Best plants for balcony?

Question

Hi everyone :)

I recently moved into a new place, which has a pretty good size balcony (2nd floor level) and I would love to fill the spot with lots of green things. Anything from tall leafy things, grass-like things, smaller colorful ones, plants in hanging pots... my idea is to make the balcony a little jungly-looking over the next few years. Climate wise: I'm located in Northern California (around SF), it gets quite warm here in the summer, but no snow in the winter, occasional frosty mornings but nothing too brutal. My balcony faces the southern side, there are trees right outside so it does get lots of shade too. Any suggestions on what kid of plants will thrive there and live from year to year? I don't want to buy them and see them die... makes me sad :(

Thanks for any suggestions/ideas :)

Answer 1

the new cultivars of sweet potato vine.  there is a dark purple, a lime. and a variegated...ipoemea

Answer 2

Red Geraniums and Ivy  will give you a feel of a villa in Italy .

Answer 3

Geraniums do very well on balconies and are weather resistant and hardy.

Answer 4

potted palms and hanging fushia

Answer 5

Consider fruits, like miniature lemon tree or berry bushes.

Vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, are only annual, but offer great rewards.

The easiest plants would be cactus and succulents.