the penetration of bright sunlight better than any blinds. It is not difficult to care for such a culture, it does not need frequent watering and is able to grow on loggias located anywhere: both in the sun and in the shade.

However, in order for the foliage to remain thick and not lose color saturation, you will need to regularly spray the ivy with water, and, if possible, pour it over with a hose.

Polyanthus roses - light-loving long-flowering culture

The “Queen of Flowers” can be called a win-win option for a flower bed or balcony; this lush plant with dark green leaves and light pink medium-sized flowers will become a real decoration of the loggia. The flowering period of the culture is long and lasts throughout the summer.

Rose polyanthus will need watering as needed and regular top dressing, as well as an abundance of sunlight. Therefore, it is better to place pots on balconies located on the south side.

Zinnia is an annual that is heat and drought tolerant

This beautiful plant with dense green leaves and large, bright flowers is able to survive and remain decorative even in the hottest and driest summers. The main thing is to provide the culture with a long drought regular watering, and act carefully so that moisture does not get on the leaves.

It is best to place pots with such flowers on balconies located on the south, southeast or southwest side.

In full review.

Rules for growing flowers on the balcony

To turn your loggia into a real flowering corner, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for growing plants on the balcony.

You should pay attention to the following criteria:

In this video, the specialist tells which flowers are best grown on the balcony.

Not all of us, flower lovers, are lucky enough to live in a private house and not everyone has summer cottages where any gardening fantasies are easily realized. However, even in an ordinary city apartment, you can set up your own mini-flower garden. Balconies or external window sills (those that are located from the side of the street) are great for this. garden flowers on the balcony they will feel no worse than on the flower bed, if you approach correctly the issue of their choice, and then, the rules of care. So what flowers to plant on the balcony? To a greater extent, the choice will depend on the degree of illumination of your balcony.

It just seems that the longer the sun visits your balcony, the better. Firstly, the scorching sun's rays can burn the delicate leaves of many plants. Secondly, on the southern balconies in the summer there is a withering heat that does not subside even at night. In such conditions, flowers need very frequent watering and spraying. Even a day without watering can lead to the death of green spaces.

Flowers for the southern balcony must endure direct sunlight and not suffer from drought. Consider the best options.

Geranium (pelargonium)

Pelargonium tolerates an abundance of sunlight, especially zonal and ivy (ampel) varieties. Geranium can be exposed to the open sun and not worry that its leaves will burn. On the contrary, with an abundance of light, it will enhance its flowering. Some flower growers call geranium a semi-succulent plant for its ability to go without watering for a long time. We emphasize that all these qualities are most pronounced in zonals and ampels, royal pelargonium is more capricious and needs to be shaded at noon.

Geranium - unpretentious plant, blooming profusely sunny balconies

Purslane

Excellent flowers for the southern balcony: they tolerate heat, direct sunlight without loss, do not need frequent watering. The fleshy leaves of purslane accumulate water, so even during drought they do not fade and do not lose their appearance.

Another argument in favor of purslane: its flowers are always bright, saturated colors will create a truly sunny mood in balcony boxes.

Purslane opens its flowers only towards the sun

Calendula

Another "sunny" flower that can show itself in all its glory only in very bright areas. Modern varieties with simple and double flowers in red, yellow, orange and white colors will help create interesting compositions in balcony boxes.

Calendula - a flower not only beautiful, but also useful

Petunia

- the most beautiful flowers for a sunny balcony, which love an abundance of light, without direct midday rays. The only thing that overshadows the stay of petunias on the southern balconies is the need for moist soil. This flower will have to be watered often, in summer - at least twice a day.

In order to reduce the need for frequent watering of petunias on the south balcony, select deep boxes for this flower and mix hydrogel into the soil

In addition to the named plants on sunny balconies, they take root well: , , sweet pea, kobeya, godetia, aster, eland, gazania, mignonette, fragrant tobacco, zinnia, phlox, dahlias, stonecrops, succulents and cacti.

What flowers to grow on the balcony of the western and eastern directions?

The sun peeps into the eastern and western balconies in the first or second half of the day. These light conditions are great for most indoor and garden plants. Therefore, if you have such a balcony, we can say that you are lucky. Here you can afford almost everything, with the exception of frank "sun-lovers", for example, cacti, which will grow, and there will almost certainly be problems with flowering.

On the west and east balconies you can grow most garden and indoor plants

List of plants for bright balconies, where the sun looks in the morning or evening: , sweet pea, dolichos, verbena, nasturtium, calendula, marigolds, viola, daisies, lobelia, levkoy, heather, mattiola, pelargonium, dahlias, asters and etc.

Even shade-loving plants can be grown on the western and eastern balconies. Of course, they need to be planted not in the balcony boxes, but in the depths of the balcony, where it is light enough, but not sunny.

Flowers for the north balcony

Shady balconies often become a headache for flower growers. The plants planted here stretch out, bloom weakly, or even forget about flowering. Growing flowers on a north-facing balcony requires careful selection of shade-tolerant plants that will not suffer from a lack of light.

Flowers on the north balcony can be:

Fuchsia

For abundant flowering and the formation of a luxurious fuchsia bush, the amount of light that penetrates the north balcony will be enough. This plant does not like direct sunlight and heat. Optimal temperatures for fuchsia - 20-25 ° C. A prerequisite for its cultivation is abundant regular watering without drying out the earthy coma. Fuchsia is very easy to dry, after which it dies.

Ampelous fuchsias on the northern balcony require coolness and constant watering

Mimulyus (lubastic)

Mimulus blooms its colorful, elongated flowers, even in the shade, on the glazed northern balconies. Direct sun for mimulus is contraindicated. This flower on the balcony requires moist, even damp soils, so special attention should be paid to abundant watering when growing.

Mimulus develops quickly, the first flowers appear 6-8 weeks after sowing

Calceolaria

Calceolaria does not tolerate high temperatures, direct sunlight and even short-term drying. Therefore, the best place for her is a light penumbra on the northern, well-ventilated balcony. Constantly moist soil for calceolaria is not a whim, but a necessity. However, when watering it, you need to be careful. Try not to get water on the leaves and stem, as this leads to the rapid decay of the plant.

Balcony decoration with calceolaria flowers brings a touch of originality to the design of your entire apartment. This plant is not yet very common, so a balcony or window sill in calceolaria looks very unusual.

Calceolaria is very fond of coolness. To reduce the harmful effect of hot, dry air on this flower, it is recommended to place pots with calceolaria on a pallet with wet pebbles.

Torenia

Torenia flowers resemble gloxinia bells, only smaller in size and blooming in more. Torenia loves bright but diffused light, so she will have the right place in the balcony boxes of the northern balcony. Requires regular watering with constantly moist soil.

Abundant flowering of threnia must be maintained with regular fertilization.

Begonia ever flowering and tuberous

Any kind of begonia grows well in semi-shady and shady areas with fertile acidic soil. The plant needs intensive irrigation and fertilization.

A semi-shaded balcony will be a great place to grow balsam, viol, ivy, mignonette, nasturtium, cyclomen . Modern variety series (minitunia, fortunia, surfinia, etc.) also endure the lack of light on the northern balconies, although they bloom a little less abundantly than in the southern areas.

In our city apartments, it is the balcony that often becomes that oasis where constant summer reigns - plants turn green, flowers bloom. Let's figure out how to choose the right flowers for a balcony or loggia. What care do they need? How to protect them from diseases and pests?

In the southern regions of Russia, a constant assortment of perennials can be maintained on the balconies, and in the middle and northern regions it is better to prefer annuals. However, a glazed and heated balcony will significantly increase your options for choosing plants.

Flowers on a sunny balcony

If the balcony faces the south, sunny side, the vast majority of balcony plants will bloom well and for a long time, with the exception of fuchsia and begonia: excessive sun suppresses them, they wither and sometimes do not bloom at all.

They show a special "greed" for the sun and heat purslane, kobeya, ipomoea, doroteanthus and dimorfoteka.

On cloudy days, large-flowered purslane will not open its flowers, and in cool summers, even on the southern balcony, it blooms poorly.

Daisies, asters, mignonette, dahlias, godetia, gazania, heliotrope, ageratum, balsam, lobelia, verbena, viola, sweet pea, morning glory, ampelous pelargonium, petunia, nasturtium- a great set for a sunny balcony.

They do great in tubs or large pots. African agapanthus and Indian eland.

Place in one container large-flowered tobacco, zinnia elegant and Drummond's phlox, and you will get a lovely mini flower garden.

In order for the balcony to please flowering as early as possible, it should be planted in early May daisies, violas and evergreen begonias.

And to continue flowering until the end of October, use asters, kobeyu, petunia, gazania, lantana, tuberous begonia and stonecrop.

Flowers on a shaded balcony

Will bloom well in partial shade. begonias, lobelia, fuchsia, mignonette, viola.

Reconcile with the lack of light marigolds, pelargoniums, nasturtiums and petunias. Quite comfortable in partial shade calceolaria and ageratum.

If the balcony is heavily shaded, limit tuberous begonia, daisies, violas, and nasturtium is able to decorate the balcony until frost, if not with abundant flowering, then with beautiful rounded leaves.

On the high floors, where it is windy and drafts are constant, it is better to use daisies, low-growing marigolds, ageratum, gazania, stonecrop and ever-flowering begonia.

Suitable for vertical gardening inside balconies and loggias ampelous varieties of lobelia, petunia, winged thunbergia, fuchsia, pelargonium and tuberous begonia.

Interesting balcony flowers and their care

And in conclusion, a few words about plants, sometimes undeservedly unclaimed in balcony floriculture.

Tuberous begonia is the queen of balconies.

The color range is from pure white to pink, yellow, salmon, bright red and crimson. The flowers are simple, semi-double and double on the same plant.

Suitable varieties with a height of 15 to 30 cm. Flowering from late May to October frosts. For the winter, the tubers are cleaned in a cool room and stored until March in sand or peat chips at plus 8-12 ° C.

Kobe climbing

Kobeya climbing is distinguished by large bell-shaped flowers of an exotic shape on long pedicels, painted first in green, and later in bluish-violet. There is a variety with white flowers.

Thanks to its tenacious and strong tendrils on paired pinnate leaves, this fast-growing letnily rises several meters even along plastered walls, although it is more reliable to strengthen it on a rare wire mesh or a support on a balcony box.

Blooms from June to October. She is afraid of the cold, so she is planted after graduation spring frosts. Kobeya quickly landscaping large areas, although from a distance it looks much more modest than calceolaria or salvia. Propagated by seeds, which are sown in March.

Seedlings are planted at a distance of 30-50 cm from each other.

Verbena

A low growing plant with small, very beautiful flowers primrose-like. The flowers are fragrant, with white eyes inside. When the plant reaches a height of 12 cm, you need to pinch the top.

Coleus

Coleus attracts with luxurious "mosaic" leaves and is easily propagated by cuttings.

Small-leaved balcony forms form a dense shrub 20-40 cm high. The brightness of the leaves of the coleus and its showiness in the near or far plans overshadows the brightly colored balcony flowers. Plants are planted in May at a distance of 20-30 cm. In August, coleuses are cut and left to winter in a bright room. Seed propagation is possible in February.

Calceolaria

Calceolaria blooms profusely and relentlessly yellow flowers resembling bright balls. Plant height 30 cm.

It is enough to buy one plant in order to further provide a spectacular contrasting bright yellow tone for red pelargonium, salvia, petunia, blue and purple violas, blue ageratum and blue-violet heliotrope.

It reproduces well in mid-summer by cuttings in a cool, bright room. They winter, like pelargoniums, in a room or a non-freezing room, and in mid-May they are planted on a balcony.

Erika

Erika (Erika carnea), sometimes incorrectly called "heather", reaching 15-30 cm in height, has needle-shaped leaves and is recommended for southern regions and insulated balconies and loggias.

Various varieties bloom from January to March with white, pink and red flowers, abundantly covering the tops of the shoots. For autumn flowering, Erika gracilis is recommended, blooming from September to November.

Early-flowering erica is grown on calcareous soil, and late-flowering - on a slightly acidic substrate, preferably on a mixture of marsh soil with peat.

Erics winter in middle lane in the basement, in non-freezing loggias and even in open ground under spruce branches and snow; in the southern regions - in open ground.

Gatzania

Gatsania is notable for its radiant, shiny, orange-red (to bronze) flowers with a diameter of 7-8 cm with dark spot at the base of the petals and a white eye.

Flowering from June to October. Unpretentious, resistant to winds. Height 20-40 cm. Seeds are sown in a room in March, seedlings are planted on a balcony in May. Foreground decoration.

Petunia

An annual plant up to 25 cm high, characterized by a compact bush shape and very abundant flowering. Thanks to the peculiar bright colors can be a decoration of any garden. Perfect for growing in balcony boxes. In March, petunia seeds are sown in cups or pots, they are not covered with earth, but only pressed down, then covered with glass or paper. Germination time 1-2 weeks at 18-20°C. They dive into loose, not very nutritious soil, keep at 10-14 ° C. They are hardened and in mid-May they are planted at a distance of 25x25 cm in balcony boxes. Blooms until November.

Geranium.

From mid-February - early March, geranium seeds are sown at 20 ° C. Maintain optimal hydration. Cups and boxes with seeds are best covered with foil or glass. Germination time - 6-8 days. After the first leaves appear, the seedlings dive into pots 8-10 cm high. They are planted in pots or boxes with nutrient soil in late May - early June. For a box 1 m long, 5 plants are enough. It has been noticed that plants growing next to geraniums are not damaged by spider mites.

Alyssum

An annual plant 20 cm high. Forms a white cloud of small flowers. Blooms throughout the summer. The aroma is reminiscent of honey. In March, the seeds are sown in a box, lightly sprinkled with earth. At a temperature of 16-20°C, they germinate in 8-12 days. Planted in a box on the balcony in May, 3-5 plants together at a distance of 10-15 cm. When flowering decreases, the plants are cut to half. Soon they will grow back and continue to bloom.

Godetia

Annual plant. This beautiful flower attractive to flower beds. Its large silky inflorescences of different colors (white, pink, red) are the decoration of any balcony. If you cut off faded inflorescences in time, the plants will bloom again. Sow in March-April in pots, transplanted in mid-May. The plant prefers sunny or semi-shaded places and loves fertile soil. Requires moisture. Cold resistant. Blooms early and until frost.

Plant compositions for balconies

When placing flowers in balcony boxes, the main thing is not to get carried away with a variety of colors: no more than two colors that harmonize well. Monochromatic red pelargoniums, fuchsias or salvias, pink petunias, white daisies, yellow or lilac violas are beautiful and concise.

Two-tone combinations of red salvias (petunias, zonal pelargoniums) from the side of the apartment and blue, white, purple petunias paired with yellow marigolds, mignonette, blue ampelous lobelia from the side of the street are successful.

Instead of ampelous plants in the outer row, you can place low-growing red-white fuchsias, ever-flowering pink begonias, blue petunias or ageratums, and with inside- respectively red tuberous begonias and yellow calceolaria. These options are suitable for semi-shady and shady balconies.

To create a bright flower spot that attracts attention from the street, red and white pelargoniums, red salvias, yellow marigolds, calceolaria, nasturtiums are good.

Ageratum, mignonette, kobeya, beans, lobelia, daisies, stonecrops and balsams are expressive near.

Some plants are good only in the same type of planting: purslane, gazania, godetia, celosia, erica, dimorphoteca, doronicum, nemesia, aster, dahlias, coleus, chrysanthemums and lantana.

Microclimate and seasons on the balcony

On insulated, non-freezing balconies or loggias, you can carry out a successful early spring forcing of bulbous - crocuses, tulips and daffodils.

In autumn, a number of ornamental plants from the garden will migrate to the balconies and will delight in flowering all autumn (asters and chrysanthemums).

In summer, the balcony will be decorated and houseplants who benefit from being on fresh air: azalea, cyclamen, bromeliad, hydrangea, ficus, clivia, oleander, hippeastrum, agave, aloe, crassula, pomegranate, monstera, aspidistra, aucuba and cacti.

But indoor plants native to the humid tropics and subtropics do not tolerate open ground conditions (saintpaulias, or uzambar violets, peperomia, anthurium, royal begonia, philodendron, sansevieria and dieffenbachia), only a glazed "dacha" and high humidity air.

Soil for balcony plants

For most annuals, humus-rich compost soil with the addition of peat chips (10-20%) and lime material (ground egg shells) is suitable. Especially sensitive to a neutral or slightly alkaline soil reaction are annuals such as sweet peas, asters, and chrysanthemums.

Melissa, catnip, bluebells prefer slightly alkaline soils (pH up to 7.0-7.5); azaleas, heathers, hydrangeas - acidic soils(pH 4.5-5), they are fertilized with superphosphate or potassium sulfate.

In general, the soil must have moisture permeability, for which river sand is added; be sufficiently moisture-intensive, which is achieved by adding peat chips, and always fresh and free from pathogens, in addition, the soil for balcony flowers must be changed annually.

It is important to remember that balcony flowers are not suitable earth mixtures for indoor flowers containing too few nutrients. A three-meter balcony needs about 30 kg of soil mixture.

For flyers, you can use peat chips from briquettes, enriched nutrients: it will provide easier care, retain moisture for a long time, weigh less and be free from pathogens. For perennials grown in tubs, pots, humus cloddy soil with turf and clay additives is preferable.

Unlike flyers that require replacement old soil on fresh annually, perennials are transplanted into new soil after 2-4 years, with the exception of agapanthus: they prefer to stay in settled old pots for as long as possible, content with adding fresh soil.

Top dressing of balcony plants

Taking into account limited area nutrition and rapid depletion of the soil substrate, balcony flowers need more frequent feeding compared to garden flowers. Perfectly suited for these purposes are complex mineral fertilizers with trace elements (manganese, boron, molybdenum).

Top dressing is carried out every 7-10 days, alternating with watering, using weak solutions (2-3 g per 1 liter of water). The first feeding is carried out 4-6 weeks after planting and rooting seedlings. Top dressing continues until the end of August.

Minimal top dressing (every 2-3 weeks) is given to nasturtiums, gatzanias, purslane, stonecrops, godetia and doroteanthus: on highly fertilized soil they form a lot of leaves to the detriment of flowering, or even do not bloom at all, the purchased soil for them is diluted by 30% river sand.

How to plant balcony flowers

It is important not to thicken the flowers when placed in boxes: optimal distance between seedlings of dahlias, chrysanthemums, salvia, gazania, petunias, pelargoniums, asters, lantana, tuberous begonias, fuchsia and celosia - 20-30 cm; for verbena, heliotrope, balsam, godetia, Drummond's phlox, viols, zinnias, daisies, mignonette, marigolds and ever flowering begonias - 12-15 cm; for fiery red beans and sweet peas - 10 cm.

It is important to remove flowers immediately after flowering, preventing the formation of ovaries if it is not necessary to collect seeds. When the flowering of ageratum, lobelia and nemesia is weakened, it is important to cut upper part plants, leaving only stems 3-5 cm high: soon they form young shoots and flower buds.

Diseases and pests of balcony plants and how to deal with them

Given the right place and proper care, balcony plants are rarely affected by diseases.

Reddish at the edges or yellow color of the leaves occurs with severe waterlogging (lack of drainage) or overdrying of the soil.

Poor flowering may indicate an excess of nitrogen in the soil, and in combination with oppressed growth and yellowing of the leaves, a lack of nutrients.

Plants can be damaged by pests.

Ugly, curved tops of the shoots and leaves covered with sticky juice indicate an aphid invasion that occurs in dry, warm summers. Do not rush to the store for pesticides, but do not put off pest control either: they multiply at an unprecedented rate and can quickly eat up your entire flower garden. Spray the affected plants with an infusion of garlic, nettle, at worst - soap or washing powder.

Sometimes the leaves are eaten by caterpillars - remove them and destroy them. A mini-garden of spicy herbs, planting marigolds will help scare away pests. Finally, tiny ladybug will complete the job.

In dry, warm summers, sometimes the leaves and stems are covered with a white powdery coating - a real powdery mildew. Spray the plants with a strong solution of potassium permanganate (15 g per bucket of water) or fermented infusion of fresh minced garlic (40 g per bucket).

The most effective means of protection, contrary to popular belief, are not strong poisons that destroy pests and pathogens, but simple and generally accessible preventive measures that stimulate the plant to effectively defend itself.

Do not overmoisten the soil and do not thicken the plantings - your asters, marigolds, lobelia will not get sick with black leg and fusarium. Do not use acidic soils - get rid of rot. Annually change the earth in boxes to fresh - there will be no soil fatigue and pathogens.

A small green oasis where it is pleasant to relax, communicate with nature, absorb positive emotions, get a charge of vivacity, feel the summer in all its glory - all this is on the usual balcony of a city apartment. When planning what flowers to plant on the balcony, and making the dream come true, you can surprisingly transform the facade of the building, give others and yourself a piece of good mood. Big choice beautifully flowering potted plants allows you to create green miniatures for every taste. So not only summer residents and owners of private houses, but absolutely everyone can join such a useful and enjoyable activity as growing ornamental plants. Bush, ampel and climbing species are suitable for these purposes.

In order for the plants to feel comfortable, develop well, bloom profusely, it is necessary to choose the right varieties and varieties. It is especially important to consider in this case the side of the world, which the balcony overlooks. After all, illumination is one of the most important factors in the life of a green organism. Another important condition is the protection of the composition from through winds and other negative environmental influences. It is best not to use whimsical crops for landscaping balconies, you will have to spend a lot of effort to ensure that the composition has a presentable appearance.

Rules for growing flowers on the balcony

When creating a green balcony and wanting to get the maximum of positive emotions during the life of plants, it is necessary to follow certain rules when laying.

The right choice of plants in terms of lighting.

It should be recalled that not all plants can be planted in a sunny place - sunburn can easily occur on them. At the same time, in the shade, the flowers can stretch and be weakened. Sometimes it is better to make a composition of plants in one pot so that they support each other, shade. Can be used for shading climbing plants.

The size and material of the pot.

Some types of plants feel great in a limited earthen coma, but under the scorching rays in summer a small amount of land will quickly dry out, providing the owner of a green island with some inconvenience with frequent watering. The material from which the pot is made should not warm up easily, otherwise, if the outer surface of the clod dries quickly, the peripheral roots will die off, namely, they intensively nourish the plant. Wood remains the leader among such material. Drainage holes boxes are required.

Soil for planting.

When using ordinary garden soil from the garden, there is a huge risk of introducing various eggs and larvae of pests with it, which have nothing to eat in a limited space, except for the roots and leaves of a wonderful oasis. Mechanical composition such soil usually turns it into a "piece of granite" after a few waterings. Water further ceases to saturate the lump, passing in transit in the space between the pot and the soil. It is most expedient to use specialized universal soils for planting potted plants in the spring. As an additional measure, moisture-retaining granules can be laid in the soil layer.

Regular watering of plants.

It is difficult for many to decide how often to water plants in pots; because of this, overflows or drying are not uncommon. All owners of green balconies should make it a rule to monitor soil moisture daily with a finger. If the soil on the sunny side of the pot is still damp, then you can not water it. Drip watering plants is much better. There are specialized micro-drop plants for potted flowers. The most simplified version is made from the top plastic bottles, in which many holes are pierced with an awl and buried in a layer of soil. It remains only at the next scheduled watering of plants not to forget to replenish bottled water.

Top dressing.

All potted flowers, especially in summer during flowering, require enhanced feeding. Foliar fertilizers are convenient for these purposes. They just regularly spray the green mass.

Protection.

Usually potted crops suffer more from pests and root rot. From the first, insecticidal sticks and leaf spray solutions help. Rot can be prevented with proper watering and good drainage. But if this happens, the plants are shed with fungicide solutions.

Supports for climbing plants are best placed immediately, without waiting for intensive vegetation.

southern sun lovers

In fact, there are not many plants that can withstand the withering rays of the sun on the south side. But still they are, and we will list the most suitable ones.

Pelargonium. It is also called geranium or kalachik. amazing plant with many hybrid forms, with a wide colors. There are ampelous ivy-leaved species. Geranium is good because bright sun only promotes enhanced growth and flowering. Zonal, ampelous species easily withstand short drying.
blooming purslane. There are ordinary and terry types. Purslane is able to create a wonderful mood with the diversity of its bright colors. It, according to the principle of succulents, accumulates moisture in the leaves and can do without water for a long time. Purslane belongs to those plants that reproduce by self-sowing, so that it appears on next year, the earth in pots after the end of the growing season is not loosened.
Ipomoea. These wonderful climbing flowers create openwork screens, shade and a secluded atmosphere with ease.
Petunia. Truly royal flower. He loves the sun, summer, but also water. Therefore, when planting such beauties on the balcony, you need to be prepared for regular watering, which must be done twice on hot days. Petunia is also demanding for top dressing. In their absence, the leaves may fade over time, and the plant will quickly depart.

In order for the petunia to bloom profusely, it is necessary to remove faded flowers every day along with the seed box.

The sunny balcony will also withstand: sweet peas, kobeya, aster, zinnia, eland, gazania, godetia, fragrant tobacco, phloxes, dahlias, stonecrops, succulents.

East or West

These are the most benign living conditions when the sun appears, but does not dry out. Many types of indoor and garden plants can be grown on the balconies of this arrangement. These include: matthiola, pelargonium, calibrachoa, petunia, sweet pea, nasturtium, calendula, marigold, viola, daisies, dolichos, verbena, lobelia, left hand, dahlias, asters, heather.

Shady North Side

It is because of the constant shade that it is very difficult to grow plants, especially flowering ones, on the north balcony.

Host. An irreplaceable plant for creating a green massif. It will give the balcony a certain exoticism. Almost all hostas feel great in the shade and at the same time bloom profusely.
Fern. For lovers of forest landscapes, this is what you need. The fern in spring, summer and autumn looks spectacular due to the openwork foliage. You can create from it the lower tier on the balcony.
Fuchsia. It blooms amazingly beautifully, but requires a lot of moisture. Ampelous species of this flower are widespread.
Begonia tuberous and ever flowering. grateful plants good watering, frequent top dressing. It is advisable not to spill water on the leaves and make sure that there are no overflows. With poor drainage, the tubers rot easily.
Calceolaria. beautiful plant, for which the northern shady side is ideal.

Well, the green balcony is ready, it's a whole world in miniature that requires love and attention. He will bring joy and good mood. Give him your care.

What flowers can be planted on the balcony so that you can admire its view in spring, summer and autumn? A similar question is asked by everyone who wants to turn a plot of their home into a small but very beautiful garden. The article will discuss which plants are suitable for growing on the north side of the building, and which ones on the south. Photos with the corresponding titles are attached.

Where to begin

To get the desired result, it is necessary to take into account:

On which side of the building is the balcony located - on the south, that is, sunny or on the north, that is, shaded.
What area does the balcony occupy - is it small or large.
Glazed balcony or not.

Attention! In the case of an open balcony, it is imperative to take into account the strength of the wind. Not all plants endure strong gusts.

If we talk about the general principles of landscaping, then there are two of them:

horizontal;
vertical.

Flowers on the balcony

The first involves decorating the balcony with long horizontal lines, consisting of containers with flowers. The structure is located both on the outside and on the inside of the balcony. Containers can be installed directly on the floor, or can be attached to the walls one above the other. At vertical gardening flowerpots are installed on the floor of the balcony. Supports are attached to them, along which the stems of plants will rise.

Advice. As vertical gardeners, it is better to use annual vines. They grow quickly and can be easily guided.

Before planting plants, appropriate preparation of containers is required:

Flower containers are securely attached to the balcony railing or placed on the floor.
To prevent water from running off the balcony during irrigation, pallets are installed under each container.
The bottom of the containers is covered with drainage material.
Pour nutrient soil into containers.

Only after completing the above work, you can proceed to the selection and planting of flowers.

What plants are suitable for landscaping a balcony if the side is sunny

For balconies that are heavily illuminated by the sun, that is, located on the south side of the building, flowers that can tolerate heat and direct sunlight are suitable.

Examples of some of them:

Purslane - the plant blooms well only in strong sunlight. Its fleshy leaves accumulate moisture in reserve, so the flower does not need frequent watering.

Purslane

Calendula - also refers to lovers of the sun. There are many varieties and hybrids of various shades of red and yellow with single and double flower forms. You can always pick suitable option this plant.
Geranium is a common indoor pet feels great on sunny balconies. Here you can plant almost all its varieties.

Petunia - a huge variety of species allows you to create beautiful compositions. For good growth and flowering, it is advisable to water twice a day.
Verbena - the flower is not afraid of frost, so it can be planted in the open air in early May. For balcony gardening, it is recommended to use Canadian and hybrid verbena. The shoots of these varieties reach 30 cm and hang from the pot in a beautiful cascade.
Alyssum honey - the aroma of small, very delicate flowers reminiscent of the smell of honey. Growing strongly in a pot, the plant is able to form bushes in the shape of a ball. When flowering fades, the stems are cut in half. After a while, the regrown shoots are again densely covered with flowers.

Alyssum honey

Lobelia - although this delicate flower loves light, it is better to place it in the depths of the balcony. Ampel varieties of hanging lobelia are most suitable. It blooms very profusely all summer.

Advice. On balconies on the sunny side, it is better to pick up containers with light walls. This will prevent overheating of the soil.

What plants will be good on the balconies on the north side

On the north side of the buildings there is a lack of lighting, which some plants do not tolerate. Here, for landscaping balconies, flowers should be selected with great care. The following plants tolerate shading normally:

Fuchsia - hope for her abundant flowering on the northern balconies is not worth it. However, the plant intensively increases its green mass and forms lush bush. The main thing is to organize regular watering, preventing the soil from drying out.

Mimulus - thanks to the petals stretched forward, the people call him "lip". The plant feels great in the shade and has a fast growing season - about two months pass from the moment of sowing to flowering.
Calceolaria - very interesting shade plant with yellow to brown flecked flowers. The leaves do not tolerate water, so the plant is best grown on glazed balconies and water very carefully.
Waller's balsam is a plant with thick, fleshy stems and flowers of various colors. At the slightest frost, it dies, so on open balconies he is planted as late as possible.

Balsam Waller

Marigolds - these flowers amaze with variety. There are high, medium and low varieties. The former are best placed on the floor of the balcony, and the latter on the sides of its fences. Plants bloom from summer to late autumn.
Periwinkle is an evergreen perennial. Its creeping stems are covered with delicate blue flowers in May. dark green glossy leaves can decorate the balcony all year round.
Fragrant tobacco - the plant is a close relative of the petunia, but it tolerates shading absolutely normally.

Fragrant tobacco

The same flowers can be used for landscaping balconies, which are located on west side at home.

How to arrange a balcony with flowers

By following simple rules, you can achieve a harmonious combination of various plants.