Manyevergreen species of trees and shrubshave dwarf forms that reach small sizes that grow well in boxes, large pots and containers on balconies and terraces. Thanks to this, they are a decoration all year round, also in autumn and winter. You can choose from conical, spherical or stump-grafted forms, resembling miniature trees. Here are 7 selected proposalsyear-round plants for the balcony!
Trees for the balcony all year round
Fig. depositphotos.com
How to choose the right trees for the balcony?
Whenchoosing the right plant for a balcony or terracewe should know its target height, growth rate and degree of frost resistance. Trees grown in pots require careful care as they are more sensitive than plants grown in the ground. This is because the root system of plants planted in containers is more exposed to unfavorable weather conditions. That is why it is so important to choose the right species and varieties to meet our expectations. Below we present 7 decorative and durableall-season trees perfect for a balcony
1. Evergreen boxwood
Evergreen boxwood(Buxus sempervirens) is a very popular species that looks great as a small tree with a spherical or conical crown (boxwood is pruning well, so it can be formed almost on any shape). The forms with a spherical crown on the trunk are obtained by grafting the boxwood on a suitable rootstock, which is the trunk of the tree.The easy-to-grow boxwood can grow in any place, both sunny and shady. It tolerates polluted air, drought and quite low temperatures well, which makesa great year-round tree for the balcony
Trees for the balcony all year round - boxwood
Fig. pixabay.com
Boxwood planted in a container needs a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained and moist soil. Requires regular watering and fertilizing. Although it belongs to ornamental species with quite good frost resistance (plant frost resistance zone 6B), it is worth covering the pot with insulation material during the winter so that the root system does not suffer damage. When shaping the boxwood crown, prune the plants 2-3 times a season: in early spring and summer. Trimming the box too late may result in the shrub not having time to regenerate before the onset of frost.
Siberian Karagana 'Pendula'
Siberian Karagana 'Pendula'(Caragana arborescens) is a shrub or a small tree with a hanging habit.Its long branches hang down close to the trunk, often reaching the ground. You can buy it in a form grafted on a trunk, which ultimately reaches up to 2 m in height. This attractive plant adorns your garden or balcony all year round. Feathery light green leaves appear in early spring. In mid-May, bright yellow clusters of butterfly flowers develop, which form long pods after flowering. In winter, the caragana pleases the eye with an interesting habit and long, hanging shoots.
Siberian karagana 'Pendula'
Fig. depositphotos.com
The exceptional resistance of the Siberian carrageenan cannot be overestimated, which predisposes it tocultivation as a tree for a balconyIt grows best in a sunny position. It can grow on any soil, as long as it is permeable. Siberian karagana perfectly tolerates pollution, dry air, heat and frost even down to -40 ° C. Planted in a pot, it requires regular, but not too abundant watering and fertilizing.To ensure the carrageenan has the right habit, we can prune the plants in late autumn or early spring. We propagate the caragana from seeds and semi-woody cuttings.
3. Arborvitae 'Whipcord'
Giant Thuja 'Whipcord'(Thuja plicata) is an original, dwarf variety of giant thuja with weeping shoots. It grows slowly, after 10 years it grows to only 0.3 m in height and 0.6 m in width. There is also a stump grafted variety available for sale, growing up to about 1 m in height. Delicate, slightly branched, stringy shoots hang down to form a small dome or umbrella, which in the case of a trunk grafted specimen gives a very exotic looking tree.
Giant Thuja 'Whipcord'
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
This variety of thuja is not very demanding. It performs best in a quiet, warm and sunny position.It prefers a fertile, well-drained substrate with a large water capacity. In spring and summer, especially in dry weather, the plant should be watered regularly, and it can also be supplemented with multi-component fertilizers every 2-3 weeks. Thuja is resistant to frost (plant hardiness zone 6A) and can be planted all over the country.
4. Bosnian pine 'Smidtii'
Bosnian pine 'Smidtii'(Pinus heldreichii) is a very decorative and durable dwarf pine variety. It grows very slowly, maximum 3 cm per year. Grafted on a trunk, it takes the form ofa small, spherical tree with a dense, nice habitLight green needles, densely covering the shoots, are bright all year round. This variety not only looks nice, it also has really low requirements. It needs a quiet and sunny position, and it will grow in any soil. It withstands drought, barren soil, polluted air and frost. It is not afraid of diseases or pests - it is an unbreakable plant.
5. Barbed holly
Spiny Holly(Ilex aquifolium) is a wonderful, evergreen shrub, which can be successfully transformed into a small (1.5-3 m tall) tree. It looks exceptionally decorative in winter, when it is decorated with bright red berries.
Trees for the balcony all year round - holly
Fig. pixabay.com
The barbed holly feels good both in the sun and in the shade. It requires a quiet location and a fertile, permeable, fairly light substrate with a neutral or slightly acidic pH (pH 5.5-6.5). It does not have high nutritional requirements, it is enough to feed it every 2-3 weeks with universal multi-component fertilizer. It requires regular watering, although it tolerates short-term drought well. It tolerates polluted and dry air very well. Due to the low frost resistance (frost resistance zone 7a), plants should be covered for winter, especially if severe frost is expected.Holly tolerates the shaping cut that we make in the summer. Plants can be propagated by cuttings and layering.
6. White spruce 'Conica'
White Spruce 'Conica'(Picea glauca) - it is a dwarf, slow-growing variety with a dense, conical crown. After 10 years, it grows to only 100 cm in height, making ita perfect tree for growing in a potShort, delicate, light green needles give the plant a decorative appearance.
White spruce 'Conica'
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Easy to grow spruce does not require high soil requirements, it tolerates both drought and frost well (frost resistance zone 5A). Needs a fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic substrate. Spruce can cope well in a pot - it is enough to water it regularly while keeping the substrate constantly moist. Once a year, in spring, it is good to feed the plant with organic or mineral fertilizer.We carry out the care and shaping cutting in early spring. Despite its high frost resistance, white spruce, planted in a pot, should be protected against frost. We insulate the pot and cover the entire plant with, for example, agrotextile. White spruce can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.
7. Douglas Fir 'Fletcheri'
Douglas Fir 'Fletcheri'(Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a slow growing, dwarf variety with a compact, irregular habit. Grafted on a trunk, it grows up to 2-3 m in height. Takes cut well. We form the crown in early spring or late summer. The pride of this variety are soft, short needles with a beautiful bluish shade. The plant works well both in the sun and in partial shade. It grows best in loamy-sandy, well-drained and fertile ground. Douglas fir is resistant to frost (frost resistance zone 5B) and even if it freezes, it will regenerate quickly. It tolerates drought well, but is sensitive to polluted air.It does not require any special fertilization. Watering in periods of drought and winter. It is resistant to diseases and pests.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
