Patio plants- advice from any green thumbs out there

[Kiwibird]

I think we are finally into spring here in the PNW. Last year, we spent a bit of money and a lot of time making out patio a nice little retreat only to have our kitchen flood at the start of summer and the patio be taken over until the week before thanksgiving by appliances and construction crap. All the plants we had died due to lack of care during that mess. This year, we’d like to actually enjoy our outdoor space and are interested in what kind of plants would be good on a 3rd story covered balcony that receives intense sun in the afternoon (and the past 2 summers, regularly got into the mid-high 90s)? I’m kind of hoping for some herbs or maybe strawberries or those mini tomatoes, but my husband would prefer foliage or flowers. We have 8 small pots and 2 planter stands to hold them, so can do a bit of a mini garden....

 

[chris-md]

I think you’re on the right path with herbs and veggies. Not too many foliage plants can take that kind of light short of trees. Many tropicals are lower light plants that cannot take those conditions.

Cactus would do great, and assorted succulents. Check out Stapelia gigantea, a favorite of mine. Ponytail Palms would Be great as well

 

[chris-md]

If you have the room for trees, the. Any number of citrus trees would be FABULOUS!

 

[Kiwibird]

Oh I love the idea of citrus and palms! That would be such a nice vibe out there. I couldn’t go too crazy as not much room to bring plants indoors for over wintering but those would definitely look nice. I’ll have to check on pricing for those and what’s available locally. I used to have a dwarf kumquat tree in a pot and it was a pretty tree (gave it away when we moved). Believe it or not, there are lots of palm trees all over Portland. Not tall ones, some kind of short and squatty species that can withstand a little snow and chilly winter temps. They aren’t native, but they apparently thrive here and thus people really love planting them in their yards. I doubt any container sized palms would live outside during the winter though

We’re very fortunate to have a rather good sized balcony. Enough for a small seating area and Kiwis outdoor cage plus roomy enough to add some plants too. We’re even allowed to hang white outdoor curtains for privacy. Hoping to actually be able to sit out there this year. We have our front porch too, which we’re going to try some lower light plants on since it doesn’t receive much sun. Our HOA is pretty reasonable regarding outdoor decor but strict about people keeping visible junk outside, so a lot of neighbors have nice plants, wind chimes etc... and it looks nice around here this time of year

 

[Allee]

April, with your design skills, your outdoor space will be beautiful, you must post photos.

I love citrus trees and they make excellent potted plants, I have no idea how difficult they are to care for. Herbs are also great patio plants and they are super easy to maintain. Lavender, rosemary, mint, dill, oregano or pepper are pretty plants and fun to use.

 

[Jen5200]

I had good luck with a hibiscus shrub in a pot - they love sun (as long as they get watered). Mine never got huge, but the flowers and foliage would be a lovely addition to some herbs. I think I got mine at Home Depot or Lowe’s. I also had great luck with strawberries in pots (mine all eventually ended up in the ground, but spent several years in pots first). Sage also has pretty flowers if I remember right.

 

[noodles123]

You can grow lots of vegetables and herbs in containers--- they won't always look pretty, but they will produce! I have grown peppers, eggplant, cucumber, and tons of herbs in pots. I was shocked that the cucumber and eggplant worked so well, as they tend to creep/spread out--my now-ex boyfriend bought them for the pots and I was like, "these won't survive." but they did! Mint is a bit tough in a container, as it gets root-bound and needs to be divided. The peppers were probably the easiest and the prettiest. I bought arbol chilies in a bag at the grocery store and the seeds germinated when I planted them. If you bring them indoors over the winter, they can actually survive...granted, they look ragged in the winter indoors lol. I had one for about 4 years, and it got quite large (until a storm broke it).
In terms of containers, drainage and soil quality will be the most important (depending on the plant). Things like onion or potatoes need soil that drains easily. Keep in mind that you will have to water more often than you would think when using pots (as they tend to get hot and evaporate/drain quickly). I have seen people plant decorative cabbages, and cauliflower, but they require cooler weather.

 

[Kiwibird]

Thanks so much everyone! After some research and questioning the guy at the garden center I decided to go with one large plant called a “rhodendron” instead of trying to do a container garden. The rhododendron bush will grow happily in the large pot I bought it and doesn’t have to come inside during the winter. They are well suited to the environment here, including the heat in the summer and wetness/chilly temps in the winter. My husband will be choosing some annual flowers for 2 smaller pots we have.

Just for fun- I am sprouting an avocado seed and some citrus seeds and see if I can get anything to grow. Yea, I know it is unlikely I’ll ever get fruit, but I doubt I’d get fruit from one I order since I wouldn’t have 2 or want to hand pollinate them anywaysand they cost a lot to have a potted tree shipped.