This post shows you privacy plants ideas for a cozy and secluded space!
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Looking to create cozy and relaxing vibes with your balcony container garden but don’t want to be in the view of nosy neighbors? We got you!
Just because you’re living in a shared building does not mean you should have to sacrifice your alone time.
With a few privacy plant ideas, you can turn your balcony into a retreat that is secluded and stylish at the same time.
The secret to creating privacy is catering to your plant’s needs and giving them a bit of room to grow wild.
For example, several wild ferns can create a natural privacy barrier by growing them in baskets and hanging them from above.
To save money, feel free to mix and match with real and fake plants to create privacy and a cute aesthetic at the same time.
Tips for adding privacy plant ideas to an apartment balcony
- Check with your property office. Many apartments have specific rules and regulations about hanging pots, railing planters, weight limits, etc. Talk with your property office to ensure you’re not breaking any rules.
- Choose the right plants. Different plants need different amounts of sunlight. Ensure you know what direction your balcony is facing and pick the appropriate plants. South and West-facing are ideal, but you can grow plants in all directions.
- Go for long-lasting. Choose plants that are going to withstand the seasons all year that are low-maintenance. You can still add other things but go with a few staple pieces that will grow throughout the year.
Here are 15 budget-friendly privacy plant ideas that will add charm to your outdoor space without breaking the bank!
1. Go Zen with Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing and easy plant that you can use to cover a railing or area nicely while still allowing some natural light filters through.
There are a variety of different bamboo types but you want to choose a clumping bamboo which is tall enough for privacy but doesn’t grow so tall that you feel overwhelmed.
For balcony privacy, several pots of Chinese dwarf bamboo is a good starter option. The wide lateral growth and maintainable height make this variety idea
2. Go with a Bamboo Privacy Screen
Invest in foldable bamboo privacy screens or other natural textures that can be easily moved and adjusted as needed.
Bamboo adds a touch of natural beauty to your space while creating a sense of tranquility.
These screens provide flexibility and are weather-resistant.
Research to see how these screens can be customized to suit your privacy needs.
3. Hide Among Evergreens
Be strategic with evergreens for a wild jungle look or keep it festive with traditional shrubbery.
Japanese Holly is a partially shade-tolerant shrub, grows fast, and produces scented white flowers during spring.
The little dark berries in the fall are a bird favorite!
Hardy evergreen conifers or similar species also work.
4. Train Ivy to Climb the Railing
Install a trellis along the railing and train climbing plants like jasmine or ivy to grow vertically.
These plants not only offer privacy but also release a delightful fragrance, perfect for an evening moon garden.
Go with plants with beautiful visual interest like jasmine, English ivy, or clematis.
5. Go Up with Hanging Baskets
Instead of training plants to climb, why not let them hang?
Hang baskets filled with trailing plants like ferns, petunias, or dichondra along the edges of your balcony or railing.
These plants create a lush curtain of greenery, effectively shielding your space from prying eyes.
6. Sway with Tall Grasses
Plant tall grasses like pampas grass or maiden grass in large containers to create a natural barrier.
These grasses sway gently in the breeze, providing movement and texture to your balcony.
Tall plant grasses are also a wonderful addition for sensory gardens, especially for neurodivergent gardeners who still enjoy nature!
7. Attach Railing Planters
Place railing planters directly on your balcony or fence and fill them with flowers or trailing vines.
This not only adds privacy but also brings color and life to your outdoor space.
Go wild with a mix of wildflowers or go with a bright splash of color with repeated clusters.
8. Go Bright with Bougainvillea
If you’re looking for a plant to give an instant hit of dopamine and energy, this is your plant.
Bougainvillea is a stunning vine that thrives in containers and provides dense foliage and vibrant blooms.
Train it to climb a trellis or hang it in baskets for a burst of color and privacy all summer.
9. Use Unique Privacy Covers
Install a removable cover along the edges of your balcony or patio for an instant privacy solution.
Invest in a stand that can be easily adjusted to let in light or block out unwanted views.
Enjoy the breeze of a cozy balcony while reading a book alongside the privacy of plants.
10. Weave Thru Lattice Panels
Install lattice panels along the railing or wall and plant climbing roses or clematis to cover them.
These flowering vines create a romantic and secluded atmosphere on your balcony.
Choose an intricate design or weave fairy lights through for a fun and whimsical touch into the night!
11. Consider Potted Trees
Growing a tree on your balcony isn’t that common with most people but I beg you to reconsider!
Place potted trees like palm, citrus, or olive trees strategically around your balcony to create privacy.
Not only do they provide shade and seclusion, but they also add a touch of Mediterranean charm to your balcony garden.
12. Go Simple with Shrubs
Boxwood shrubs are versatile and can be shaped into hedges or topiaries for privacy.
Plant them in large containers and place them along the edges of your balcony for a classic and elegant look.
Go with a large amount of the same type to create a uniformed focus point.
13. Stay Lush with Tropical Foliage
If you live in a tropical climate, go big with green!
Fill your balcony with tropical plants like palm trees, elephant ears, and ferns for a jungle-like retreat.
These plants not only offer privacy but also thrive in containers in a sunny outdoor space.
14. Create a Blanket of Flowers
Although you can’t create a full curtain of flowers, go crazy to create a wall of art!
Hang baskets of flowering plants like fuchsia along top with potted flowers blooming from railing planters or attached with hooks down below.
Keep adding flowers with different shapes and colors to create a colorful, fragrant, and natural privacy screen.
15. Grow Wild with Ferns
Hang baskets of ferns and mosses along the railing to create a lush and verdant privacy screen.
These shade-loving plants thrive in the cool and moist environment of a balcony.
Buy a few and they will immediately start growing like a weed, meaning a quickly enclosed barrier for you.
This post has shown you 15 Privacy Plant Ideas for a Cozy Space!
With a little imagination and some greenery, you can transform your apartment balcony into an extension of your indoor living space.
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