10 Plants Your Summer Balcony Needs

7. Petunias

Classic summer flowers that never go out of style

Let me take you back to my very first balcony garden experiment—before I knew what a deadheading was or why some plants just… refuse to bloom. I picked petunias on a whim because, well, they looked cheerful and the colors were wild. Turns out, they’re not only pretty but super easygoing once you get the hang of them.

If you’re looking for balcony-friendly flowers that bring big color with minimal fuss, petunias are your jam.

Spreading vs. Upright Varieties: Which One’s Right for You?

Okay, quick lesson: not all petunias are created equal. There’s the spreading (or trailing) types, which are perfect for hanging baskets or balcony boxes—they spill over the edges like confetti. Then there’s the upright types, which grow more compact and bushy, ideal for pots or small containers.

I started with a mix: Wave petunias in pink and purple for my railing planters (because wow, do they trail nicely), and some Grandiflora in white for centerpieces. Both did great, but the spreading ones gave me that lush, overflowing look I was going for.

Color Me Happy: Picking the Perfect Palette

One thing I love about petunias is the insane range of flower colors—from soft pastels to bold neon shades, even striped and speckled varieties! I went with a mix of deep magenta, lavender, and white for contrast, and honestly? It made my little Chicago balcony feel like a Parisian café.

They also pair beautifully with other container gardening favorites like geraniums, sweet potato vine, or even herbs. Don’t be afraid to play around with combinations until you find what speaks to your style.

Deadheading & Feeding: My Secret to Non-Stop Blooms

Okay, confession: I used to think deadheading was optional. Nope. If you want continuous blooming flowers all summer long, it’s kind of a must. At first, I skipped it—and my petunias got leggy and sad. Once I started pinching off the old blooms every week or so, they bounced right back.

Also, feed them! A light dose of balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks keeps them thriving. I use an organic bloom booster from my local nursery and swear by it—it gives them that extra pop without burning the roots.

Container Gardening Magic with Vertical Displays

Petunias are seriously one of the best vertical gardening plants. I hung two baskets on either side of my balcony rail and added a tiered planter with different colors stacked up front. The result? Instant curb appeal and zero wasted space.

Even if your balcony is tiny, these guys can fill it with life and color without taking up much room. Plus, they attract pollinators like butterflies—which adds a little flutter of joy every time I’m out there sipping coffee.

Alright, ready for something a little more zen next? Let’s talk about the ZZ plant, another low-maintenance stunner that thrives on neglect (yes, really). Click “next” to see how this sleek greenery can blend into any modern balcony design!