What plant suggestions for small sunny balcony?

threemonkeys

I love this geranium I got from Bunnings, it's had so many flowers in the 3 weeks I've had it and new buds are still popping up, but it's gone absolutely ballistic on my balcony. I don't see this plant maxing out at 50cms, I've pruned it back pretty aggressively but I'm fighting to keep it under control, I can see it getting nearer to double the stated size.

Geraniums tend to do pretty well at my place and I don't have anywhere I can hang a large enough basket so I think this one might to have to go in the ground, where would be a good spot for it? I planted a sad looking cutting of a peppermint scented one a few months ago and now I have a whole lawn of peppermint scented leaves as big as my hand, it grew so fast it choked the weeds out. Not that I'm complaining, it's just that's a lot of peppermint, you can smell it standing next to it. I'm guessing this is a sprawling one as well and I want to avoid a geranium monopoly. Are there any pictures around of how to landscape with this one?

Is there a smaller version of something like this that will work on a hot sunny balcony?

On a side note, why didn't anybody tell me Bunnings Preston was having a rave party 😂 I can't believe I missed it.

EricL

Hello @threemonkeys 

It sounds like your geranium is loving life on your balcony, and I can see why you're struggling to keep it under control! Some geranium varieties grow much larger than expected, especially in ideal conditions, and if yours is already exceeding the 50cm mark, it’s likely a vigorous type. Since geraniums do well at your place and you don’t have space for a large hanging basket, planting it in the ground is a great option.

For the best spot, choose a well-drained, sunny area where it has room to spread but won’t overtake more delicate plants. Given how quickly your peppermint geranium took off, this one might also be a sprawler, so planting it near a garden edge, pathway, or within a raised bed can help keep it contained. If you want to prevent it from taking over, regular pruning will help, and pairing it with other hardy plants can create a balanced look.

To avoid a geranium monopoly while still keeping a vibrant, sun-loving garden, you can mix it with lavender, rosemary, or Seaside Daisy, all of which are available at Bunnings and will thrive in similar conditions. For your hot, sunny balcony, if you’re after a smaller plant with a similar flower display, consider vinca or marigolds. These handle heat well and should stay more manageable in pots.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric