FOR THE BALCONY GARDENER
HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea macrophylla)
These big, abundant blooms in white, shades of blue, lavender, pink or red are easy to grow in the ground or a pot. There’s a magical quality about them too – in acidic soils, hydrangeas exhibit more blue tones, while pink is expressed in alkaline soils, allowing you the ability to alter colours by changing the pH of the soil. Position in a semi-shaded spot, with protection from the hot afternoon sun.
ROCK ORCHID (Dendrobium speciosum)
This native orchid gives so much but demands so little. From late winter to early spring, large clusters of fragrant, creamy white or pale yellow blooms appear on thick, chunky stems (or pseudobulbs), delivering a magnificent floral display. It’s tough and adapts to most conditions, but prefers a spot in full sun that’s shaded from the afternoon sun. Pot up in coarse orchid bark and feed it regularly with an orchid-specific fertiliser.
STAR JASMINE (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
This evergreen climber looks particularly sweet when trained up a trellis, like a bamboo teepee, spiral obelisk or wooden lattice. Star jasmine flowers profusely in spring and early summer, filling the garden with its rich, floral perfume. When it’s not in bloom, its glossy green leaves are a feature. It thrives in full sun or semi-shade.
LAVENDER (Lavandula spp.)
With aromatic leaves and spikes of fragrant violet-blue blooms, this flowering perennial is a delightful addition to the garden. It’s perfect as a feature plant on the balcony or patio, especially near a seated area where the perfume can be appreciated. New varieties are constantly available, with variations on flower forms and colours. ‘The Prince’ is a new release from the Lavinnova range and has blackberry-purple flowers with iridescent purple-blue bracts. Position in full sun and regularly water.
GARDENIA (Gardenia jasminoides)
The intoxicating fragrance of this waxy white flower is a must-have in the garden. The blooms appear from late spring through to autumn and make wonderful cut flowers, too. They need a spot in full sun, but in hot, dry climates, they’ll appreciate protection from the afternoon sun. Apply fertiliser regularly throughout the warmer months, and lightly prune once flowering has finished.