Imagine a scene: 5:30 in the evening, you leave the noise of Mumbai’s busy streets behind and come to your balcony. The sun is slowly setting towards the west, and golden light is falling on your balcony. The air is a little warm, but there’s also a sense of peace. And in this blog, we have collected 10 Amazing West-Facing Balcony Plants That Thrive in Evening Sunlight, so let’s go explain.
The problem is that direct evening sunlight on a west-facing balcony is quite strong. Not every plant can survive there. Leaves burn, flowers wilt, and the balcony loses its charm.
Good news? Some west-facing balcony plants specifically prefer evening sunlight. They not only survive, but thrive, turning your balcony into a veritable green paradise. Let’s take a closer look at 10 amazing west-facing balcony plants that thrive in evening sunlight.
1. Geraniums – Colourful Blooms That Love the Evening Sun
- Light Needs:
- Geraniums prefer 4–6 hours of direct sunlight and thrive in the evening sunlight of west-facing balconies.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-drained potting mix. Watering:
- Watering 2–3 times a week is sufficient.
- Maintenance: Regular deadheading encourages the growth of new blooms.
- Seasonal Angle: Most blooming occurs in the winter season.
2. Bougainvillaea – High Sunlight Climber
- Light Needs:
- Bougainvillea requires direct and strong sunlight. Evening sunlight from west-facing balconies is best for flowering.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Sandy and slightly acidic soil.
- Watering: Requires little water; is drought-tolerant.
- Fertiliser: Balanced NPK fertiliser once every 2–3 months.
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Seasonal Angle: Flowering peaks in the summer and post-monsoon seasons.
3. Aloe Vera – Heat-Resistant Succulent
- Light Needs:
- Aloe vera can tolerate full sunlight and grows healthily in the evening sun.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Sandy and well-drained soil.
- Watering: Water only when the soil is dry.
- Container: Wide pots with drainage holes.
- Seasonal Angle: Its medicinal uses are most valuable in the summer.
4. Hibiscus – Tropical Flowering Plant
- Light Needs:
- Hibiscus requires 5–6 hours of direct sunlight. Evening sunlight on a west-facing balcony is ideal.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Fertile and loamy soil.
- Watering: Water regularly, but avoid soggy soil.
- Maintenance: Pruning encourages new blooms.
- Seasonal Angle: Hibiscus looks freshest and greenest during rainy weather and early winter.
5. Marigold – Sun-Loving Annual Flower
- Light Needs:
- Marigolds prefer bright, direct sunlight. They produce vibrant blooms in the evening sun of west-facing balconies.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Compost-rich potting mix.
- Watering: Moderate watering.
- Maintenance: Deadheading is essential for continuous bloom.
- Seasonal Angle: Most commonly used during festivals and the winter season.
6. Jasmine – Fragrant Flowering Plant
- Light Needs:
- Jasmine requires both sunlight and warmth. Evening sunlight enhances its growth and fragrance.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-drained sandy soil.
- Watering: Regular watering is required.
- Support: Climbing jasmine requires railing support.
- Seasonal Angle: Peak flowering occurs during the monsoon and early winter.
7. Money Plant – Easy to Grow Climber
- Light Needs:
- Money plant grows in both partial shade and evening sun. Suitable for hanging or railing planters in west-facing balconies.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Light and well-drained soil.
- Watering: Once or twice a week is sufficient.
- Maintenance: Regular pruning promotes healthy growth.
- Seasonal Angle: Grows in every season, an evergreen option.
8. Lavender – Aromatic Balcony Herb
- Light Needs:
- Lavender requires bright, direct sunlight. Evening sun on west-facing balconies is perfect.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Sandy, well-drained soil.
- Watering: Water sparingly; excessive moisture damages the roots.
- Maintenance: Trim every 3–4 months.
- Seasonal Angle: Lavender fragrance is strongest on summer evenings.
9. Snake Plant – Hardy & Air-Purifying
- Light Needs:
- Snake plant tolerates low light, but grows faster in the evening sunlight of west-facing balconies.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-drained potting mix.
- Watering: Requires very little water; it is drought-tolerant.
- Maintenance: Clean the leaves monthly.
- Seasonal Angle: Year-round hardy plant, grows with little maintenance.
10. Chrysanthemums – Seasonal Colour Splash
- Light Needs:
- Chrysanthemums require full, direct sunlight. Evening sun from west-facing balconies makes their flowers brighter.
- Care Tips:
- Soil: Fertile and moisture-retaining soil.
- Watering: Regular, moderate watering.
- Maintenance: Deadheading ensures continuous blooming.
- Seasonal Angle: Their blooming peaks in winter.
- See also: plant care guide
Styling Tips for West-Facing Balcony Plants
- Mix tall and short plants for a layered look.
- Clay/terracotta pots absorb heat, so they are best.
- Climbers like bougainvillaea/jasmine are perfect for railings.
- Try money plants or lavender in hanging baskets.
- Have a rustic wooden table for evening tea.
Check out the latest guide on balcony garden hanging baskets for creative styling ideas
Instead of Conclusion – “Make Your Evenings Bloom”
Imagine… geraniums sparkling on your balcony during a golden sunset, the scent of jasmine wafting through the air, and you enjoying your evening tea next to a lavender plant. This isn’t just a balcony, it’s your personal retreat. Don’t let your west-facing balcony go dull. Turn it into a blooming, fragrant, and stylish evening corner with these amazing plants.