If the tree cover isn't too thick and you can get at least 4 - 5 hours, then quite a few of the sun-loving herbs may do okay.

You'll probably have to see how much actually gets through and where along the balcony it shines the most, and then position the plants accordingly. Lots of plants would appreciate the morning sun and will grow in part sun.

We have a East/Northeast Terrace and get full morning sun at the beginning,later the Mapletree gets his leafs and we have not much sun after 10 am.
It depend if you like perennials or annuals, I planted Hostas,Heucheria and Ferns, even some Monardas for the Hummingbirds and they do very well (those are perennials) If you want annuals, I think Impatiens and an Ivy will do great.
The Clematis is a climbing "Jackmanii" and is at the same place....(click on link)

Here is a link that might be useful: some of our flowers

So happy to find this webpage and this forum!

I am an avid balcony gardener of 5 years, and have the same challenges with sun/shade. We are East facing, however, one the walnut trees are in full bloom, our sun is also limited. I am happy to hear that Monardas do well, in this type of location.

I concur, that Impatiens, Hostas, and Ivy will do well. I have all these things.

Question: Can I separate Varigated Hostas in the Spring, or must I wait until Fall? Also, I have little luck with starting new English Ivy cuttings. I root them in water, and when the roots are well established, plant them in a light mix. They are okay for a while, then just shrivel up. I also use rooting hormone.

Morning glories do okay, but once the shade comes in, any new growth stays small e.g. leaves.

More suggestions would be great!

Lavender Canadian

I have Jacob Cline monarda for my hummers. This was it last year:

{{gwi:547}}

I have dug up and separated hostas in the dead of summer (that's how I got the one I have now - from my mother). LOL Just have to make sure that you water them in well when replanted.

In your conditions, swisscanada mentioned some that I grow including heuchera and monarda (and many other mints) and you could also grow bleeding hearts, asiatic lilies, dianthus, various fern, lily of the valley, bluebells, solomon's seal, columbine, begonias - both tuberous and wax, astilbes, caladiums, hellebores, & hardy geraniums.

hello, i recently moved to a north-west balcony in barcelona, spain. i get about 4 hours of sun, but i do get it every day. also, there is no lack of warmth!

i would like to grow some vegetables. any recomendation? are there any chili or tomato varieties that might ripen on so little direct light?

as for ornamental plants, of which i know almost nothing, i would love to grow something perenial, lucious and fragrant that climbs or stands tall. is that too much to ask? swisscanada mentions clematis as a climber..

bonhomme-carnaval - you might want to check on the Tomato Forum to see if there are recommendations for tomatoes that can tolerate more shade and still produce. I expect that most will do fine but may or may not flower and fruit as much, but will at least give you something. If you can put your plants in the sunniest corner, that will help too.

As for ornamentals - you could try roses, clematis, and even a jasmine, which is fragrant. Again, they may not flower as much but due to your heat, they may do just fine and would appreciate some shade during heatwaves.

I mentioned in another thread that I will go to a local nursery or garden center and see something I like and buy it anyway to try. You might be surprised what will actually do well despite not having what are supposed to be perfect conditions!

I have a similar situation on my balcony, only mine is more S-SE. As far as herbs, I've found that chives and parsley do well. Mint, oddly enough, I've had more trouble with. It does well if I put it in the right spot. Basil in theory should fare worse under your conditions, but I grew it once in an east facing kitchen window, so it may do okay; it will probably be a bit leggy though.

I've found that zonal geraniums flower well on my balcony.