Do you love plants but don’t have a green thumb? Don’t panic. If you’re craving a little more nature—even in Brussels—here are the best hardy outdoor plants to choose for your small balcony.
Heather
This lovely plant is a force of nature. It’s easy to care for—you won’t have any unpleasant surprises! Heather can withstand both heat and cold. Its worst enemy? Too much water! As you can see, it’s best not to be too generous when it comes to watering. Other than that, the plant will thrive on your balcony, as long as it gets plenty of light!
This very pretty flower will bring color to the gray winter months. While it’s still recommended to protect it with a tarp on frosty days, the hydrangea holds up quite well to low temperatures. It will thrive in a pot and bloom without any trouble with the right amount of watering.
Miscanthus
This pretty, fuzzy plant from the grass family is practically indestructible. It easily tolerates missed waterings, doesn’t need pruning at all, and remains decorative well into the fall and winter. Simply put, nothing fazes it: snow, extreme heat, frost, strong winds… A plant that can live up to 20 years—just like that!
The marigold
This stunning flower with its yellow and orange variegation will brighten up your outdoor space. Contrary to its name, this plant is native to South and Central America. From summer through fall, it’s a favorite spot for bees and butterflies. Plus, this edible flower is a delight in your salads! Its arch-enemy? Frost! If temperatures get too low, it will die. So be sure to keep that in mind if you plan to add it to your planter.
Japanese Aucuba
You may have already spotted it in parks and public gardens. It’s true that with its beautiful colors, the aucuba is sure to catch your eye. This force of nature is a hardy plant that withstands everything that scares other plants: cold, frost, drought, disease, and pollution. While, like all plants, it loves the sun, it will adapt very well to partial shade. An ideal plant for anyone who doesn’t have a green thumb.
Jasmine
Known for its intoxicating fragrance, jasmine may seem at first glance to be a delicate and fragile plant. But it’s quite the opposite! Cold, drought? No problem for it! On the other hand, it really doesn’t like strong winds. So it’s best to plant it in a spot where it will be sheltered from the wind. This climbing plant will look even more beautiful if you set up a stake for it to cling to. From December through April, winter jasmine will treat you to a stunning bloom!
Rosemary
A star in our kitchens, rosemary is anaromatic plant that’s very easy to care for. It can withstand extreme temperatures, such as cold down to -12°C or periods of drought. In short, it requires very little daily effort on your part.
