There’s nothing quite like a beautiful trailing plant to dress up your home’s exterior and turn a plain balcony into a cozy outdoor oasis. If you’re looking to add some vertical charm to your space, these tried-and-true varieties are perfect for your next planting project.
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++Trailing Begonias (Begonia-Tuberhybrida-Pendula)
Begonias are a staple on balconies everywhere for a good reason. They are incredibly versatile and thrive in partial shade or even full shade, making them a go-to choice if your balcony doesn’t get a ton of direct sun. There are many varieties out there, but hybrid types like the “Garland Begonia” are specifically bred to trail beautifully. These colorful annuals are easy to find at any local garden center and add an instant pop of color.
++Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula)
The Blue Fan Flower is a fantastic “filler” plant that plays well with others. It has a creeping growth habit, slowly spreading across its container before spilling over the edges. While it might seem like a slow grower at first, it really puts on a show once it starts blooming. The low-profile green foliage provides a lovely, grounded contrast to flashier flowers, which is why so many gardeners love including it in their balcony arrangements.
++Trailing Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum)
You can’t talk about balcony plants without mentioning the classic Geranium. Trailing varieties (often called Ivy Geraniums) are particularly stunning; they drape over railings and balustrades, with some types reaching lengths of nearly 30 inches! They are famous for their lush, full blooms and come in a huge palette of colors. Geraniums are sun-worshippers, so if you have a south-facing balcony or a sunny window box, these are an excellent pick.
++Surfinia Trailing Petunias (Petunia atkinsiana)
Petunias are another fan favorite, but they can be a little picky about the weather—specifically, they aren’t big fans of heavy rain. They are a perfect choice for covered balconies where they stay protected but still get plenty of bright light. With so many different colors and patterns available, you can easily find a variety that matches your personal style or complements your home’s siding.
++Strawberries (Fragaria)
Who says trailing plants can’t be delicious? If you have a sunny or partially shaded spot, strawberries make wonderful hanging plants. Their lush green leaves and delicate white blossoms look great hanging from a basket, and once those bright red berries appear, you’ve got a snack right at your fingertips. It’s a win-win for both your eyes and your taste buds!
++Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
Most people know the Black-Eyed Susan as a climber, but here’s a pro tip: if you don’t give it a trellis to climb, it will happily trail downward instead. This makes it a unique and striking choice for balcony planters. Since it’s a bit sensitive to the cold, most of us grow it as an annual, though if you have a very mild winter, it might just surprise you and come back in the spring!
++Fuchsia (Fuchsia)
Fuchsias are legendary in the world of hanging baskets. Look for hybrid varieties specifically labeled as “trailing” or “hanging” fuchsias. Gardeners love them for their intricate, bell-shaped flowers that often come in stunning two-tone color combinations. Fuchsias prefer the shade, so they are the perfect candidate for a north-facing balcony or any spot that stays out of the harsh midday sun.
++Swedish Ivy / Plectranthus (Plectranthus coleoides)
If you’re looking for something a little different, try adding some Plectranthus (often called “Swedish Ivy” or “Incense Plant” in Europe) to your balcony boxes. Its variegated, patterned foliage spills over the edges beautifully, adding a nice texture to your greenery. Just a heads-up: it has a very distinct, spicy scent. Some people find it incredibly refreshing (it’s even used in some perfumes!), but if you’re sensitive to strong fragrances, you might want to give it a sniff before you plant it.