It’s time to banish the boring balcony by welcoming greenery – because let’s face it, the lack of a garden is no excuse!
WATCH: How to keep your citrus trees healthy
Greening Australia is encouraging us city-dwellers to add a bit of extra nature to our homes as part of their Nature in Cities program – and after all, a bit of extra plant life never went astray! Whether you call an apartment home or simply don’t have a garden with space to plant, it’s not yet time to throw in the towel (or spade!). The good news is, there are so many other ways you can add greenery that don’t involve digging up soil.
Despite what you may think, a balcony garden doesn’t just allow for propagating low-lying plants like succulents or growing flowers from bulbs. If you know your stuff, you can plant proper, fully-fledged potted trees.
Here are the top 5 balcony-friendly trees to send you well on your way to a flourishing outdoor space (no matter how small!).
1. Olive trees
This gorgeous tree is known for producing olives (who knew!), but it has recently gained popularity for other reasons. With its silvery-green leaves, olive trees give off a Mediterranean vibe and are fairly easy to grow and maintain, being heat and drought tolerant. Make sure you’re placing this warm-weather-loving tree in a sunny spot and watering it well once a week.
2. Japanese maple
If you’re not familiar with these fire-coloured beauties, they are essentially autumn incarnate. When planting a Japanese maple in a pot, make sure it will be able to drain well and that the pot is big enough for the rootball to fit. Leave it to grow when it’s young, and then prune back if needed.
3. Finger lime
Native to Australia, the finger lime is a bush food variant that typically grows on the fringes of QLD that is sought after by restaurants around the world. These fruit-producing trees prefer a partly shaded area that is protected from the wind. They’re fairly no fuss and will tolerate nutrient-poor soil and less fertiliser than other citrus varieties.
4. Sweet Bay
Another one for all the chefs out there, you’ll often find this plant’s leaves in recipes for stews, casseroles and bolognese. The Sweet Bay tree thrives in pots, and is fairly easy to maintain. Plant in full sun or part shade and ensure the plant has good drainage. Water regularly but make sure you let the soil dry in between.
5. Crepe myrtles
The crepe myrtle is hugely adaptable, with a shape and size for just about every garden. With its buttery yellow, vibrant orange, bright red and hot pink flower varieties, this tree is a fabulous way to add a bit of colour to your balcony. The crepe myrtle prefers full sun in a spot that’s protected from the wind (to avoid losing all the flowers), and it’s best to use premium potting mix if you can.
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