Having a north-facing balcony doesn't mean you can't enjoy a vibrant green space. While direct sunlight may be limited, many beautiful plants actually prefer these shadier conditions. For flowering options, consider impatiens, which bloom profusely in shades of pink, white, and red even in deep shade. Begonias offer colorful flowers and interesting foliage, with both tuberous and wax varieties performing well. Fuchsias with their elegant hanging flowers add vertical interest to your planter boxes.
When it comes to foliage, hostas provide stunning leaf variations from blue-green to golden yellow. Ferns like autumn fern or Japanese painted fern create beautiful texture with their delicate fronds. Heuchera (coral bells) offers striking purple, silver, or lime-colored leaves that brighten shady spots. For herbs, mint grows vigorously in partial shade, while parsley and chives will provide fresh flavors for your kitchen.
Don't overlook edible plants either. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale actually prefer cooler, shadier conditions and won't bolt as quickly. Swiss chard with its colorful stems is both ornamental and edible. When planting in your urban planter boxes, use quality potting mix with good drainage. Consider mixing different plant heights and textures for visual interest - tall ferns or fuchsias in the back, medium hostas in the middle, and trailing ivy or vinca at the front.
Water consistently as plants in containers dry out faster, but be careful not to overwater in shadier conditions where soil stays moist longer. Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season. With these shade-loving plants, your north-facing balcony can become a lush, thriving oasis despite the limited sunlight.