5 Plants for Full Sun on the Balcony

July 10, 2025, 7:39 am | Read time: 3 minutes

Staycations have become increasingly popular in recent years–more or less voluntarily. This makes balcony planting all the more important. myHOMEBOOK editor Franka Kruse-Gering explains which plants thrive on a balcony that gets full sun.

Direct sunlight on the balcony can be beneficial for sunbathing, but not for our plants. Many plants cannot tolerate direct sun or only for short periods. However, balcony owners with a south-facing balcony don’t have to forgo greenery. There are plants that grow well even in full sun on the balcony.

Petunias Love Full Sun

Petunias are among the most popular plants for balconies–not least because they handle full sun wonderfully. They come in both upright and hanging varieties. It’s important to note that they require a lot of water and should be fertilized regularly.

Calibrachoas Like Full Sun but Also Tolerate Partial Shade

Calibrachoas closely resemble petunias but belong to a different genus. Their care is similar. Calibrachoas prefer plenty of sun, but adequate watering is also important. They need fertilizer too. The best way to support them is by using special petunia fertilizer.

Also interesting: Why You Shouldn’t Plant Geraniums on the Balcony

Dahlias Thrive on the Balcony

Dahlias, with their impressive and large blooms, have a significant water requirement. They can be watered once a day, and on particularly warm days, even morning and evening. Full sun on the balcony doesn’t bother the plant; it grows and thrives. However, its location should be wind-protected, as the large and heavy blooms can easily break.

Wilted flowers should be regularly trimmed to ensure the plant has enough energy to produce new ones. Fertilizing is also important for dahlias: every two to three weeks, they can be supported with liquid plant fertilizer.

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Lavender Grows Best in Sunny Spots

Lavender also joins the list of plants that enjoy growing in full sun on the balcony. It is very low-maintenance and should not be watered too often. It does not tolerate waterlogging, so ensure the pot it grows in has drainage. Fertilizer is not necessary.

If you want to plant lavender on the balcony, consider that its root ball needs plenty of space. It’s better to choose a slightly larger pot! By the way, lavender should be pruned twice a year, even when grown on the balcony. You can find instructions in the following video.

Daisies Are Among the Plants That Love Full Sun

Daisies look like large daisies and enhance the balcony. If you decide to plant daisies on the balcony, you should know that they require a lot of water. A good indicator that they are too dry is their heads, which droop when they lack water. To enjoy the blooms for as long as possible, regularly trim wilted flowers, as the dry blooms do not fall off on their own.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.