Evergreens for the balcony: green all year round

A balcony that stays green and inviting even in winter? This is possible with evergreens: plants that keep their leaves all year round. They form the stable base of your balcony, provide structure when flowering plants are spent, and ensure a fresh look in the grey months. In this guide, you will learn which evergreens work best in containers and pots, and how to keep them healthy. [[IMAGE: winter green balcony with evergreens in planters | alt: evergreens on the balcony for a green balcony all year round]] Why Evergreens Are the Backbone of Your Balcony Annual bloomers come and go, but evergreens are always there. They give your balcony structure and colour all year round, break the wind, provide shelter for birds, and form a beautiful backdrop for seasonal bloomers. Plant them well once, and you'll enjoy them for years. [[LINK: spacious planters for permanent planting → GreenUp balcony planters collection]] The Best Evergreens for Containers and Pots Green and compact Ilex crenata (Japanese holly) — the popular boxwood alternative: sleek, compact, and trouble-free. Skimmia — glossy foliage with decorative buds and berries in winter. Hebe — spherical, with leaves in many shades; choose a hardy variety. Ivy — evergreen, quickly creates a green wall or screen. Structure and movement Winter-green ornamental grasses like sedge (carex) provide airy movement, even in winter. Combine them with a compact evergreen for contrast between sleek and playful. [[IMAGE: planter with ilex and winter-green sedge | alt: ilex crenata and sedge as evergreens in a balcony planter]] Evergreen and edible Rosemary, thyme, and bay also keep their leaves and provide fresh flavour throughout the winter. This way, your basic planting is immediately useful in the kitchen. [[LINK: also read about bamboo on the balcony → bamboo-on-the-balcony]] How to Keep Evergreens Healthy in Pots Choose a spacious, sturdy container Evergreens stay in the same pot for years, so give them space and good potting soil. In a larger container, the roots cool down less quickly in winter and the soil dries out less quickly in summer. Don't forget water in winter A common mistake: evergreens also evaporate moisture through their leaves in winter. On frost-free, dry days, they need water occasionally — otherwise, they will dry out despite the cold. Protect the roots from frost Roots in a pot are more vulnerable to frost than in the open ground. Place the container against a wall, wrap it if necessary, or place it on feet so the roots remain protected. [[LINK: also read how to prepare your balcony for winter → balcony-winter-preparation]] In Short Evergreens provide your balcony with greenery and structure all year round. Choose compact varieties like ilex, skimmia, and hebe, supplement with winter-green grasses and edible herbs, and plant them in a spacious container. Water occasionally even in winter and protect the roots from frost — then your balcony will always stay green. Frequently Asked Questions Which evergreens are suitable for a balcony in a pot? Compact varieties like ilex crenata (boxwood alternative), skimmia, hebe, and ivy do excellent in containers and pots. Supplement with winter-green ornamental grasses and herbs like rosemary and bay. Do I need to water evergreens in winter? Yes, occasionally. Evergreens also evaporate moisture through their leaves in winter. On frost-free, dry days, give them some water, otherwise, they can dry out despite the cold. How do I protect evergreens in pots from frost? Place the container against a wall, wrap it with bubble wrap or burlap, and place it on feet. This way, the roots — the most vulnerable part in a pot — are better protected. What is a good alternative to boxwood on the balcony? Ilex crenata (Japanese holly) is very similar to boxwood but is less susceptible to diseases and the box tree moth. Ideal for a sleek, green base in a container or pot.

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Evergreens for the balcony: green all year round

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