Hardy Balcony Plants for Sun, Wind and Winter

Key takeaways

1. Narrow, grey, hairy or waxy leaves are the clue to wind and sun tolerance.
2. Roots in pots are more exposed to frost than roots in the ground: group, raise and wrap pots in winter.
3. Large, non-porous pots dry out more slowly; small pots on a windy balcony can need water daily.
4. Lavender, ivy and box are toxic to cats and dogs; rosemary, thyme, sage and heuchera are listed as non-toxic.
5. Cold, wet compost can rot rosemary roots in winter: drainage comes first.

Which plants survive on a sunny, windy balcony?

A balcony is harder on plants than a garden. Wind dries leaves and compost, sun bounces off walls and railings, and in winter the roots sit in a pot above the ground instead of in insulating soil. The RHS advice for balconies and roof gardens is to pick plants that tolerate both drought and wind, and to look for narrow, grey or waxy leaves, or plants sold as suitable for coastal conditions. This list sticks to plants that meet that test, adds what each needs to get through winter in a pot, and checks every one against the ASPCA pet toxicity database, something most balcony lists leave out.

Hardy balcony plants at a glance

The list: 10 tough plants for balconies

1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

The RHS names lavender among plants whose hairy, grey foliage helps them cope with wind and sun, and it attracts pollinators. Give it the sunniest spot and a gritty, free-draining mix. Pet note: the ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs and cats, with nausea and vomiting as signs, so keep pots out of reach of animals that chew plants.

2. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary needs full sun and light, free-draining soil. The RHS says well-established plants can survive about -8 °C (18 °F) but warns that plants in containers are particularly vulnerable to winter cold, and that cold, wet compost can make the roots rot and die. Use a soil-based compost with up to 25% grit, and in a wet winter move the pot under cover or into the lee of a wall. The ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic to dogs and cats.

3. Thyme and sage (Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis)

The RHS lists both among evergreen perennial herbs for winter containers that need full sun. They suit low, wide pots and stay compact in wind. The ASPCA lists both as non-toxic to dogs and cats, which makes them a good choice for a balcony shared with pets.

4. Houseleeks (Sempervivum)

The RHS says houseleeks cope with harsh conditions and suit small spaces, which makes them ideal for railing planters and hot corners. Plant them in very free-draining mix and water sparingly. Our guide to succulent types shows how to tell rosette succulents apart.

5. Sedums

The RHS recommends sedums, along with lavenders, for attracting pollinators to a balcony. Like houseleeks they are drought-loving, which, as the RHS notes, is one of the easiest ways to reduce how much you need to water.

6. Ornamental grasses

Grasses handle wind well because their narrow leaves let the air pass through, according to the RHS. For winter pots, the RHS suggests small evergreen grasses such as Carex to give height and texture next to winter bedding.

7. Heuchera

The RHS calls heucheras an excellent choice for evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage in green or rich plum shades. They add colour when little else is in flower, and the RHS lists them among its top plants for winter containers. The ASPCA lists coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea) as non-toxic to dogs and cats.

8. Viburnum tinus and junipers

For shelter, the RHS recommends dense evergreens such as Viburnum tinus and junipers. Plant them where the wind comes from and they create calmer air for smaller plants behind them. Use the largest pot you can safely place, and fix tall plants to the railings or wall.

9. Winter pansies and violas

Winter-flowering pansies and violas flower intermittently during mild spells in winter, says the RHS, and they are a cheap way to add colour from autumn to spring. Plant them with spring bulbs for a second show.

10. Box and ivy (Buxus, Hedera helix)

The RHS suggests evergreen shrubs such as box and ivy as a focal point in a large container. Both are toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA, which lists vomiting and diarrhoea as signs. If you have pets, choose rosemary, thyme or heuchera instead; our list of pet-safe houseplants covers indoor options.

How do you protect balcony pots in winter?

The weak point in winter is the pot, not the plant. The RHS warns that wet compost freezing can kill plants, and that roots near the edges of containers are vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

• Group pots together against the house wall, which helps protect roots from the cold.
• Raise pots on feet or bricks to aid drainage and reduce the risk of freezing that cracks pots.
• Wrap pots in bubble wrap or fleece in severe weather. The RHS says heavier fleece gives about 2 °C of frost protection.
• Remove saucers for winter so pots do not stand in water, and do not water when frost is forecast.
• Keep checking evergreens. The RHS advises checking evergreens and conifers at least weekly, especially pots under cover, since compost can dry out quickly in mild spells.

Our seasonal plant care calendar lists the other jobs to do as the weather turns, whether your winter falls in December or in July.

Pots and watering for a windy balcony

Small pots dry out much faster than larger ones, so the RHS recommends the largest containers practical. Plastic, metal and fibreglass are non-porous and lose less water than terracotta, and long, low planters are less likely to blow over. Use slatted or mesh screens rather than solid ones, which create turbulence on the sheltered side. In warm, windy summer weather, the RHS says plants may need water once or even twice a day. If you track several balcony pots, Flori lets you group plants by location, such as balcony, and set watering reminders for each.

One last check: a few common winter pot plants are not hardy at all. The RHS notes that florist's cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is not hardy, although it usually lasts until the new year in a sheltered spot. If a tender houseplant spent the summer outside, bring it in before the first frost; see how cold is too cold for houseplants.

Flori editorial team

Written and fact-checked by the Flori team. Every guide cites horticultural sources such as the RHS, university extension services and the ASPCA, and is updated when the advice changes.

General plant care information. Plants vary; when a plant is valuable or a problem spreads quickly, consult a local nursery or plant specialist.