Don't let a north-facing balcony discourage your green dreams! While direct sunlight may be limited, many beautiful and resilient plants actually prefer these shadier conditions. Your urban planter boxes can become a lush, green oasis with the right plant selections that thrive on indirect light.
For reliable foliage, consider these shade-loving champions. Hostas are a classic choice, offering a stunning array of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, from deep green to variegated white and gold. Pair them with Heuchera (Coral Bells), which provides vibrant foliage in shades of purple, silver, and lime green. Ferns, like the Japanese Painted Fern or the sturdy Autumn Fern, add beautiful texture and a prehistoric elegance to your containers. Don't forget about Ivy or Creeping Jenny; these trailing plants are perfect for spilling over the edges of your planter boxes, softening the look and adding movement.
If you crave flowers, several blooming plants will perform wonderfully. Impatiens are the quintessential shade annual, blooming profusely in a rainbow of colors from spring until the first frost. Begonias, both the tuberous and wax varieties, provide continuous, vibrant blooms and often have attractive leaves as well. For early spring color, plant some pansies or violas; they are surprisingly cold-tolerant and will brighten up your balcony after winter. Fuchsia, with its elegant, dangling flowers, is another excellent performer in shady spots, especially in hanging planters or the front of boxes.
You can even grow some culinary herbs and edible plants. While most herbs demand full sun, mint, parsley, and chives are more tolerant of lower light conditions. They will grow well in your planter boxes, providing fresh flavors for your kitchen. For a unique edible, try planting leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, or kale; they often prefer to be shielded from the intense afternoon sun and will produce a nice harvest.
To ensure success, use a high-quality potting mix that drains well to prevent waterlogging. Since evaporation is slower in the shade, check the soil moisture before watering—your plants will need less frequent watering than those in full sun. With these plant choices and a little care, your north-facing balcony can be transformed into a thriving, peaceful retreat that proves abundant growth is possible, even in the shade.