The characteristics of a north-facing balcony
You have the chance to enjoy a balcony and even if it is exposed to the north, you can create your small space of greenery, as long as you take its characteristics into account.
- A north-facing balcony receives very little sunlight, if at all. You will therefore have to choose plants that will support a shade exposure.
- During the summer, your balcony will be a real oasis of freshness. When the temperatures are difficult to bear, your balcony will be a real asset.
- Over the seasons, a north-facing balcony will be colder, so it will be necessary to choose plants that rusticity will be sufficient.
Arrange a balcony with a northern exposure
For green your balcony, the first step is to arrange it in such a way as to optimize this space and facilitate the development of plants.
- When fitting out your balcony, to bring it more light, favor light tones. This way the light will tend to reflect, making the space brighter. If you can, cover the floor or wall. They can be painted or you can use a floor covering like tiles, for example.
- A balcony to the north east subject to humidity and all the more so when it is not protected from the rain. You must therefore turn to pots and cushions of quality or in suitable materials.
- The moss and mold frequently invite themselves on a balcony facing north. It is therefore necessary to prepare yourself for them and, possibly, to do a treatment beforehand to avoid their proliferation.
- The choice of your pots is also important, because remember that the balcony is an extension of your interior. It is possible to choose white pots or in light tones. They will give your balcony an impression of greater brightness.
- Think of you provide mulching. It will allow you to protect your plants from the cold and, during hot weather, to retain humidity for longer by preventing water from evaporating.
Once your balcony is ready to accommodate plants, choose them based on this northern exposure. You can opt for flowering plants, but also shrubs which will also be the most beautiful effect on your balcony. After purchasing them, it is often necessary to repot in a larger pot with more potting soil.
Plants for a balcony with a full north exposure
Discover a selection of plants suitable for northern exposure.
Perennials and flowering plants
For a balcony facing north, you can easily find plants whose color brings a touch of brightness and originality.
- The Heather : it is a plant that offers winter flowering. It grows in the undergrowth and will therefore be suitable for northern exposure.
- Fuchsia : it fears the sun, it will therefore be perfectly suited to a balcony facing north.
- Cyclamen : it is a plant that goes dormant in spring. You will then have to install it in a cool and dark place while waiting for the return of freshness. It blooms again in the fall.
- Campanulas : throughout the spring, they will decorate your planters thanks to their flowering in the shape of bells.
- Columbine : it is characterized by flowers in the shape of pompoms going from blue to red.
- The hosta : it is a plant of great hardiness. It is characterized by graphic and variegated foliage.
- German fern : it is a plant easy to cultivate and with rapid development. It can reach 1.30 m. It is very rustic.
Climbing plants
Climbing plants will dress your balcony with charm. They can decorate your walls, but also hide the guardrails.
- Ivy : here is a plant of easy culture, which, in its natural state, grows in the shade of trees and will therefore be ideal for a northern exposure. However, it is important to know that ivy has spikes that can damage the walls.
- Clematis : it is a climbing plant which develops very well in the shade.
- Climbing hydrangea : it will require a large tank to be able to develop fully.
The bushes
You will find shrubs to install in a balcony to the north. In addition to enduring shady exposure, it is necessary to choose shrubs that will endure being installed in a pot.
- Mahonia : this evergreen shrub grows best in deep shade. Its pale yellow flowers have a mimosa scent and bloom from September to November. Besides being easy to grow, this plant is very hardy.
- Camellia : it fears the sun, so in full north, it will allow you to enjoy a beautiful pink bloom. The Waterfall Pink variety is ideal for a shaded balcony.
- Leucothoe : also called “pearl flower”, it is a shrub which will bring color to your balcony since it turns purple in autumn. Its port is compact.
- Acer palmatum : it is a Japanese maple with leaves characterized by deep cuts of great finesse. This shrub remains quite low, which makes it suitable for planting in a container.
- Skimmia japonica : it can reach a height of 80 cm. Its foliage is persistent and its flowering is precocious. If it withstands difficult conditions, it should still be protected from cold drafts.
- Sarcococca : this shrub gives off a pleasant scent during its winter flowering. It has white and pink flowers and evergreen foliage. It is not very demanding and very hardy.
- Daphne cneorum : this hardy shrub will need a pot allowing it to benefit from an excellent drainage. It features carmine pink flowers that give off a powerful fragrance.