Which plants for a contemporary balcony?

Graphic bushes and perennials

To enhance a contemporary balcony, vegetation with an original or even atypical silhouette is highly recommended: it will certainly resonate with a very modern apartment and extend a unique scenography to the outside. It is interesting to consider small to medium-sized bushes with a twisted habit or those whose bark will become very ornamental in winter (Acers, Corylus, Salix), or exotic shrubs that provide architectural impact (Cycas revoluta). A dwarf conifer with a columnar or rounded habit when space is limited also brings an immediately dynamic and modern visual. Stem forms are also very useful for the limited spaces of a balcony, offering a sleek and original silhouette. Finally, do not overlook the shrubs you can shape into topiary or Niwaki!

You actually have numerous options, from a Phormium that is sculptural and upright to Muehlenbeckia complexa with tiny leaves cascading from a tall container, from a twisted Japanese Maple with spiralled stems to a Leucothoe ‘Twisting Red’, from the exceptional foliage of a Gingko biloba dwarf trained on a stem like ‘Gnome’ or ‘Troll’ with the graphic stems of an Equisetum japonicum…

Also favour several evergreen shrubs as they provide a year-round permanent decor in urban environments and often help to conceal a very present view: Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ and a whole range of Pittosporum tenuifolium that are truly perfect for contemporary balconies, evergreen spindle trees with multiple variations, including the practical ‘Benkomasaki’ for narrow balconies, conifers to prune, boxwood or Ilex crenata fastigiate. Of course, some non-running Fargesia bamboos or Sasas can fit into a sufficiently large balcony, bringing a happy verticality and a hint of the exotic that integrates very well into contemporary spaces. Ligustrums or Laurus nobilis on stems shaped into balls are also very attractive subjects that can fit into almost any balcony, ensuring space-saving and a perfect, understated, and chic appearance!

Our favourites: Cryptomeria globosa ‘Nana’, Acer palmatum ‘Ornatum’, Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ purple, Fatsia polycarpa ‘Green Fingers’, Equisetum japonicum, Phormium ‘Chocomint’, Corylus avellana ‘Scooter’.

Play with the habits and silhouettes as well as the originality of the foliage: Phormiums, Fatsia polycarpa, Ginkgo biloba, Salix caprea, Cryptomeria globosa ‘Nana’, Equisetum japonicum, Muehlenbeckia, and the trimmed or stemmed shrubs

Bold grasses

Ultra trendy, particularly ornamental in large pots on a balcony, grasses are well-suited for pot cultivation and are often resistant to urban pollution and winds, a consideration to keep in mind for high balconies. Grasses not only provide a modern and vertical silhouette, but also a lightness when their inflorescences emerge at the end of summer, and they decorate your balcony during the winter months. These “3-in-1” plants are beautiful all year round and should not be overlooked on a contemporary balcony!

Depending on your exposure, you can choose Carex (close to grasses) or Hakonechloas, stunning in elevated pots, or if you prefer full sun, Pennisetums, fescues, or stipas for small balconies, and miscanthus for larger balconies. The Schizachyriums and Panicums with a more upright appearance have the advantage of spreading little, making them ideal grasses for our contemporary balconies.

Our favourites: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’, Pennisetum orientale ‘Fairy Tails’, Panicum virgatum ‘Purple Breeze’; Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Ha Ha Tonka’, Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’

Panicum virgatum ‘Purple Breeze’, Pennisetum orientale, Carex ‘Everglow’ and blue fescue cushion

→ Discover our advice sheet 6 grasses for pots

Colourful foliage

Grayed and blueish foliage are cool colours that beautifully adorn contemporary balconies. Consider Helichrysums italicums, Helictotrichons, and Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Ball’. By opting for warmer tones, rely on acid greens that pair well with the dark greens of many conifers on a stylish balcony: for example, Hackonekloa macra ‘Aureola’, Hostas ‘August Moon’, and Euphorbias ‘Ascot Rainbow’. Variegated foliage will also be perfect with Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’, Pittosporums tenuifoliums, or a wide variety of spindle trees. Finally, don’t hesitate to include a unique coloured foliage that will add an original touch with sacred bamboos or Libertias.

Our favourites: Euonymous fortunei ‘Dan’s Delight’, Nandina domestica ‘Lemon Lime’, and Nandina domestica ‘Filamentosa’, Libertia ixioides ‘Goldfinger’, Leucothoe axillaris ‘Curly Red’, and Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Sem’ on a fairly large balcony or small terrace.

Nandina domestica ‘Lemon Lime’, Fatsia japonica ‘Spider Web’, Leucothoe ‘Curly Red’

A monochrome universe

To emphasise the stylised aspect of a contemporary setting, be careful not to multiply colours on your balcony. Instead, it should display a monochrome trend, favouring white in the flowering, as it harmonises beautifully with the often dark materials chosen, and highlights the selected foliage around.

To create this balcony dressed in white and green, it is essential to carefully select the flowering bushes, climbing plants, or perennials that will enliven the dark or bluish greens, in a controlled punctuation…

Sumptuous inflorescences of Hydrangeas, or conversely, the light flowering of white Gauras, aromatic plants like white rosemary offering lovely discreet flowers, all have their place in this contemporary universe as long as they remain few in number. The umbel-shaped flowers add lovely roundness to the rigour imposed by the foliage, making them perfect for a contemporary balcony. A few spike inflorescences like Eremurus ‘White Beauty Favourite’ are also useful for bringing verticality. For a climbing plant, clematis with small white flowers and star jasmine are reliable choices.

Our favourites include: Agapanthus umbellatus ‘Albus’, Allium ‘White Cloud’, Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’, Iberis sempervirens, Westringia fruticosa white in mild climates, Libertias, Camassias leichtilinii ‘Semiplena’, Echinops ‘Star Frost’, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Clematis ‘Early Sensation’.

A single extra-large flowering like that of a Hydrangea, or a few splashes of white created by Gauras, a star jasmine, Agapanthuses, or a Westringia

A minimalist furniture

Furniture, just like vegetation, plays a significant visual role on a balcony: firstly because it represents a substantial volume in this limited space, and it complements the bushes, climbing plants, or perennial plants through its materials.

On a contemporary balcony, the choice of planters and large containers will primarily be based on shades of grey, whether light or dark, or white if the surface is dark, for example. You should favour stone fibre or concrete fibre, with straight or even oblong shapes, tall for trailing plants like Carex or certain carpet plants, which create a stunning effect for showcasing your plants with character. Metal, aluminium, or steel containers also work very well, as long as they maintain pure and modern lines. A mineral mulch will complement the sought-after simplicity on the balcony.

Large containers or hanging pockets for small ferns, the containers remain understated and almost fade away!

Some tips for designing your contemporary balcony

• Don’t be too heavy-handed with associations: for a contemporary balcony, choose a few plants that you like the most, and insert a major flowering plant (such as hydrangeas for summer and spring bulbs like Camassias), or two light and airy flowers; this is more than enough to maintain the uncluttered spirit of your outdoor space.
• Feel free to vary your decor with some completely graphic and trendy indoor plants like Sansevierias and jade trees, which you can bring out in fine weather and bring back inside during harsh winters.
• Think “patterns” and symmetry by using similar containers for the same plant: three tall containers of grasses or spherical or pyramidal evergreen shrubs will create a very graphic dynamic!
• In the harmony of foliage, make a choice from the start for a contrast of dark solid foliage and one or two variegated or coloured foliage, depending on your space. You can also opt for a balcony based solely on one or two atypical dwarf conifers and a single imposing grass. As with flowering plants, the aim is to maintain a very aesthetic atmosphere that emphasises elegance and simplicity.
• If white seems too common, try blue or pale yellow for the flowers, while always maintaining the right balance that favours the foliage.
• Of course, the choice of your plants depends on the size of your balcony and its orientation. Whether you have a long balcony, a round balcony, or a rectangular balcony, you won’t have the same space, and you will need to consider this crucial factor for the spreading of shrubs in particular. Finally, also check the conditions suitable for grasses, which often require a lot of sunlight. The great advantage of potted plants is, of course, the ability to juxtapose plants with extremely varied soil requirements.

Crassula ovata and Sansevieria