10 Plants Your Summer Balcony Needs

2. Lavender

Adds fragrance, charm, and a touch of romance

Let me be real with you—I didn’t think lavender could thrive on a balcony until I gave it a shot last summer. I figured it needed wide open fields, bees, and some kind of fairy tale setting. But nope! With the right care and a bit of patience, lavender can grow beautifully in compact pots—even in a city like Chicago or Seattle where the weather can be wildly unpredictable.

Why Lavender Works for Balcony Gardeners

If your balcony gets at least 6 hours of direct sun a day, you’re golden. Lavender is one of those sun-loving balcony plants that actually prefers dry conditions, which makes it perfect for forgetful waterers like me.

I started with a small pot (10–12 inches wide) and used a gritty, well-draining soil mix—regular potting soil tends to hold too much moisture and can cause root rot. After a few weeks of adjusting my watering schedule (and almost overwatering it to death), mine started blooming like crazy. The scent? Heavenly. Like walking into a spa or a French countryside garden.

How It Adds Calm to My Summer Evenings

I love winding down after work, and having fragrant balcony plants like lavender really sets the mood. I’ll light a few candles, string up some fairy lights, and just sit outside breathing in that calming aroma. Honestly, it’s become part of my self-care routine, especially during stressful weeks.

Lavender has this natural ability to slow things down mentally—it’s not just me; studies show it helps reduce stress and anxiety. So if you’re looking to turn your balcony into a mini relaxation zone, this plant is a total must-have.

Styling with Light & Scent: My Favorite Combo

One of my favorite styling hacks is pairing lavender with soft lighting. I use solar-powered fairy lights draped over railings or around potted plants. When the sun goes down, it looks like something out of a Pinterest board.

It’s also a great match for other balcony-friendly flowers like geraniums or marigolds. Plus, bees absolutely adore it—so bonus points if you’re into urban pollinator support.

Pruning & Harvesting Tips from My First DIY Attempt

Okay, so here’s where I messed up initially—I let mine grow wild without pruning. Big mistake. You’ve got to trim it back regularly to keep it bushy and encourage new growth.

When I finally harvested it (yes, you can do that!), I dried bundles upside down in a dark place and used the buds in homemade sachets and even a DIY lavender sugar scrub. Total game-changer for DIY beauty projects and herbal home remedies.

Now that we’ve covered how to bring a little Mediterranean magic to your space, ready to add some bold color next? Let’s talk about geraniums—those cheerful blooms that practically scream summer. Click “next” to see how they can upgrade your balcony style!