All plants need optimal conditions to grow to their fullest potential.
In a nutshell, plants need five things to grow to their maximum beauty encompassing all aspects: sunlight, proper temperature, moisture, air, and nutrients.
If you provide your plants with the correct sun volume, they become primed to give you all of the benefits accompanying their fully grown existence.
If you have a south-facing balcony and intend to grow outdoor south-facing plants, you can enjoy the fully functional beauty of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
Here is a selection of magnificent outdoor south-facing plants you can grow on your balcony:
30 Plants for the South Facing Balcony
- Jasmine flower
- Verbena
- Marigold
- Four o clock
- Chrysanthemum
- Roses
- Chamomile
- Sedum
- Nepeta
- Euphorbia Caracius
- Pittosporums
- Basil
- Parsley
- Dill
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Oregano
- Sage
- Thyme
- Bay Laurel
- Mint
- Eggplant
- Radish
- Tomatoes
- Okra
- Pepper
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Okra
- Citrus Fruits (Oranges and Lemons)
Table of Contents
Best Plants for the South Facing Balcony
1. Jasmine flower
A shrub deriving its genes from the olive family, the Jasmine flower is an attractive spectacle to add to your south-facing balcony.
Choosing from 200 different flower species, including the Orange Jasmine and the Asian Jasmine, you can select whichever plant species is native to the degree of temperature you have on your balcony.
According to Clemson University, a lot of Jasmine varieties have a sweet fragrance and can perfume the whole balcony. Their flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
2. Verbena
Straight from the Verbenaceae plant family, the Verbena presents itself annually or even perennially, depending on what species of flower you cultivate.
The leaves usually appear simple, opposite, and in many species of the Verbena, flowers are also hairy.
These flowers are commonly used as ornamental items for occasions or settings that exist because of a significant experience or noteworthy event.
The Verbena can tolerate full or even partial sun exposure as a drought-resistant plant.
Adding a verbena flower into your cluster of plants on your balcony can give you many scenic benefits.
Since the Verbena is highly valued for butterfly gardens, having the flower on your patio might even attract a hoard of butterflies to visit!
They are ideally suited for a south-facing balcony with ample sunlight.
3. Marigold
The Marigold flower is an attractive flower with dark green foliage and a reddish stem.
Apart from the flower being an exquisite sight to see, the leaves of the Marigold are also arranged as feathers perfectly.
With the correct type of upkeep, including keeping Marigold’s water needs in check, you can grow a Marigold flower inside a pot for your south-facing balcony too.
Bask in its beautiful fragrance and alluring looks as you venture out to your patio for a cup of coffee or even go out for a breath of fresh air!
4. Four o Clock
The Four o Clock flower can lighten up the glow in your heart each day.
A remarkable species of perennial plants, the Four o Clock flower will last for nearly two years if you ensure expert care is given when it grows.
There are a number of Four O Clock flower varieties that you can grow on your balcony, like Mirabilis jalapa ‘Alba’, Mirabilis jalapa ‘Jingles’, Mirabilis jalapa ‘Kaleidoscope’.
Commonly described as bushy blooming perennials, these flowers can surely bring a wholesome look to your balcony for an extended period of time.
5. Chrysanthemum
The Chrysanthemum flower is native to East Asia and Northeastern Europe from the plant family known as Asteraceae.
Popularly called Mums or Chrysanths, most of the flowers’ species originate from East Asia, with the center of diversity attributed to China.
You can easily bring a hint of culture from these places into your humble abode filled with unique south-facing plants by selecting the seeds required to nurture these plants in pots.
Being perennial plants, the Chrysanthemums tend to bloom early in the autumn and are a preferred flower in the month of November.
The Chrysanthemum flower is known to have a multitude of applications, which are characterized by:
- Ornamental Uses
- Culinary Uses
- Insecticidal Uses
- Environmental Uses
Above all, Chrysanthemums grow into valuable perennial plants which are hardy or half-hardy, and they can be grown into containers like pots on your balcony.
6. Roses
Commonly considered a prominent flower, you can grow the rose which can be displayed as a woody perennial flower, on your very own balcony.
Attaining its significance from the feeling of love, you can grow the rose in your balcony garden to bring you a pleasant fragrance and caring feel to the atmosphere of your balcony.
Close to 100 species of the rose are known to science.
Cultivated as a beautiful flower, the rose takes complete form in colors of white, ranging from different shades of yellow and pink to dark crimson and maroon.
The climatic conditions the flower is grown indicate the scent of the flower too.
7. Chamomile
Having the Chamomile flower in your plants’ collection comes with benefits ranging from lovely views to enhancing your appetite when induced into your diet.
The two types of chamomiles you can grow on your balcony are Matricaria Recutita and Anthemis Nobilis.
These are fine additions for your next morning or evening tea and can give your taste buds a refreshing kick.
Originating from the Asteraceae family of plants, the Chamomile Flower is usually akin to daisy-like flowers of the same family.
Having Chamomile tea daily benefits your body with a great deal of revitalization. For centuries, the Chamomile flower has been used against many health conditions.
To make Chamomile Tea, all you need to do is dry up the flower and insert them in a cup of hot water.
Improved sleep quality, improved digestion, prevention of cancer, optimal blood sugar control, and better cardiovascular health are all advantages of consuming chamomile tea regularly.
What better way to make sure you have it every day than growing it on your balcony?
8. Sedum
The Sedum plant can be easily grown by laying the correct seeds.
It is a type of plant that is popular amongst novice gardeners as it requires very little care, and it can also be grown in less welcoming areas as compared to other kinds of plants.
Since Sedum requires less care, they should be well-suited to the part of your balcony, which gets less access to sunlight and water.
Funnily enough, Sedums are also called Stonecrop because gardeners joke that only stones require such less care in comparison.
The sizes of Sedum plants vary from 8cm to almost 3 feet tall. Since you can get varieties of just 8cm, they can prove to be perfect ground covers for your balcony garden.
9. Nepeta
Also known as a catmint flower, the Nepeta can be a pretty-looking member of the group of outdoor south-facing plants that you grow on your balcony.
Blooming fully in the late spring, these flowers bring a great freshening scent and are aesthetically pleasing with lavender, blue, white, pink, or lilac colors.
These species of flowers also attract bees and butterflies when fully grown.
When looking to grow the Nepeta flower on your balcony, you will want to stay away from the types that are obtained via seeds.
The ones grown from seeds are generally considered to be aggressively weedy, and you will be better off picking varieties of long-blooming kinds that require no seeds to grow.
10. Euphorbia Caracius
From the family of Euphorbacleae, these flowers are an uptight, evergreen shrub you can easily grow on your balcony as a part of your outdoor south-facing plants’ collection.
They sure do hold true to the title of the Mediterranean Splurge as they are a kind of flowering plant native to The Mediterranean Region.
Subtly attractive, The Euphorbia Caracius is known to have woolly stems that give way to characteristically dark or completely black nectar glands.
These flowers can be grown during the spring and early summer times of the year.
The flower is additionally capable to resist long periods of drought, which is an ability that builds on its reputation of being a particularly tough plant.
Given its pleasing looks, the flower should bring an incredible view when you look out at your balcony!
11. Pittosporums
The Pittosporums kind of flower is one that still awaits full discovery. Different species of such plants, like the Japanese Pittosporum, have been uncovered mainly on isolated ultramafic outcrops.
A sweet-smelling scent generally characterizes these kinds of flowers, and they hail from Australasia, Oceania, East Asia, and some parts of Africa.
More widely known as cheesewoods, the species grow into trees and shrubs of 2-30 meters tall, and you might want to be careful when nurturing them so don’t spill out of your balcony!
When they grow to a full form, their top is lined with flowers that have five petals and five sepals.
12. Basil
I’m sure you have heard of Basil as great nourishment in your diet.
Belonging to the herb family of Lamiaceae (mints), the Basil herb brings a balance between sweet and savory. With a hint of mints, anise, and pepper if you’re feeling adventurous.
When you get Basil to be a part of your balcony plant collection, you can choose from many different kinds, including Thai Basil, Sweet Basil, and Mrs. Burns’ Lemon.
Two different types of Basil can also be cross-pollinated to create hybrids such as Lemon Basil or African Blue Basil.
13. Parsley
By growing parsley, harvesting it, and adding it to your next entree, you can bring a distinctive flavor of bright, herbaceous, and slight bitterness to your food.
Displaying it as one of your outdoor south-facing plants brings a nourishing look to your balcony too.
More commonly used as a garnish for food items, the Parsley herb can also be added to your soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes if chemically diffused.
14. Dill
Growing up to 2-4 feet tall, Dill is a perennial self-seeding plant with leathery green leaves. It has been used for soups and stews through the ages, and you can use it to pickle your vegetables.
You can easily plant the Dill seed to get your hands on the full plant of the Celery family annually.
As the sole plant from the genus known as Anethum, you can plant some seeds of dill in your plant pot; it is quite easy to grow and harvest!
15. Rosemary
Another great herb native to the Mediterranean region, Rosemary or Salvia Rosmarinus, is a perennial plant that produces white, pink, purple, or even blue flowers.
Having a selection of different colors for your collection of outdoor south-facing plants can surely bring a satisfying mood for you.
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub complete with beautiful blue flowers, it is a fragrantly unique herb characteristically sweet and resinous in flavor.
Straight from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, this herb is commonly used when people want to season poultry, lamb, stews, and soups.
If you wish to plant it on a south-facing balcony, the sun exposure brought to the herb should be heavily appreciated by the plant in its growing stages but do make sure you bring it indoors in the winters to keep it from freezing in the cold.
Bring an extra kick to your next bite with the Rosemary herb!
16. Lavender
The Lavender plant, famous for its attractive color, is a perennial plant that is easy to grow and maintain.
By watering it regularly, you can ensure its survival and even bring fragrance to your outdoor south-facing plants!
Easy to grow and maintain, the Lavender herb is ideally suited for cooler climates which is why it has been grown as a staple in many herb gardens of England.
There are several types of the Lavender Herb you can grow on your balcony, like English Lavender, French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, and Lavandin.
Making a comprehensive analysis of your balcony’s wholesome aesthetics, you can grow Lavender herbs with colors of grey-green and purple.
The Lavender herb, unlike many of its counterparts, is not considered edible, though. It is popularly used in potpourri and sachets, on the other hand.
17. Oregano
Oregano is another popular ingredient in different foods.
It can be added to different entrees made for your next dinner party if you have it resting among a collection of your outdoor south-facing plants.
With distinctive rose-purple or white flowers, Oregano covers tasty treats and adds to your beautifully created spectacle of a residential balcony.
Having your own supply of the plant will surely bring you culinary convenience!
18. Sage
Sage or Salvia officinalis (its official name) is a plant that can be applied expertly to your next meal, too!
They sure do have strong-scented leaves that are edible. Meaning they are another addition you can make to your balcony that provides a pleasing landscape to your entire balcony.
19. Thyme
Being a local of the Mediterranean region, the Thyme plant can be another eminent additive in your journey of creating fantastic meals.
Thyme can be a great inclusion in your abundance of balcony-grown herbs. You can easily get seeds for the plant and pick Thyme out once the plant is fully grown!
20. Bay Laurel
With a beautiful aroma, the Bay Laurel herb is a member of the flowering Lauraceae family.
If you want a subtle look for your balcony, the Bay Laurels Dark-Green Oval Shaped leaves can bring your balcony a sophisticated look.
Being a strongly scented kind of herb, Bay Laurel Herb comes with a shiny forest-green look that can also be used for seasoning your kitchen’s entire aura.
21. Mint
Everyone loves a bit of Mint in their food, beverages, and atmosphere. Mint or Mentha is derived from the Lamiaceae family that comes in two wide varieties of spearmint and peppermint.
The Mint herb can provide you with an edible flower that freshens up the atmosphere of your balcony!
22. Eggplant
With the Eggplant as an addition to your outdoor south-facing plants, you can benefit from the provision of various dietary necessities.
As the edible plants on your balcony grow to give you a complete supply of essential nutrients, you can further increase the benefits by growing eggplants.
Some of the benefits of eggplants are as follows:
- Source of various vitamins and minerals
- Helps with digestion
- Improves bone health
- Increases brain function
23. Radish
If sticking to lighter meals is your preference, you can add Radishes from your balcony to your salads and appetizers.
Packed with antioxidants and minerals like calcium and potassium, adding Radish to your regular meals can help maintain blood pressure and minimize the risks of heart disease.
Radish is also known to be an eminent source of nutrients that enhance blood flow around the body.
24. Tomatoes
An edible berry from the plant Solanum Lycopersicum, Tomatoes bring a sharp flavor to foods all around the world.
Adding it to your outdoor south-facing plants would bring you a generous supply of vegetables.
When included in your diet by picking your tomatoes out from your collection of balcony plants after 20-80 days, they can significantly reduce the risks of heart disease, making them a significant part of your diet.
25. Pepper
A prominent spice added to foods worldwide, growing the pepper can allow for various culinary escapades!
Have your pepper grown on your balcony for a quick supply of the spice for your next meal!
26. Cucumbers
Cucumber is mainly used in salads, and it is a nutritious vegetable that gives your body much-needed hydration to ward off dehydration.
It’s another plant that can be grown on your balcony for a quick refreshment!
Cucumbers also come with antioxidants and a high nutrient count and may aid in weight loss when you aim to reduce your weight.
Cucumbers can bring enhanced flavor as great additions to your salads and sandwiches.
27. Squash
The Squash Plant is a Cucurbita that can be grown as Zucchini and Pumpkins.
Providing you with various flavors, make an addition to your collection of outdoor south-facing plants!
28. Okra
Okra, or the vegetable more commonly known as Lady Fingers, is an outstanding addition to foods around the globe.
Okra can be grown conveniently on your balcony if you wish for a tangy taste in your next meal!
29. Oranges
Among the different types of Citrus fruits, orange is considered a common staple fruit for the masses.
The orange is scientifically proven to be an amalgamation between Pomelo (Citrus Maxima) and Mandarin (Citrus Reculata).
Emerging from the regions of Myanmar, Northeast India, and Southern China, the first time the fruit was identified was in Chinese Literature in 314 BC.
As recent as 1980, Orange trees were popularly cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates as they provided the consumer with a refreshing taste of nature.
The fruit from the orange tree grown in your balcony plant pot can be eaten right off the plant, blended into your household juices, or even enjoyed for its aromatic peel.
The orange is so famously grown that it accumulated 70% of citrus production in 2012, and people around the world enjoy its tasteful inner components.
30. Lemons
The lemon is widely known for its tangy flavor, and you can even grow a host of lemons on your south-facing balcony since they are suited for areas with ample sunshine.
Another fruit native to India and China, the tangy fruit, is usually added to edibles to bring a zesty kick to different sorts of entrees.
The juice obtained from the lemon collectively consists of 5% to 6% of citric acid, with a pH value of 2.2, which brings the fruit its sour taste.
You can add it to a great variety of different food items and drinks, such as Lemon Meringue Pie and Lemonade.
Suppose you wish to bask in the wonders of nature. In that case, a balcony garden filled with natural plants can unquestionably establish an attractive location on the balcony of your very own home!
Conclusion About Plants for the South Facing Balcony
Apart from providing you with a spectacular view when you look outside your patio window, growing balcony plants can bring utmost peace to your mood.
As the plants in your balcony pots grow to become beautiful testaments to the care you provided them, your appreciation of nature will intensify, and you can become proud of the expertise you have applied to your balcony garden.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.