The 7 Best Plants for Your Balcony Garden

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++Busy Lizzie (Impatiens walleriana)

Busy Lizzies are tireless bloomers, pumping out new buds from spring all the way through autumn. Whether you choose single or double blooms, they come in so many shades that they’ll easily turn your balcony into a colorful paradise. These guys thrive best in partial shade; they aren’t big fans of that intense midday sun. Pro tip: plant them fairly close together. The less room the roots have to roam, the more energy the plant puts into creating flowers!

++Twinspur (Diascia)

With its compact growth habit and lush flowers, Twinspur has become a real fan favorite for balcony gardeners. It’s incredibly hardy when it comes to the weather—neither high heat nor a rainy spell will slow this plant down. The delicate, uniquely shaped flowers come in pure white, soft pink, or apricot. They grow so densely that you can often barely see the green foliage underneath! If you trim back the spent seed heads regularly, your Twinspur will bloom happily from May through October.

++Fuchsia (Fuchsia Hybrids)

Fuchsias come in an incredible variety of shapes and sizes. What they all have in common is that iconic, bell-like shape where the petals frame a beautiful center. The color palette ranges from pink and red to deep violet. Balcony fuchsias are perfect for adding a pop of color to partial shade or even full shade. Depending on the variety, you can even find some that handle full sun. Plus, they’re super low-maintenance and rarely bothered by pests or diseases.

++Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantanas are sun-loving, non-stop bloomers. The coolest thing about these plants is how the flowers change color over time. For example, they might start out yellow, shift to orange, and then turn a vibrant red just before they fade. They also have a unique, intense fragrance that acts like a magnet for bees and butterflies. If you have a frost-free spot indoors, you can even overwinter your Lantana for next year.

++Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)

You can recognize these balcony classics by their signature trumpet-shaped flowers. Most petunias have a trailing habit, making them the perfect choice for window boxes and hanging baskets. They love a full-sun spot and handle summer heat like champs. Just a heads-up: the large-flowered varieties should be protected from heavy rain and wind, as the delicate blooms can get a bit beat up. Otherwise, these fast growers are very easy to care for—you don’t even strictly have to deadhead them!

++Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum)

Mums have been a staple on balconies for years. They love bright light, though it’s best to shield them from the scorching midday sun. If you keep them well-watered, fertilize regularly, and pinch off the old blooms, they’ll keep producing new buds right up until the first frost. Since they are perennials, you can actually overwinter your chrysanthemums in a sheltered spot on the balcony.

++Geranium (Pelargonium)

With their bold, bright colors, geraniums are the ultimate balcony classic. Whether you want upright, trailing, or “semi-trailing” types, there’s a geranium for every space. They do best in a warm, sunny spot and actually enjoy the direct midday sun. The more sun they get, the more flowers they produce! One thing to watch out for: they don’t love getting their leaves wet from above. In a rainy summer, try to keep these “ever-bloomers” under a little roof or awning to keep them happy.

%%Begonia (Begonia)

There is a begonia for almost every situation. Wax begonias can handle full sun and dry spells without breaking a sweat, while colorful tuberous begonias will bloom like crazy even in the shade. Trailing varieties look absolutely charming in boxes. Plus, their glossy foliage is a beauty in its own right and makes the flowers pop. Here’s a fun tip for balcony gardeners: many begonia varieties have edible flowers that look (and taste) great in a summer salad!