Which plant do you mean by Jacob's Ladder? The only one I know is Polemonium, an upright perennial which would not do well in a hanging basket. Also what specific plants are meant by aromatic Aster and Salvia?

I grow runner beans and they need a lot of moisture. If irrigation is not allowed your mother is going to be doing a lot of watering. They always set pods in my climate but I have heard that they do not produce well in heat.

If a hanging basket of Fuchsia is not allowed, they make good standards.

Would your mother like a bay tree? They grow very well in containers, are low maintenance, evergreen and useful in the kitchen.

Well, it looks like I have to make some adjustments. My mom reported that the balcony in the sunny area gets about sunlight from 7:30 to 9:00, that's like 1-1/2 hours of direct sun. I doubt in the summer, if we are going to get even 4 hours of sun. I doubt sub 4 hours is enough for a Canna, not if you want it to flower. You are also correct about the Jacob's ladder.

I am going to revise my list a bit and start out with a few plants to see how they will do:

Fuschia
Justicia Carnea
Cast Iron Plant varigated
Some sort of mint like Beebalm.

Can bay tree stand low light?

Paul

This sounds like the perfect place for some Begonias. All shapes, sizes, beautiful leaves, many have non-stop flowers in (and leaves) colors that would at least inspire inspection by hummers. I don't know if the flowers actually have any nectar for them. They are quite resentful of overwatering, and don't use moisture as quickly as many other plants.

To see a variety of Begonias, google pics of the different kinds... Rex, cane, rhizomatous, wax, tuberous. Feel like I forgot somebody, but that should get you broken into the Begonia world.

Begonias are a great idea except that my mom wants plants that are not toxic to cats. Much to my annoyance, the list of plants that are poisonous to cats is rather long. Begonias are poisonous to cats.

However, it may work as a hanging basket if the cat can't get to it.

Paul

Oh, I didn't know that about Begonias and cats. Having never been to CA, I don't feel qualified to say much, but am impressed with your efforts and wish you good luck!

I think a bay tree could take your shade. I imagine Californian shade is equivalent to a bright summer's day in my climate and they thrive here.

Ferns make good hanging basket subjects or is your mother sold on flowers?