A practical guide to choosing the best plants for your terrace or balcony depending on sunlight, orientation, and climate – brought to you by Planteka.

Having a terrace, no matter how big or small, is a luxury—it’s your personal slice of nature at home. But to turn it into a green oasis instead of a forgotten corner with dried-up pots, it’s important to choose the right plants based on your space’s conditions. Because every terrace is different, and luckily, there are plants for all kinds of spaces.

Why my terrace’s orientation matters?

Before rushing to the garden centre, take some time to observe your terrace:

• How many hours of direct sunlight does it get?
• What time of day is it sunny?
• Is it windy? Rainy? Extremely hot in summer?

Depending on the orientation, your terrace will receive different amounts of light—and that affects which plants will thrive:

• South-facing: Full sun most of the day. Great for heat- and drought-tolerant species, but watch for overheating in summer.
• East-facing: Gentle morning sun, perfect for many plants that prefer bright indirect light.
• West-facing: Intense afternoon sun, ideal for plants that can handle heat but may need protection in peak summer.
• North-facing: Mostly shade or soft indirect light. Great for indoor or low-light-loving plants.

Best plants for a sunny terrace

Looking for what plants to put on a sunny terrace? These heat- and sun-tolerant species are perfect for south- or southwest-facing balconies and patios.

Succulents and cacti

Perfect for dry climates and people who forget to water.

• Sedum – Variety of sizes and textures, super low-maintenance.
• Echeveria – Colourful rosettes that love the sun.
• Opuntia (Prickly pear) – Iconic cactus, needs space and drainage.
• Aloe vera – Beautiful and useful, a resilient sun-lover.

Sun-loving flowering plants

Add colour with low-maintenance blooms.

• Geraniums – Spanish classic, bloom from spring to autumn.
• Lavender – Aromatic and ideal for windy or dry terraces.
• Portulaca – Ground cover that thrives in intense heat.
• Gazania – Bold, daisy-like flowers that open in the sun.

Mediterranean herbs

Fragrant, hardy, and perfect for cooking.

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Sage
• Oregano

💡 Tip: Use terracotta pots and well-draining soil to prevent root rot under strong sun.

What if my terrace is very windy?

Live by the coast, on a rooftop, or in an exposed spot? Wind can dry out soil and damage leaves. Choose flexible plants or those with small, tough leaves:

• Hebe
• Santolina
• Festuca glauca (ornamental grass)
• Lavandula dentata – More wind-resistant than classic lavender

💡 Add windbreaks like trellises, tall planters, or climbing plants to soften the airflow.

What if my terrace gets a lot of rain?

In northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country), excess moisture is more of a concern than sunlight. The key is good drainage and moisture-tolerant plants.

• Heuchera – Happy in partial shade and rain.
• Hosta – Great for cool, shady terraces.
• Calendula – Blooms nearly all year, rain-resistant.
• Fargesia bamboo – Non-invasive and perfect for privacy.

👉 Curious about how rain affects your plants? Check out our full article on that here.

What if my terrace overheats in summer?

Summer sun can be brutal. These plants can handle the heat:

• Bougainvillea – Stunning climbing vine that thrives in full sun.
• Oleander (Nerium) – Hardy flowering shrub.
• Lantana – Bright flowers, very resilient.
• Yucca – Architectural and tolerant of extreme temperatures.

👉 Need more options? Browse our list of heat-tolerant plants for hot terraces.

Spacing and layout: how to organize your terrace without overcrowding

Too many plants can make your terrace feel chaotic. With a little planning, you can turn it into a calm and welcoming green space:

✔ Group by height – Put tall plants (bamboo, dwarf citrus trees) at the back, mid-size plants in the middle, and trailing or small ones in front.

✔ Leave walking space – Especially in narrow terraces, clear paths make the space more inviting and easier to maintain.

✔ Create themed corners – Aromatics by the kitchen, a shaded jungle corner, or a sunny flower zone can make your space feel curated.

✔ Use vertical space – Shelves, plant ladders, or hanging pots add visual interest and multiply your planting area. Read more about vertical gardening here.

💡 Tip: Sketch a rough layout of your terrace before buying more plants—it helps avoid impulse purchases and leads to a more cohesive space.

Want to design your dream terrace from scratch?

If you’re ready to rethink your terrace or balcony completely, don’t miss our Terrace & Balcony Garden Design Masterclass. Learn how to choose the right plants and materials, plan your layout, and bring your ideal outdoor space to life.
📍 Available in Barcelona — and it makes a beautiful gift! 🎁

Not sure which plants are right for your space?
Our Plant Doctor service offers personalised support to help you find the perfect green match for your terrace. Book a session and get expert advice based on your conditions and goals.