Cozy Balcony Vibes: 10 Hanging Plants to Try Now

7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Classic English Ivy (Hedera helix) with its distinctive lobed leaves, shown as elegant "balcony hanging plants," trailing abundantly from a traditional stone urn planter suspended by chains on a covered urban balcony with brick and stone architecture.

Let’s take a step back in time with one of the most timeless balcony plants out there—English Ivy (Hedera helix). This classic climbing vine has been decorating walls, trellises, and yes—even balconies—for centuries.

I’ll admit, I didn’t think much of it at first. I mean, it’s green, right? But then I saw it cascading from a hanging planter on a friend’s Philadelphia apartment balcony and wow, did it change my mind.

It looked so elegant, like something straight out of an old-world courtyard or a design magazine spread. And guess what? It’s not just pretty—it’s seriously versatile too.

Tolerates All Kinds of Light Like a City Pro

One of the biggest struggles for urban gardeners is inconsistent light. You know how it goes—one day your balcony is sunny, the next it’s stuck in shadow from the building next door.

That’s where English Ivy shines. It actually tolerates a variety of light conditions, from bright indirect to low light. Seriously, mine gets about two hours of direct morning sun and spends the rest of the day in filtered or shady spots—and it’s still thriving.

Which makes it a total win for city living, especially if you’re in a high-rise or tight space where sun exposure can be unpredictable.

Train It to Climb or Let It Dangle—Your Call!

Now here’s the fun part: English Ivy is super easy to train to grow around frames or trellises. I started with a small metal obelisk inside my planter and gently wove the vines through it as they grew. Within weeks, it looked like I’d spent hours styling it (spoiler: I totally didn’t).

But if you’re more into that soft, flowing look? Just let it trail down from a hanging planter or balcony railing. Either way, it brings texture and structure that plays well with other plants—like petunias or fuchsias for contrast.

And if you’re into DIY projects or home decor, try wrapping a thin wire around your railing and letting the ivy climb along it. Instant vertical garden vibes.

A Design Lover’s Dream Plant

Okay, real talk—I didn’t expect to fall in love with a plant because of its aesthetic, but English Ivy really does have that historic design charm.

It’s popular among fans of architecture, classic interiors, and even vintage weddings. There’s something so romantic and timeless about the way it drapes and climbs—it feels like nature’s version of crown molding.

Plus, it photographs so well. If you’re into Instagrammable moments, Pinterest-style setups, or just want your balcony to feel like a movie set, this is your secret weapon.

So far we’ve covered lush bloomers, delicate trailers, and now this structured, architectural stunner.

But if you’re looking for something tiny yet mighty—something that adds color without asking for much in return—then you’re going to love what’s next…

👉 Click “next” below and meet Hanging Lobelia—the little flower that punches way above its weight!