Sunflowers, roses, basil: 10 plants and flowers that will turn your balcony into a flourishing garden

Sunflowers are cheerful, and tall, and thrive in direct sunlight. (Image: Canva)

Having a sunny balcony can be a blessing, especially if you want to decorate it with some greenery and colour. Vibrant flowers, fresh herbs, and even some home-grown veggies can do really well on a sunny balcony.

Imagine blooming bougainvillaea, fragrant basil, or cheerful sunflowers brightening your space. With the right selection and care, your balcony can become your personal garden escape.

Here are some suggestions from landscaping and horticulture expert @thegreenishaffair on which flowers and plants do particularly well on a sunny balcony, plus tips on how to grow these plants successfully in sunny conditions, ensuring they thrive and keep your space looking beautiful.

Bougainvillaea

• Bougainvillaea is a showstopper with its vibrant, colourful bracts. Ideal for sunny spots, it adds an exotic touch to any balcony.

• Light: Needs at least 6 hours of full sunlight daily.
• Water: Drought-tolerant, so water sparingly. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
• Pruning: Regularly trim to encourage more blooms and shape the plant.

• Roses are a classic choice for any garden or balcony. With the right care, they reward you with a breathtaking display of blooms.

• Light: Requires full sun, ideally 6-8 hours daily.
• Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply in the morning.
• Pruning: Remove dead flowers and prune in winter to promote new growth.

• Known for its fragrant and tropical flowers, Plumeria thrives in warm, sunny conditions.

• Light: Prefers 6-8 hours of sunlight.
• Water: Water deeply, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

• Sunflowers are cheerful, and tall, and thrive in direct sunlight. Their bright yellow heads can add a happy vibe to your balcony.

• Light: Needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing phase.
• Support: Tall varieties may need support or stakes as they grow.

Tecoma (yellow bells)

• This plant blooms with bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers, making it an eye-catching addition to any sunny spot.

• Light: Thrives in full sun.
• Water: Drought-tolerant, but water regularly for best blooms.
• Pruning: Prune lightly to control size and encourage flowering.

• Pomegranate trees are both ornamental and practical, producing beautiful flowers and delicious fruits.

• Light: Needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
• Water: Water deeply but infrequently; let the soil dry between waterings.
• Fertilisation: Fertilise in spring and mid-summer for best fruiting.

• If you're looking to grow your own vegetables, tomatoes are perfect for a sunny balcony. They are easy to grow in containers and can add a pop of colour and flavour.

• Light: Needs at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Support: Use stakes or cages to support the plant as it grows.

• Basil is a fragrant herb that loves warmth and sun, making it ideal for sunny balconies.

• Light: Needs at least 6 hours of sunlight.
• Water: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Pruning: Pinch off flowers to encourage leaf growth.

• Lemongrass is a fragrant, tall-growing herb that thrives in sunny conditions, perfect for adding a fresh, citrusy scent to your space.

• Light: requires Full sun to grow vigorously.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Harvesting: Cut the stalks as needed, and the plant will continue growing.

• Clerodendrum is an exotic plant that produces clusters of bright flowers, often red and purple.

• Light: Prefers full sun or partial shade.
• Water: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but ensure good drainage.
• Pruning: Prune lightly to shape and encourage flowering.