A west-facing balcony enjoys sun in the afternoon, from about 2 p.m. until sunset, making it a perfect spot for plants that thrive in full sun. Here are five plants that will flourish on your west-facing balcony, offering vibrant blooms and plenty of color all summer long.

5 plants

1. Verbena

Verbena
  • Bloom Time: Early summer to late autumn
  • Description: Verbena offers a range of colors, from white and pink to bright red and purple. It blooms abundantly in sunny, sheltered locations.
  • Care: Verbena thrives in clayey, well-drained soil that remains moist but doesn’t stay waterlogged. It doesn’t tolerate siliceous or calcareous soils.
  • Benefits: Verbena is an excellent anti-stress plant, known for its sedative and relaxing properties. It helps with digestion, relieves spasms, and can be used to treat anxiety or depression in herbal tea form.

2. Dahlia

Dahlia
  • Bloom Time: Summer to autumn
  • Description: Native to Mexico, dahlias are known for their striking, vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, red, white, and pink. They provide long-lasting blooms throughout the summer and into autumn, making them ideal for sunny, west-facing spaces.
  • Care: Plant dahlias in clayey, well-manured soil in spring. They need regular watering and plenty of sun to thrive. Pots should have a diameter of at least 30 cm to accommodate their roots.
  • Benefits: Apart from their ornamental beauty, dahlias are used in traditional remedies for colic, intestinal issues, and insect bites.

3. Petunia

Petunia
  • Bloom Time: Summer
  • Description: Petunias are known for their drooping habit and vibrant flowers, ranging from purple to pink, white, and red. These plants bloom best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight.
  • Care: Ensure the petunias are shielded from wind and protected from frost. Petunias prefer well-drained, fertile soil and should be brought inside during cold weather.
  • Benefits: While primarily decorative, petunias add a cheerful touch to any space and can be a fantastic filler plant for hanging baskets or pots.

4. Viburnum (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum
  • Bloom Time: Spring to autumn
  • Description: Viburnum, also known as the “Snowball bush,” is an ornamental shrub that produces beautiful clusters of white or red flowers. It’s perfect for both ground planting and pots, making it a great choice for a balcony garden.
  • Care: Viburnum prefers moist, rich soil with good drainage. Regular watering is important, especially during the first year after planting. It grows well in the sunny exposure of a west-facing balcony.
  • Benefits: Viburnum has medicinal properties, particularly in gynecology. It helps relieve symptoms of heavy menstruation, morning sickness, and even menopause-related hot flashes.

5. Wisteria (Glycine)

Glycine
  • Bloom Time: May to June (with a second, smaller bloom in August)
  • Description: Wisteria is a vigorous climbing plant that produces cascading clusters of purple flowers. It’s ideal for growing on balconies with railings or arches and adds a touch of elegance to the space.
  • Care: Plant wisteria in well-drained, non-calcareous soil between October and March. It requires regular fertilization with a nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
  • Benefits: In addition to its ornamental beauty, wisteria is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is used to aid recovery and improve circulation. It also has detoxifying effects, supports liver health, and hydrates the skin.

Conclusion

Each of these plants will thrive on your west-facing balcony, benefiting from the afternoon sun and providing vibrant colors and unique characteristics. Whether you’re looking for beautiful blooms, fragrant herbs, or plants with medicinal properties, these five options will help transform your space into a lush, flourishing garden.

Flower Gardening