A shady terrace or balcony is no longer an obstacle to growing plants. In such a place, the selection of the right species is crucial.
Although a shady balcony and terrace are pleasant places on a hot day, they are a huge challenge when it comes to growing plants. However, there are more than a dozen species that can be grown in such conditions.
Top 20 plants for a shady patio and balcony
1. Japanese azalea
The azalea is a low-growing shrub that is ideal for container cultivation. This plant can be formed as a small tree. It blooms for about 2-3 weeks. Hardy varieties are recommended for the terrace and balcony:
- “Melina ” – has large dark pink flowers, reaches a height of 30 cm;
- “Kermesina” – has large light pink flowers, grows to a height of 80 cm.
2. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are shrubs that tolerate shade well. For growing in containers, choose dwarf varieties such as:
- pink “Sundae Fraise”,
- “Bombshell”.
This plant requires an acidic soil with constant moisture.
3. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is usually grown in hanging containers. This plant impresses with its beautiful big flowers. Fuchsia thrives best in shade. The most important in home cultivation is:
- fertilizing with fertilizers for balcony plants,
- intensive watering during hot days,
- shortening produced shoots.
4. Tuberous Begonia
Begonia is a perennial which grows up to 30 cm high. For a shady terrace or balcony the best varieties will be:
- large-flowered tuberous begonia,
- tuberous begonias with hanging stems.
The plant grows very quickly and blooms from June to late September.
5. Heliotrope
Heliotrope is a perennial that grows up to 50 cm high. This plant is not frost resistant so it is advisable to put a container with it in the basement for winter. Heliotrope has the advantage of big beautifully fragrant flowers which bloom from July till the first frosts.
6. Funkia (hosta)
It is a shade-loving plant, which is perfect for pot cultivation. The best varieties to grow in pots are:
- fortunego funkia,
- lance-leaved funky,
- siebold’s funky,
- wavy fungus.
Funkia grown in containers requires regular fertilization and irrigation.
7. Pansies
Pansies are annual plants that come in a wide range of colors. They reach a maximum height of 10 cm.
8. Forget-me-nots
For instance, forget-me-nots are annual self-sowing flowers. After flowering they re-seed themselves in the same place.
9. Tigersweet
The tiger dropwort is an annual plant that grows up to 30 cm high. You can buy multi-varietal dropseed mixes in stores.
10. Nimpatiens valerian
Impatiens Valeriana is a potted plant that grows best in shady areas. This plant is perennial and requires overwintering at 15-18°C. It blooms from May to October. It comes in shades of colors:
- pink,
- red,
- yellow,
- white,
- orange.
11. Mistletoe atkinidia
Atkinidia pstrolifera is a climber that grows best in a shady place, sheltered from the wind. It is a perennial plant grown mainly for its tasty fruits.
12. Clematis
Clematis is a climber of buttercup family. It needs a shady position. Varieties will look best on a shady balcony or terrace:
- “Comtesse de Bouchaud”,
- “Doctor Ruppel”,
- “Hagley Hybrid.”
- “Nelly Moster”,
- “Andromeda”,
- “Girenas.”
- “Pistachio”.
Clematis, regardless of variety, blooms from June to September.
13. Clematis
Clematis is a very fast growing plant. When grown in pots on a terrace or balcony, it will protect you from the prying eyes of neighbors.
14. Common ivy
Common ivy is suitable for growing in containers. It grows best in the shade.
15. Aubert’s knotweed
Aubert’s knotweed is a fast growing climber. It blooms from June until the first frost.
16. Common yew
Yew requires a large pot, regular watering and fertilizing. This bush can be freely formed, so it will be a perfect decoration on terrace.
>> See also: Boxwood growing on the balcony and in the garden
17. Western hedgehog
The western hedgehog is a popular thuyas growing in the shade. For the balcony and terrace the best varieties will be:
- “Dragon’s Spire”,
- “Miky”,
- “Little Gem”.
18. Boxwood evergreen
This plant is suitable for growing in pots. Slow-growing varieties are best for the balcony or terrace:
- “Suffruticosa”,
- “Justin Brouwers”.
19. Garden Orchid
Garden eaglegrass is a low-maintenance perennial that blooms in May and June. It requires regular watering and fertilizing.
20. Ravens
Tavernas are perennials that do well in pot cultivation. They require regular watering and irrigation.
