Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:27 pm
Once you think about planting a hedge is a large garden is a more logical thought than a balcony. But there are many hedge plants that are suitable for the balcony. What are they and what should you look for when choosing balcony plants?
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Hedges on the balcony
The ‘planting’ of a hedge on a balcony is logically somewhat different than a hedge in a garden. In a garden, it is common to dig a small hole in which to place the plants. Plants with bare roots or with a root ball can often be placed directly in the ground. A plastic pot or container of a pot-grown hedge plant or a prefabricated hedge must be removed before planting. After that, the hole should be refilled and watered generously. All plants in our catalog are suitable for planting in a garden, provided that the conditions are suitable for the plant.
Well, on a balcony, of course, there is no soil in which to dig a hole which makes the actual ‘balcony planting’ of the hedge impossible. The hedge plants will have to grow in pots or window boxes. Pot-grown hedge plants are the most practical for this, as they already come with a pot and everything. In the case of a hedge plant with bare roots or a root ball, as well as a prefabricated hedge, it is convenient if a flower box is already available when the new plants are delivered. Many customers also choose to repot a plant grown in a pot so that the pot better suits their style.
A balcony presents another challenge in addition to the lack of fertile soil: Space. A cherry laurel hedge or a mature rhododendron would require a large roof deck. However, most balconies are better off with smaller, compact-growing plants. The good news is that there are plenty of options in our web store. In addition to the size of the plant, consider the size of the root system. Some plants, such as blackthorn, for example, and various types of bamboo have a tendency to sprawl, for which, of course, there is no room in a pot.
What hedge plants fit in a flower pot?
Of course, what hedge plants are suitable for balconies depends largely on what kind of balcony you have. Flower pots on a rooftop terrace will be larger than those on a balcony in a rental apartment. Also, sometimes the height of the plants is limited by a balcony directly above you. For a small balcony, plants such as boxwood, Japanese holly and ornamental deutzia are best. These plants don’t grow as fast or get as tall. They can be kept in good shape with one pruning per year.
Ornamental deutzia is a flowering, deciduous plant. Put it on the balcony and you have a mini garden that really changes with the seasons. For more inspiration, feel free to check out our mixed hedges. In addition to the Ornamental Deutzia, these include varieties such as the Finger Shrub, the Summer Lime, and the Amethyst Berry. All of these plants stay low, making them ideal for a small balcony. The boxwood and Japanese holly are better suited if you are not looking for a deciduous plant, but a year-round green look to your balcony.
The boxwood and Japanese holly have another advantage for creative amateur gardeners: they are both great for topiary. Because of the small leaves and dense growth habit of these two types of plants, it’s easy to cut them into a geometric or more creative shape. Want a beautiful, straight-cut boxwood right now? Then please take a look at our boxwood cuboids. These are supplied as ready-made hedges 30-50 cm wide and long and 30-70 cm high. A carefully pruned boxwood gives a very neat appearance, while informally growing plant looks more rural.
Larger plants on the balcony
If you are looking for larger plants for your balcony it is advisable to look for plants that grow more in height than in width. Are you enthusiastic, for example, about the cherry laurel? Then a cherry laurel ‘Herbergii’ or a cherry laurel ‘Elly’ is more suitable than a cherry laurel ‘Rotundifolia’ or a cherry laurel ‘Novita’. Many larger hedge plants can be easily kept small with regular pruning, or there are varieties suitable for smaller gardens and window boxes. Conifers that are regularly pruned back can also do well in a window box for the balcony.
With proper care, most plants can be made suitable for balconies. So don’t be afraid to try something creative. For example, a narrow, long flower box placed against the balcony fence can be a wonderful place to plant ivy that will beautify the fence with greenery. Custom flower boxes also make it easier to optimize the soil composition for the plants you choose. Did you know that some hydrangea species develop blue or pink flowers depending on the pH of the soil?
In short, it’s not that complicated to find plants that can grow on a balcony. As long as you have a planter or window box that the plant’s roots can fit into and continue to grow, most plants will thrive on a balcony. With a few hedge plants, your balcony or rooftop patio will be much livelier in no time!