Seven plants to brighten your balcony this winter

Is there a better way to brighten up the winter of a dark, dark moon than planting a balcony full of colorful winter flowers in winter?

Here are seven favorites. All of these are good for planting in patio pots or containers. Winter may be on us, but with this small collection your balcony will be a beacon of adorableness to brighten up even on the most pessimistic grey days. For more ideas about bringing a splash of colour into your home or garden, browse information and advice on our Winter Flower Hub page.

1. Hollies

Holly ‘Argentea Marginata’ has a multi-speed scar-colored red winter berry leaves and clusters
Image: Holly ‘Argentea Marginata’ from T&M

With its glossy, dark, thorny green leaves and bright red berries, the holly is a must-have for winter balconies and also offers plenty of materials for Christmas wreaths and wreaths. Make your balcony a hot topic in your neighborhood this winter season by planting your own thick evergreens. Hollies survive punishing the cold, and their berries often go to the end of winter, or until hungry birds finish them.

2. Winter heather

Heather “Darleydale” produces beautiful, pale pink flowers at the end of winter
Image: Erica x Darleyensis ‘Darley Dale’ by T&M

Evergreen, small, easy to grow, long-flowered winter heather is a great plant to cheer up your balcony when it’s cold and dark. Heather is completely durable and blooms perfectly regardless of wind and rain. Plant them in containers or troughs on your balcony and watch them return each year in fantastic shades of white, purple and pink.

3. KimmiaJaponica

Perfect for growing in containers, Skimmia japonica ‘rubella’ brings interest all year round
Copyright: Visions BV, Netherlands

Skimmia japonica ‘rubella’ has shiny leaves and is covered with clusters of dark red flower buds that last long until winter until they open into white-pink flowers in spring. This tough, trouble-free shrub is perfect for beginners. If your balcony isn’t particularly sunny, this is a good option for shaded areas.

4. Hellebores

Helleboles is a stunning addition to shady borders and winter containers
Image: Hellebore x Hybridus ‘Mixed’ from T&M

There aren’t many plants that actually bloom during peak winter months. Nevertheless, the snow in the UK in January is no match for Hellebores. One of our favorite tough evergreen trees thrives during the coldest times of the year, with their elegant flowers and dark green leaves, making them undoubtedly one of the best plants to brighten up your balcony this winter.

5. Heuchera

Perfect for containers, Heuchera ‘Marmalade’ has amazing leaves all year round
Image: Heuchera ‘Marmalade’ by T&M

Huchera is a must if you’re looking for a winter leaf plant. There is a lot of interesting and diverse diversity in the leaves, and this evergreen tree deals well with dark conditions and provides colour even in winter depths. One of our favorites is Heuchera’s “Marmalade.” The ruffled bronze, peach and pink leaves are the perfect choice to brighten up your winter balcony. During the summer, it also produces a spray of white flowers.

6. Winter pansies

Pansy “Frizzy Sizzle” from T&M contains rainbows of colours that will come back to life at the end of winter
Copyright: Visions BV, Netherlands

We breed winter pansies to withstand particularly freezing temperatures. It may be a little drooping in extreme situations, but it should bounce back as soon as the temperature rises. With colorful petals and a cheeky “face”, Pansy chooses fantastic winter bedding for your balcony. If properly planted and well maintained, they will return to next winter.

7. Indoor trees

Lemon-like patio fruit trees beautifully frame your patio door
Image: Citrus Fruits – T&M’s Lemon

Indoor trees are the ideal choice to provide a nice link to the space from inside to outside. Place the indoor trees on either side of the patio door in a way that will make you look out for external planting. Small indoor trees take up little space, but they have a positive impact on the indoor environment and make you feel good. Lemon trees can be moved outside until several summer months.

For ideas on growing plants on balconies and small spaces, please visit our dedicated hub page.

The Thompson & Morgan Horticultural team produces a wealth of content on gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was released in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown into one of the UK’s largest mail-order seed and plant companies. Through publishing catalogs and running an award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the highest quality products that money can buy.

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