Hi Sibe,

Can you give me some pointers on adding some colour to the balcony of my flat using plants?

Thanks.

Our gardens expert replies:

Hi,

What you need for your balcony is one or more suitable (lightweight!) containers. These should be at least 8in deep, but check if any weight restrictions apply on the balcony first.

Make sure the containers have adequate drainage holes. You can ensure these will not become blocked by adding broken plant pots ('crocks' or broken dishes) over the holes. The compost preferably should be a John Innes soil-based type rather than using a soil-less compost, unless weight really is a problem.

As for providing colour, a lot depends on the height of the balcony - and so how much exposure to wind it gets, as well as which way it faces and so the amount of shade and light it gets. In all positions, however, spring bulbs and summer bedding plants will usually be okay. If the position is particularly shady then violas and pansies should do well and also impatiens throughout the summer. These will, of course, also do well in a sunny position, though you may need to water them more often.

As for the late summer period, certainly fuchsias should provide a lot of colour and these can be overwintered indoors if necessary and will provide a long flowering period well into the autumn months.

A good plant to provide bright yellow flowers during warm periods in winter and early spring is Jasminum nudiflorum. This can be planted towards the back of the container and will grown up and alongside railings or a wall providing a pleasant green backdrop during the summer for your other flowering plants, as well as a winter display of flower.

Happy gardening!
Sibe

For practical tips on container gardening, see Container Planting, Window Boxes and Hanging Baskets. For more plant information, see Fuchsia (Fuchsia) and Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale).

Meet UKTV Style's Gardening Expert, 'Sibe'.