The characteristics of a south-facing balcony
A balcony with a south orientation is characterized by a lot of sunshine and this, as soon as the sun honors us with its presence. Therefore, you should choose plants that have the ability to withstand rather dry soil and that don’t really need shade to thrive.
However, it remains necessary to be vigilant for watering. For some plants, you can also use mulching to limit water evaporation. If this solution keeps the soil moist longer, this does not mean that regular watering is dispensed with.
In the middle of summer, it will be necessary to ensure that the sun does not “burn out” your plants.
The development of a south-facing balcony
Before even buying your plants, the first step is to start by arranging your balcony.
- It is recommended tobring shade on your south-facing balcony to protect it a little from the sun’s rays and thus avoid seeing your plants roasting under their heat in midsummer. This step is all the more important in regions where the summers are very hot, all the more so with the heat waves which are more and more numerous. You can then install a screen, a blind, a shade sail, etc. It is also possible to install taller plants with good resistance to the sun, they will protect the smaller plants. Plants over 1.20 m are more resistant to the sun.
- On a south-facing balcony, avoid the color white for the floor covering. Indeed, white will tend to reflect the sun’s rays and intensify their luminosity. For the floor covering, you can opt for wooden slabs or planks, for example.
- Conversely, black attracts heat, so it is a good idea to avoid dark colored pots, as they tend to promote heating of plant roots.
- If you have the possibility, you can find in the trade watering kits for balconies. They will prevent you from forgetting to bring enough water to your plants. It is a completely affordable and easy to install solution.
- When choosing your pots, choose deep terracotta models. They have the advantage of preventing the soil from drying out too quickly.
- Finally, when choosing your plants, bet on diversity and don’t just take flowers. And for good reason, they will have very little interest in winter. You can therefore also select evergreen shrubs which will be more attractive throughout the year, provided you choose varieties resistant to high temperatures.
Plants for a balcony with southern exposure
We invite you to discover a non-exhaustive list of plants suitable for a south-facing location.
Perennials and flowering plants
- The anthemis, which are sometimes confused with daisies, will be the most beautiful effect at the time of their flowering.
- The agatheas are blue daisies that love the sun and heat.
- The aerial gaura is an easy to grow plant that will flower for weeks on end.
- Themugwort is a herbaceous plant that is characterized by medicinal properties and graphic foliage.
- You can turn to so-called “fatty” plants, for example, sedum.
- The aromatics will find their place on your balcony so you can also season your dishes with fresh herbs.
- You can also opt for annual plants. But avoid mixing the colors too much in this small space, at the risk of giving it a motley look, but it remains a matter of taste.
It is also possible to cultivate some vegetable plants or fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, peppers, etc.
Climbing plants
On your sunny terrace, you can also install climbers. They allow you to vegetate the space on different levels for the most successful results.
You will then have the choice between:
- The bignone and its warm colors: it requires a maximum of sun to offer you the most spectacular vegetation.
- The star jasmine and its evergreen foliage which is marked red in winter. It will also be the most beautiful effect throughout the year.
- The clematis : for this one, you must ensure to install its foot in the shade.
- The passionflower : with its oversized flowers, it will bring a touch of originality to your balcony.
Trees and shrubs
If your balcony allows it, trees and shrubs will decorate it by adding volume. The advantage of choosing them persistent is that they will bring a touch of green throughout the year. They can also play a screening role.
- The ceanothe : it will delight you with its delicate fragrance at the time of its flowering. Also called California lilac, this evergreen plant sports beautiful blue flowers in the spring and then throughout the summer.
- TheMexican orange: you will not be able to remain insensitive to its fragrant bloom.
- Thealthea
- The buddleia : also called butterfly tree, because its flowers give off a scent that attracts these insects.
- The caryopteris : it is one of the rare shrubs to offer flowering in late summer.
- The perovskia : also considered a perennial, this shrub evokes lavender plants.
- The oleander : it easily finds its place on a sunny balcony where it will delight you with its abundant flowering from spring until early autumn.
In warmer regions, it is also possible to opt for cistus or lantana which are not hardy enough to adapt to all regions.