Verbena: The summer bloom that could dethrone geraniums
Verbena is a plant that blooms profusely all summer long and thrives in full sun. Ideal for balconies and gardens, it delights with its fragrance and ease of cultivation. Additionally, it has a strong scent. Could it potentially replace the reigning queen of balconies, the geranium?
A balcony is an ideal place to grow a variety of plants, offering many aesthetic and practical benefits. Balcony flowers such as geraniums, petunias, and surfinas are popular choices due to their long and abundant blooming. It's also worth considering other, less popular yet equally beautiful plants. One of them is verbena.
Instead of buying a geranium, choose verbena
Verbena is an excellent alternative to geraniums, surprising with its durability and beauty. It blooms all summer, and its scent is particularly intense in the evenings. It works perfectly both in the garden and on the balcony. Although often treated as an annual, some varieties can survive a mild winter.
Verbena loves the sun, and the more light it gets, the better it blooms. It grows best in southern or western exposures. The soil should be light and permeable, so it's worth adding sand or perlite to it. The plant does not tolerate water stagnation, so pots should have drainage holes.
Watering verbena should be adjusted to the weather, keeping the soil slightly moist. In hot weather, it's best to water in the morning or evening. Every two weeks, it's beneficial to feed it with fertilizer for flowering plants. Regular pruning and the removal of faded inflorescences stimulate the plant to grow.
Not just flowers
For green enthusiasts, balcony trees can be an excellent solution. The jade plant, known as the money tree, and boxwood are plants that not only decorate but are also easy to care for. Miniature fruit trees, such as citrus or columnar apple trees, can provide tasty fruits and enrich the balcony with additional colors.
Vegetables and fruits on the balcony are an option for those who want to enjoy their own harvests. Tomatoes, chili peppers, and berry fruits like strawberries or blueberries are great for growing in pots. The key is to provide the right conditions, such as sunlight and regular watering, for the plants to grow and bear fruit.
