On a balcony that receives sun all afternoon, and therefore faces west, many varieties of plants can bloom throughout the summer. From verbena to dahlia, through the hanging flowers of wisteria to a shrub like viburnum, discover 5 plants that bloom fully on this type of balcony.

You should know that on a west-facing terrace or balcony, the sun’s rays arrive in the second part of the day, that is, from approximately 2:00 p.m. until sunset. It is an area that can be considered sunny: thus, all the plants that need light exposure have “green light” on a west-facing balcony.

Among the most suitable plants are dahlias and petunias, but also wisterias which, with their drooping purple flowers, can beautify the railings of any balcony. Also choose a verbena or a viburnum that will guarantee abundant flowering throughout the summer until late autumn.

The 5 plants to grow on a west-facing balcony

Verbena

Widespread in Europe, although rather native to America, this plant belongs to the Verbenaceae family. Its particularity? The verbena flower can vary from white to pink and bright red to purple. It blooms from early summer to late autumn.

This plant should be grown in a bright, sunny place protected from the wind. If grown in a pot, ensure that the soil is rather clayey, constantly moist and cool, avoiding stagnation of water in the saucer. Verbena does not tolerate siliceous and calcareous soils.

This aromatic plant with delicate flowers is one of the anti-stress medicinal plants par excellence. In particular thanks to its sedative, anti-neuralgic and relaxing properties that provide a feeling of immediate calm. It acts on the nervous system and drives away any form of anxiety or depression. But not only. In herbal tea, its virtues are innumerable: verbena facilitates digestion, relieves spasms, fights fever and many other ailments.

Dalia

Originally from Mexico, the dahlia is an ornamental plant of great beauty. Its flowers have a very special charm, oscillating between different very bright colors and more subdued tones, ranging from yellow to red, through white and pink.

Its flowering is guaranteed all summer until late autumn, as long as the plant is exposed to the sun for a good part of the day. But also that the balcony faces west and generally receives the sun’s rays throughout the afternoon. Planting should be done in spring, approximately between late March and May, when temperatures really start to become milder than in winter. If you grow it in a pot, make sure it has a diameter of at least 30 centimeters to leave room for the plant and its roots. It prefers to be planted in clay and well-fertilized soil. As long as it is watered regularly and receives enough sun, it will bloom like royalty.

In addition, this bulb flower is highly appreciated by Mexicans for its diuretic properties. Dahlia is often used to relieve colic and intestinal ailments, to treat certain dermatological problems such as boils. It is also effective against insect bites and relieves throat problems.

Petunia

Essential in botany, petunia is a plant that blooms perfectly on a west-facing balcony. Originally from South America, it is a hanging perennial herb that offers abundant flowering and bright hues, in colors ranging from purple to pink, through white.

Petunia needs at least six hours a day of direct sunlight, a condition that a west-facing balcony can provide. Otherwise, flowering may be poor. Protect it well from the wind and, at the first signs of cold, take it inside. When the good weather returns, you can take it outside, only if the temperature averages around 15°C.

Viburnum

Also called “snowball”, the viburnum is a shrub from the Caprifoliaceae family that is also grown for ornamental purposes in pots: that is why it will look great on a west-facing balcony. Typically, depending on the variety, viburnum flowers can be white or red and appear from spring to late fall.

Make sure the soil is fresh, rich in humus and has good drainage capacity. Water regularly, especially the first year after planting.

Antispasmodic and astringent, Viburnum has many medicinal and therapeutic properties, especially in gynecology. In fact, its bark treats various disorders such as heavy and painful menstruation, morning sickness during pregnancy, uterine prolapse and even relieves certain symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.

Wisteria

Among the ideal plants for a west-facing terrace, we also find wisteria, a climbing plant suitable for covering pergolas and arches, but also for adding color to the railings of your balcony. Its purple clusters cause a sensation in the environment. Resistant and vigorous, wisteria is not very demanding: it must be planted between October and March in non-calcareous and dry soil, but drained and fertilized with a fertilizer rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. To see its beautiful clusters of fallen lilac flowers, you will have to wait for the first flowering between May and June and the second, less abundant, in August.

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