Plants to withstand wind?

12 years ago

My balcony is on the 42nd floor, facing west on a wide avenue with no obstructions. I've read lots of posts on this forum recommending plants that I've tried that could not withstand the wind on my balcony.

Trial and error over 16 years has lead me to concentrate on vines because they hold onto whatever they can latch on to in the wind. I am in NYC, which could be zone 6 or 7, but I've learned the wind at this height lowers the heartiness level. I've done best with plants hearty to zone 4.

I've had wisteria and honeysuckle for years; I am praying they return this year after a frigid winter. A couple of years ago I had great success with moonflower grown from seed. Last year I started grapes, 1 died and the other grew vigorously so I am hopeful it returns this year. Not sure if I will get ever get grapes, but if I do I am not sure they would be edible. I've tried tomatoes and other fruit and veggies; all the plants grow well enough but the wind makes the fruit small, very thick skinned, almost inedible and not worth the effort.

I am going to try morning glory if I can find young plants. I tried growing seeds this year and last but I ran into a mold issue both times.

I also grow herbs, which are low, colorful and fragrant, do especially well with basil, oregano, chives, tarragon. I am going to try multicolored chard again this year; it did well last year.

I am looking for ideas for other plants that can withstand strong wind, particularly compact vines, and would appreciate any and all ideas!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

balkong
12 years ago
Have you tried "cypress vine? Ipomoea Quamoclit - an annual vine, related to morning glory -- gorgeous feathery leaves with a profusion of tiny ruby red trumpet flowers that butterflies and hummingbirds adore. If you're in NYC, there's a stand with lots of vines at the SW end of the Union Sq. farmers market that has sold seedlings in recent years. Last year they only had white ones, but I want those red flowers!

It's a twining vine, likes full sun. Often confused with "cardinal vine" which is similar, but has broader, finger-like leaves -- also very nice, btw and worth a try.

I'm on the 15th floor and only get 3 to 4 hours of western sun on my balcony, so it never really took off for me, took until late summer to get a handful of blooms, but if you get more sun, it's worth a try. It will go gangbusters with full sun. I used to grow them from seed when I had a backyard garden/full sun, and they covered half my trellis. Your wind conditions are likely more challenging than on my balcony, but they survived lots of wind here. They met the "like a weed" test that my favorite plants all share - i.e., takes abuse, neglect and is generally hard to kill!
elisamama
Original Author
12 years ago
Cypress & cardinal vines - good suggestions! I just looked it up and directories say cypress vine 'is thin-stemmed and somewhat fragile' so I am not sure if it will hold up in the wind, but it is certainly worth a try; I love red flowers! I really appreciate the recommendation where to find it, so I will look for it at the green market. Thanks!
Related Professionals
Hot Springs Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Taunton Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · South Sioux City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Oshkosh Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Parkersburg Landscape Contractors · Aurora Landscape Contractors · Saint Cloud Landscape Contractors · Ithaca Landscape Contractors · Idaho Falls Landscape Contractors · Cumberland Home Builders · Branson Home Builders · McAlester Home Builders · Fort Wayne Home Builders · Canton Home Builders · Pierre Home Builders
Jimeaster
12 years ago
I'm on the 15th floor and only get 3 to 4 hours of western sun on my balcony, so it never really took off for me, took until late summer to get a handful of blooms, but if you get more sun, it's worth a try. It will go gangbusters with full sun. I used to grow them from seed when I had a backyard garden/full sun, and they covered half my trellis. Your wind conditions are likely more challenging than on my balcony, but they survived lots of wind here. They met the "like a weed" test that my favorite plants all share - i.e., takes abuse, neglect and is generally hard to kill!

Here is a link that might be useful: Motorbike Driving Gloves