Plants for the south-facing balcony are ideal if you are looking for plants for full sun. 55 beautiful and useful plants are presented to you in this article for your south-facing balcony.

In a nutshell

  • Plants for the south-facing balcony prefer lots of sun
  • A thorough water supply is important
  • flowering ornamental plants are particularly popular
  • Herbs, vegetables and fruit are also suitable for south-facing balconies

The challenge for hobby gardeners is not only the right choice of plants, but also the choice of flower boxes & balcony boxes with/without water storage and the planting. This includes a suitable substrate and drainage. Now, without further ado, let's get to the actual topic: ours planting recommendations.

Ornamental plants from A to C

Blue fan flower (Scaevola aemula)

  • Growth height from 30 to 60 cm
  • upright perennial, overhanging
  • deep green leaves, small
  • Flowering time from mid-May to mid-October
  • blue to purple fan flowers
  • sunny location, semi-shade is tolerated
  • not hardy
  • can be cultivated as an annual or perennial (with winter quarters).

Blue daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia)

  • 20 to 30 cm high
  • Round growth, bushy, mostly cultivated as an annual
  • overhanging branches
  • pinnate, deciduous leaves
  • blooms from May to late October
  • Flowers resemble daisies and marguerites
  • white, pink, blue, lilac colored, center yellow to orange
  • sunny location, sheltered
  • not hardy
  • ideal for hanging baskets

Blue Cushion (Aubrieta)

  • maximum growth height of 5 to 15 cm
  • dense growth, forms cushions
  • lush green leaves
  • cup-shaped flowers in white, pink, red, purple, and blue (species and cultivar dependent)
  • bloom from mid-April to mid-May
  • prefers full sun, tolerates drought
  • hardy

Brazilian Jasmine (Mandevilla sanderi)

  • Twigs 30 to 200 cm long
  • compact growth, upright, overhanging or climbing (with climbing aid)
  • dark green leaves, leathery
  • blooms from May to mid-October
  • white, yellow, pink or red calyx flowers
  • suitable for hot, sunny spots
  • Caution: forms irritating milky juice

from D to G

Dahlias (Dahlia)

ball dahlias
  • 30 to 200 cm high (depending on species)
  • upright growth
  • Flowers stand out clearly from leaves
  • Flowers between 3 and 30 cm in diameter (depending on species)
  • available in numerous colors, from white to two-tone
  • Flowering time from the end of June to the end of autumn
  • full sun location
  • not hardy, parts of the plant above ground die off
  • Tuber is overwintered separately

Triplets (Bougainvillea)

  • up to 300 cm high
  • Spreader, climbing aid necessary
  • armored with thorns
  • Flowering time from April to mid-October
  • profuse flowering, white, yellow, orange, pink, pink, red or violet
  • full sun, warm
  • not hardy, winter quarters necessary

Common Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera)

  • up to 1,000 cm high
  • Height is determined by bucket and climbing aid
  • Climbing plant, has tendrils
  • Flowering period from June to the end of August
  • yellow-green panicle flowers
  • forms edible grapes, taste depends on the variety
  • sunny to partially shaded location
  • hardy

Fairy mirror (Nemesia strumosa)

  • 20 to 60 cm high
  • compact growth, herbaceous, annual
  • deep green leaves
  • Flowering time from June to mid-October
  • Funnel flowers in numerous colors
  • Full sun preferred, sheltered

Geraniums (Pelargonium)

  • 25 to 150 cm high or long (for hanging geraniums)
  • bushy growth, strong shoots, overhanging or upright
  • Leaves patterned, hairy
  • Flowering time from mid-May to mid-October
  • The shape and color of the flowers are highly dependent on the species and variety
  • Full sun to semi-shady locations are preferred, protected
  • not hardy, winter quarters necessary

Goldmarie (Bidens ferulifolia)

  • 15 to 30 cm high
  • 100 cm long shoots are rarely formed
  • bushy growth, overhanging, richly branched
  • green pinnate leaves
  • blooms from mid-May to October
  • individual cup flowers in intense yellow
  • full sun is preferred
  • not hardy
  • Winter quarters necessary, then perennial

from H to R

Hussar button (Sanvitalia procumbens)

  • up to 20 cm high
  • dense growth, forms cushions, annual
  • lanceolate to oval leaves, deep green
  • blooms from June to mid-October
  • Cup flowers in yellow
  • Prefers full sun, warm, tolerates light shade

Japanese maple (Acer japonicum)

  • up to 500 cm high plants for the south-facing balcony
  • upright tree, sprawling, develops several trunks
  • long maple leaves, up to 14 cm, intense red color in autumn
  • Grape flowers from April to mid-May, inconspicuous
  • Sunny location, south facing
  • hardy

African Daisies (Osteospermum)

  • 20 to 40 cm high
  • upright perennial, well branched
  • lanceolate leaves, green
  • Flowering time from mid-May to late September
  • Individual flowers in white, pink, orange or purple
  • multicolored varieties also available
  • sunny position preferred, warm
  • not hardy, winter quarters required

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

  • Growth height up to 300 cm
  • is one of the most popular tub plants for the south-facing balcony
  • upright growth, richly branched, sprawling
  • evergreen, lanceolate leaves
  • Flowering time from mid-June to mid-September
  • flowers faintly scented, cymes in numerous colours
  • Location in full sun, sheltered from the wind
  • not hardy, winter quarters required

Petunias (Petunia)

  • 30 to 50 cm high
  • herbaceous growth, annual
  • available in different versions, e.g. B. overhanging
  • dark green leaves, hairy, slightly poisonous
  • April to mid-October flowering
  • single, cymous flowers in numerous colors
  • Location sunny to semi-shady, protected from the weather

Purslane (Portulaca grandiflora)

  • up to 15 cm high
  • herbaceous growth, forms carpets, overhanging
  • lanceolate to needle-shaped leaves, intense green
  • blooms from June to the end of August, 5 cm large flowers
  • Available in numerous colors (depending on type)
  • Full sun preferred, protected from rain
  • not hardy, winter quarters required

from S to U

Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata)

  • up to 150 cm high
  • Climbing aid determines height, hanging without climbing aid
  • annual
  • deep green leaves, ovate
  • Flowering period from June to early October
  • single funnel flowers in white, yellow, orange or multicolored
  • Full sun, warm, sheltered from the wind

Marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens)

Argyranthemum frutescens 'Molimba'
  • 30 to 100 cm high
  • spherical subshrub, well branched
  • pinnate leaves, evergreen
  • Flowering time from mid-May to October (usually after Eisheiligen)
  • solitary ray florets
  • white, yellow, or pink with a yellow center
  • full sun, warm, tolerates drought
  • sensitive to frost, winter quarters necessary

Daisy (Bellis perennis)

  • up to 20 cm high
  • upright habit, annual or biennial
  • oblong leaves, rounded, deep green
  • blooms from mid-March to early June
  • solitary basket flowers in white, pink or red
  • Location sunny to semi-shady
  • Sun has a positive effect on flowering
  • not hardy, winter protection necessary

Carpet yarrow 'Aurea' (Achillea tomentosa 'Aurea')

Source: Selso, Achillea tomentosa OB10, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • up to 20 cm high
  • forms dense carpets, creeping growth
  • grey-green foliage, evergreen
  • flowers in golden umbels
  • Flowering period from June to the end of July
  • full sun, warm
  • hardy

from V to Z

Vanilla flower (Heliotropium arborescens)

  • Growth height from 20 to 70 cm
  • upright growth, densely branched
  • pointed leaves, deep green
  • blue-violet cymes from mid-May to September
  • Flowers strongly scented with vanilla
  • sunny location, warm, sheltered from the wind
  • not hardy, winter quarters necessary

verbs (verbena)

Stiff Vervain (Verbena rigida)
  • Pot hybrids up to 30 cm high
  • upright to creeping habit (depending on species), robust
  • long green leaves
  • dressed in numerous umbelliferous flowers from May to October
  • Available in numerous colors (depending on type)
  • full sun recommended, warm
  • not hardy

Magic bells (Calibrachoa hybrida)

  • popular alternative to petunias
  • 30 to 60 cm high
  • upright growth, sprawling, often overhanging, annual
  • elliptical leaves, deep green
  • blooms from mid-May to early October
  • small funnel flowers in numerous colors
  • sunny location, good air circulation

Herbs for the south-facing balcony from A to N

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • 20 to 60 cm high
  • upright growth, strong
  • oval leaves, green, aromatic
  • Flowering time from mid-June to September
  • Harvest time ideally before flowering
  • sunny location ideal

Curry herb (Helichrysum italicum)

  • 20 to 60 cm high
  • bushy growth, well branched, evergreen
  • silver-grey to silver-green leaves, can be used as a culinary herb
  • blooms from June to mid-September
  • produces yellow daisy flowers
  • Harvest possible all year round
  • Location in full sun, warm
  • not completely hardy

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • Growth height from 20 to 40 cm
  • bushy growth, heavily branched, woody
  • grey-green leaves, felty
  • blooms in violet spikes
  • Flowering time from July to mid-September
  • Harvest time over flowering time
  • Location in full sun, warm
  • needs winter protection in the tub

Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

  • 20 to 50 cm high
  • bushy growth, loose
  • Stem square, hairy
  • grey-green leaves, fragrant
  • Leaves can be used as a kitchen herb
  • flowers white or pink from mid-June to September
  • full sun, warm
  • frost hardy (up to -7°C)

Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

  • Growth height from 30 to 80 cm
  • bushy growth
  • lush green leaves, fragrant
  • usable as a kitchen herb and for tea
  • spikes of white flowers from June to mid-August
  • Harvest time from May
  • sunny location
  • hardy

Mints (Mentha)

Horse mint (Mentha longif.webpolia)
  • numerous types available
  • 20 to 100 cm high
  • upright growth, prostrate or bushy, strong
  • intensely scented leaves, green
  • Flowering time and appearance dependent on species
  • Harvest time of the leaves from spring to autumn
  • prefers sunny to half-shady locations
  • hardy

from O to Z

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

  • 25 to 50 cm high
  • Cushion perennial, dense growth
  • evergreen, intensively scented leaves and shoots
  • Flowered July to early September
  • pink to lilac umbel flowers
  • Location sunny, warm

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

  • 50 to 100 cm high
  • loose growth, bushy, upright
  • silver-green leaves, strongly scented, resemble needles
  • usable as a kitchen herb
  • Flowering time from mid-April to June
  • purple panicle flowers, small
  • full sun to sunny position, warm
  • needs winter protection on the balcony

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia officinalis
  • 30 to 70 cm high
  • upright growth, strong branches, bushy
  • grey-green foliage with down, fragrant
  • blue or violet spikes
  • Flowers from June to mid-August
  • May to August ideal harvest time
  • Location in full sun, warm
  • hardy, tubs need winter protection

Chives (Allium schoenophrasum)

  • up to 25 cm high
  • forms long culms, upright, slightly overhanging
  • deep green culms, aromatic
  • flowering from June to August
  • red-violet umbel flowers, small
  • Harvest time March to mid-October
  • Location sunny to semi-shady, warm
  • hardy

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

  • 10 to 40 cm high
  • loose growth, prostrate or upright, evergreen
  • small leaves, grey-green, aromatic
  • flowering from mid-May to October
  • pink or violet umbelliferous flowers
  • sunny location, warm
  • hardy, potted plants need winter protection

Vegetable plants from A to L

Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

  • Growth height from 80 to 100 cm
  • blooms from July to October
  • large purple flowers
  • forms edible fruits
  • Harvest time from the end of July (depending on variety)
  • full sun necessary, sheltered from the wind
  • min. 50 cm planting distance

French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

  • 30 to 70 cm high
  • upright growth, does not require climbing aids or supports
  • blooms from June to mid-September
  • small butterfly flowers in white, yellow or purple
  • Harvest time of the beans from mid-June (depending on the sowing date)
  • prefers sunny to semi-shady locations
  • ideal for tall planters

Chili and peppers (Capsicum annuum)

  • Available in numerous varieties with different degrees of sharpness
  • up to 80 cm high
  • bushy growth, upright
  • blooms from June to late September
  • Star-shaped flowers, small, white
  • Harvested from July to October (depending on variety)
  • excellent for small pots

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

  • Growth height is determined by trimming the tendrils
  • usually between 80 and 100 cm
  • prostrate growth
  • Flowering time dependent on night temperatures from 15°C
  • sunny yellow calyx flowers mostly from June
  • Fruits available from July to October
  • sunny, dry locations are preferred

Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus)

  • Growth height up to 150 cm
  • forms a long taproot
  • Taproot becomes the carrots
  • deep planters necessary
  • forms rosettes of leaves
  • Leaves long and pinnate
  • white umbelliferous flowers from June (depending on variety)
  • Harvest 7 to 12 weeks after sowing
  • sunny to semi-shady locations recommended

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

  • Planting distance of 35 cm
  • up to 100 cm high
  • upright growth, loose
  • Flowering period from May to the end of August
  • Inflorescence with multiple flowers, white, pink or lilac
  • Berries poisonous and inedible
  • Harvest time from the end of May (early potatoes) or the end of August (late potatoes)
  • Location sunny and warm

from M to Z

Melons (Cucumis melo)

  • Growth length of tendrils up to 500 cm
  • Climbing aid recommended
  • Flowering begins in June at the earliest
  • golden yellow individual flowers, large
  • Harvest of the melons possible from September (depending on sowing)
  • Location should be sunny and sheltered from the wind
  • Planters with a capacity of at least 25 l

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

  • 20 to 200 cm growth height (depending on variety)
  • large varieties need support
  • annual, bushy to slender growth
  • dark green leaves, hairy, pleasantly scented
  • Flowering period from May to mid-June
  • bright yellow calyx flowers
  • Harvest time from the end of July (depending on variety)
  • Location sunny, airy, sheltered

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo convar. giromontiina)

  • up to 100 cm high
  • one plant per m²
  • bushy growth, annual
  • stem hairy
  • Leaves heart-shaped, green
  • Flowering period from early June to mid-October
  • produces sun-yellow flowers
  • Harvest time from mid-June (depending on variety)
  • prefers sunny to semi-shady places, warm

Notice: If you want to cultivate vegetables on your balcony, you usually need a little more space. Most of the species can only be grown effectively in a raised bed or large tubs.

Fruit trees for the south balcony

Olive tree (Olea europaea)

  • up to 600 cm high, usually smaller in the tub
  • upright growth, self-fertile, evergreen
  • 2 plants increase crop yield
  • Flowering time from mid-May to late June (north of the Alps)
  • white-yellow flowers, inconspicuous
  • grey-green foliage, leathery surface
  • Harvest time from mid-November to mid-January
  • full sun location
  • conditionally hardy (-12°C), winter protection recommended for potted plants

Column apple 'Redcats' (Malus domestica 'Redcats')

  • up to 300 cm high apple plants for the south-facing balcony
  • slender growth, columnar, robust
  • blooms from mid-April to late May
  • classic apple blossom, light pink
  • Harvest time from September
  • sweet apples with a sour note
  • sunny to partially shaded location
  • hardy

Pear Pear 'Condo' (Pyrus communis 'Condo')

Flowering of the columnar pear 'Condo' (Pyrus communis 'Condo')
  • up to 300 cm high
  • slender growth, columnar, weakly branched
  • April to late May flowering
  • classic pear blossom, white
  • forms large fruits
  • Harvest time from September to mid-October
  • very juicy, sweet
  • sunny to partially shaded location
  • hardy

Plum 'Marika' (Prunus domestica 'Marika')

  • up to 200 cm high
  • slender growth, upright
  • Flowering time from April to the end of May
  • classic plum blossoms, snow white
  • September to mid-October is harvest time
  • Balanced fruit taste, fruity, juicy
  • sunny location
  • hardy

Dwarf cherry 'Kordia' (Prunus avium 'Kordia')

  • 120 to 300 cm high
  • slender crown, erect
  • April to mid-May flowering time
  • classic cherry blossoms, white
  • Harvest from 6th cherry week (July 16th - 31st)
  • profitable
  • aromatically sweet, fine acidity
  • sunny location
  • hardy

Lemon tree (Citrus limon)

  • up to 600 cm high, usually smaller in tubs
  • upright growth, bushy crown
  • Flowering period from mid-May to August
  • white individual flowers, intensely fragrant
  • Harvest time mostly in early winter
  • Fruits must stop growing and be yellow
  • sunny location, sheltered
  • not hardy, winter quarters required

Tip: If you prefer other fruit, look out for other dwarf or columnar varieties. They are ideal for the south-facing balcony.

South Balcony Succulents

Bow Hemp (Sansevieria trifasciata)

  • 30 to 150 cm high
  • upright leaves
  • green with white stripes or borders
  • Flowers rare in Central Europe
  • Flowering period from May to mid-June
  • white-green panicle flowers, strongly scented
  • Location sunny to semi-shady, protect from direct midday sun
  • not hardy

Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica)

  • up to 500 cm high
  • Plant height is limited by bucket size
  • shrubby or tree-like growth
  • forms numerous, oval shoot sections
  • deep green, with inconspicuous thorns, sometimes absent
  • Flowering time from mid-May to late August
  • bright yellow single flowers, large
  • with good care prickly pears from September
  • Location sunny, airy, warm
  • not completely hardy

Sedum

Tall Stonecrop (Sedum telephium Xenox)
  • up to 60 cm high
  • dense growth, creeping, bushy (species dependent)
  • Leaves fleshy, evergreen
  • Flowering time extends from June to mid-October
  • three to ninefold flowers in white, yellow, pink or crimson
  • sunny location, tolerates drought

Money Tree (Crassula ovata)

  • 50 to 100 cm high
  • ranges branched, loose, crooked
  • thick, fleshy leaves
  • their shape is reminiscent of green coins
  • Location sunny to semi-shady, airy
  • plenty of sun allows flowering throughout the year

Houseleeks (Sempervivum)

Lime houseleek (Sempervivum calcareum)
  • 3 to 60 cm high (depending on species)
  • evergreen, perennial
  • grows as a rosette cushion
  • Flowering possible between the end of May and the beginning of September with luck
  • flowers white, pink or yellow
  • sunny, warm, prefers drought

Perennial ice plant (Delosperma cooperi)

  • 10 to 20 cm high
  • creeping growth, forms cushions
  • evergreen leaves, succulent, retain moisture
  • Flowering period from June to the end of August
  • purple ray florets, white center
  • prefers sunny locations, tolerates drought
  • frost hardy down to -1°C, winter protection necessary

frequently asked Questions

What must be considered when caring for the plants?

When caring for south-facing balcony plants, you must ensure that there is an adequate water supply. Check the substrate daily for dryness and water if necessary. Water in the morning or evening, otherwise the water will evaporate too quickly in the middle of the day. Do not neglect the fertilizer rhythm. Many of the plants need sufficient nutrients over the summer.

Are water storage boxes useful?

Yes. Due to the temperatures and direct sunlight, many of the plants wither quickly. You can prevent this problem with water storage boxes. The boxes are equipped with a water reservoir that is regularly filled. Plants can hydrate themselves this way.

What is suitable as a shade provider against the midday sun?

Since not all plants for the south-facing balcony are absolutely resistant to the direct midday sun, some of them need a break from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Parasols, awnings or shading nets, which are removed again in the afternoon, are excellent sources of shade. Many young plants or those that have been quartered over the winter need sun protection to get used to the sun.

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Garden plants