To create a cozy and harmonious atmosphere, as well as decorate a balcony or loggia, you cannot do without flowers. Flowers and other ornamental plants protect the interior of the room from excess sunlight, purify the air and absorb street noise. For growing on the balcony, climbing plants are an excellent option, which, with their dense foliage and long stems, create a natural green wall. Most of these species are distinguished by beautiful and long flowering, adorning the nondescript walls of structures.
How to choose climbing plants
There are many factors to consider when choosing climbing plants for growing at home on the balcony. Some of them prefer the sunny side, others can bloom and develop only in glazed balconies.
For open loggias, species such as clematis are not suitable. Their shoots are very fragile, so they break quickly in strong winds. In order for the plants to look harmonious against the background of the wall, they must be selected in contrast to the color of the wall. Bright white or yellow flowers will look great on a brick surface.
On non-glazed balconies, only temperature-resistant and picky annual or perennial varieties can be grown.
If the balcony is located on the sunny side of the building, then it is better to make your choice in favor of nasturtium, morning glory, actinidia, honeysuckle or Chinese lemongrass.
In places where there is a shadow, ivy is planted, which calmly withstands strong gusts of wind. However, its frost resistance is rather weak, so the plant must be harvested for the winter. Girlish grapes, for example, are more hardy than ivy. It will be a great decoration for any balcony. If the balcony faces the north side, then the plant should be marked in such a way that it does not interfere with the penetration of sunlight into the room.
Suitable for growing in warm regions climbing roses, wisteria... However, in mid-latitudes, such plants will not live long.
Planting climbing plants
Climbing plants are planted in deep wooden boxes, the length of which must be at least 1 meter. Such containers can be purchased at any garden store or made by hand. Loose and fertile soil, consisting of turf, leafy earth, and sand, is used as a planting soil. The bottom of the box is covered with expanded clay or ceramic shards to provide better drainage properties.
Clematis are planted in boxes, the height of which should be about 65 cm. After carrying out the planting measures, the containers are installed on the floor of the balcony or loggia. To provide them with stability and support, it is necessary to additionally install a wooden or metal grate.
The most popular climbing plants for the balcony
Clematis
Some of the most popular flowering climbing plants are clematis, which thrive on glazed balconies and outdoor areas. The optimal arrangement of boxes with flowers is considered to be south or east. The boxes are placed on pallets so that excess water can freely flow out of the container through the drainage holes. Then they are installed along the side or back wall of the balcony.
Among clematis, the following varieties are most common: Zhakmana, Integrifolia, Florida and Viticella. They need abundant watering and regular loosening of the soil. The stems must be tied up in a timely manner.
In late autumn, shoots are removed from the grate and placed on top of the boxes, after which they are covered with sawdust. In winter, clematis can be stored on the balcony, but make sure that the temperature does not drop below 12 degrees. If severe frosts occur, the containers must be transferred to the apartment.
Morning glory
It is an annual climbing plant that grows rapidly and blooms for a long time. The flowers grow up to 12 cm in diameter. The blue morning glory variety can bloom until late autumn. Ipomoea containers are best placed on the sunny side of the building and keep track of the frequency of watering.
Sweet pea
The plant belongs to annual varieties. The flowers exude a dizzying scent. In a short time, the plant can reach a height of about 3 meters, is characterized by resistance to frost.
These two species are planted in early April. To get productive healthy seeds, it is better to use the seedling method. Large-flowered species often produce hollow seeds.
Maiden grapes
It is the main representative of climbing perennial plants. Planting boxes should be voluminous, and the bottom is lined with drainage material. For full-fledged development, the use of fertile and loose soil, as well as regular feeding with complex fertilizers, is of particular importance.
