With lavish flowers, potted plants transform the terrace into a summer oasis of wellbeing. This privilege is not only reserved for hobby gardeners with a free schedule. Those who devote themselves to their job during the day and have no time for extensive maintenance work do not have to do without the floral magic. Mother nature gives us a multitude of decorative plants that do not sag even on the south side of the house. The following selection presents you with recommended container plants for the terrace, which are satisfied with little water despite full sun.
Beard flower (Caryopteris clandonensis)
When the terrace is exposed to intense sunlight in late summer and autumn, the bearded flower opens up to its blooming top form. With bright blue flowers on up to 100 cm high, upright shoots, the densely bushy subshrub creates an opulent appearance. Thanks to its robust winter hardiness, it is sufficient to cut it back in spring so that the flower show repeats itself in the next season.
- Flowering period from August to October
- If the top 3-4 cm of the earth dries up, it is poured
Blue rute - silver bush (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Do not struggle any longer with a full sun location on the terrace, where common summer flowers give up exhausted after a short period of drought. The richly blooming and profusely branched blue rhomb feels right at home in these locations. If the sun's rays fall on the silvery shimmering foliage, a bewitching scent unfolds invites you to relax and linger after a busy day, without having to set off with the watering can do.
- Flowering period from August to October
- Pour little without causing waterlogging
Diamond grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha)
Ornamental grasses paint evergreen images in the bucket on the terrace, which do not leave any sadness even in winter. One of the top carats in this category is diamond grass, which features filigree, silvery-pink flower spikes well into autumn. The pot should have a volume of at least 10 liters so that the expansive ornamental grass feels in good hands. If you only find time to water in the evening on hot summer days, the plant won't blame you.
- Flowering time in autumn
- Water in the evening or morning on hot summer days
Gorse (Cytisus scoparius)
The noble variant of the common gorse, delights with red-yellow wing flowers
- Flowering time from May to June
- Water when the substrate is dry
Japanese maple 'Mikawa yatsubusa' (Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa')
This rarity among the deciduous trees provides convincing evidence that no flowers are required to draw a colorful picture on the terrace. Dense clusters of leaves sit on the conspicuously twisted branches in a roof-tile-like arrangement. In autumn the bright red foliage shines in competition with the last of the flowering plants. The sunnier the location, the more intense the color. The Japanese treasure reaches a height of 100 to 150 cm after 10 years, so that - unlike other deciduous trees - it can stay in the tub for its entire life.
- Special feature: twisted branches
- Water 1 to 2 times a week in summer
Gazanie - Midday Gold (Gazania)
Summer heat doesn't bother her any more than blazing sun at noon. It is these sweat-inducing conditions that a gazanie expects in order to unfold its up to 10 cm large disc flowers. The sunshine hybrids, which stretch up to 30 cm towards the sky, are perfect for the bucket. To stage the flower festival in the balcony box, the 15 cm small mini star Gazania are ready.
- Flowering time from June to the first frost
- Only pour when the substrate is well dried
Houseleek 'water lily' (Sempervivum)
Representative of the multifaceted family of badger and houseleeks, we would like to introduce you to the colorful variety 'water lily'. The succulent trumps with a striking silhouette of emerald-green leaf rosettes, which impressively set the scene with red-brown tips in summer. The undemanding Sempervivum decorate your terrace in the bucket in all sunny locations in a fascinating way. Even shimmering heat does not cause the perennials any problems, as they can fall back on their own water supplies in the fleshy leaves. It is only important to note that the planting takes place in a sandy, permeable and nutrient-poor substrate.
- Flowering time all year round, depending on the species
- Water in sips when it is dry
Autumn skullcap (Scutellaria incana)
In love with the sun, tolerant of drought and undemanding - this one
The autumn skullcap is characterized by attributes. When the gardening year draws to a close, the reliable perennial puts on its light blue flower dress. The good-natured skullcap lasts until the first frost without constantly asking for care. Only pruning close to the ground in early spring creates space for the next generation of flowers to sprout.- Flowering period from August to the first frost
- In summer drought, water when the soil is dry
Cape marguerite (Osteospermum)
As an evergreen subshrub with a never-ending flowering period, the cape daisy should not be missing in this selection. The South African sun worshiper only opens her flowers when she can enjoy the rays of our mother star. Since their flower stalks stretch up to 60 cm in height, the Bornholm marguerite favors a wind-calmed zone on the terrace and balcony.
- Flowering time from May to the first frost
- Water thoroughly in the morning or evening on hot summer days
lavender
With the real lavender, the romantic flair of Provence finds its way into the terrace and balcony. The robust small shrub rarely requires gardening attention as long as it is allowed to stay in a sunny, warm place. In addition to the deep blue flowers, lavender scores with evergreen, aromatic leaves. Sun, dryness and warmth elicit the most beautiful sides of the Mediterranean gem in the bucket.
- Flowering time from July to September
- Water sparingly
Tip: So that drought-loving potted plants do not suffer from waterlogging, please insert a drainage made of inorganic materials between the substrate and the soil opening. Pottery shards, expanded clay balls or grit are well suited. So that the water-bearing layer does not become muddy, spread a breathable fleece over it.
Light carnation, velvet carnation (Lychnis coronaria)
The two-year carnation makes up for its short lifespan with a lavish abundance of flowers that lasts all summer. Their most beautiful varieties bloom in bright carmine red or innocent white. For the small tub and the large flower box, the sun worshiper is suitable both as a solitary plant as well as in the sociable neighborhood of perennials with a similar preference for sunny, warm locations.
- Flowering time from June to August / September
- Only water in summer when the finger test indicates dry soil
Magnificent candle (Gaura lindheimeri)
The magnificent candle found its way into our gardens from the sun-drenched, hot prairie landscapes of North America. With gracefully hanging flower clusters, the 60 to 100 cm tall perennial in the bucket takes part in the summer show on the terrace. From its innumerable, profusely blooming shoots, the magnificent candle donates one or two stems for the vase. Since it is not completely hardy, we recommend frost-free, light winter quarters.
- Flowering time from July to October
- Pour cautiously
Sand carnation (Dianthus arenarius)
If you are on the lookout for a sun-compatible underplanting of large container plants that are content with little water, the sand carnation is there. With delicate 10 to 20 cm growth height and filigree, white flowers, it lies decoratively at the feet of flowering trees and majestic perennials. Of course, the pretty perennial also likes to play the main role in the flower box on the sunny terrace.
- Flowering time from July to September
- Pour now and then
Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
- Flowering time from April to May
- Water sparingly
Sea lavender (Goniolimon tataricum)
It is considered a prime example of an uncomplicated container plant that longs for full sun and requires little water. As its name suggests, the standing lilac prefers to thrive in barren, dry and sunny conditions. Among the more than 300 species, the perfect sea lavender should be found for every wish. Incidentally, the blue flower stalks are ideal for long-lasting dried flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
- Flowering time from July to October
- Pour in sips
Thyme (thymus vulgaris)
Aromatic thyme transforms the terrace into a scented and herb garden. Thanks to the wide variety of varieties, there is the ideal herbal plant for every design requirement. The broad spectrum of hybrids extends from the small, red-blooming cascade thyme for the balcony box to the 30 cm spice thyme for the tub. At the same time, the kitchen is regularly supplied with fresh herbs. The top priority for the full aroma is a sunny, warm place that comes close to the Mediterranean climatic conditions.
- Flowering period from June to August
- Water in sips when the earth is dry
White Buddleia (Buddleja davidii)
With up to 40 cm long, snow-white flower panicles, which exude a beguiling scent, the wonderful summer lilac trumps. The 200 to 300 cm tall ornamental wood in the large tub on the sun-drenched terrace sets the scene for its summer blooming show, because it only achieves its optimum in full sun.
- Flowering time from July to October / November
- If it is dry, water in the morning or evening
Tip: Even hardy plants cannot do without protection against freezing frost in the tub. Place the vessel on a block of wood and wrap it with jute, foil or fleece. A thick layer of leaves protects the substrate from excessive winter moisture.
Rockrose (Cistus laurifolius)
The rockrose does not like to be confronted with shady locations and moisture. Rather, the flowering ornamental wood only unfolds its Mediterranean charm when it can enjoy the full sun. With a height of 60 to 120 cm, the fragrant beauty of the flowers is predestined for cultivation in the tub. Since the fragrant plant shivers at temperatures below freezing point, it can easily be stored in a pot in a frost-free winter quarters.
- Flowering time from May / June to August / September
- Only pour when the substrate is noticeably dry
Lemon tree (Citrus x limon)
From May to October, the lemon tree exudes a Mediterranean holiday feeling, when a splendor of white flowers sets in scene above its glossy green leaves, complemented by the yellow fruits. For this floral masterpiece, the citrus plant wants a sunny, warm place in a sheltered niche.
- Blooms several times a year
- Pour thoroughly 2 to 3 times a week, depending on the temperature
Conclusion
They contribute a colorful abundance of flowers to the creative terrace greening and tolerate short-term drought. The container plants presented here will not leave you in the lurch in full sun if they only receive a little water. Rather, the floral survivors only feel that they are in good hands if they do not stretch their roots in damp and wet substrate. As this selection shows, as a hobby gardener with limited time you do not have to do without a colorful, blooming retreat for mild summer evenings.
