Good Hearty Flowers

Question

I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and I just bought a condo recently. I have a balcony that is on the third floor (south facing side of the building), and I have two flower boxes that are on the railing. Last year I planted some flowers that were good, direct sunlight flowers but I still struggled keeping the flowers alive and looking happy. I am wondering if the other elements such as rain, wind, and super hot temps played a part, and if so, do you have any suggestions of flowers that would be appropriate for the harsh Utah weather?

Answer 1

I have the impression your impression is that your glass is half full and I see this situation as a full cup. First you have great geography in that your windows face SOUTH! As for your lack luster flowers there may be many components that are causing you problems. In simple direct terms I shall provide what pointers I think best fit your situation. First, consider the type of flower boxes you have on the railing. Are they providing good drainage? What did you put on the bottom before soil and then plants? Perhaps you are overcrowding your railing planter. I say this because most I have seen are not all that large and can probably only deal with one or two varieties of plants. And the plants you chose should be very shallow root plants. Also consider the watering ritual you have set up for yourself.One should always water early morning so make it part of your spring summer morning routine to go outside and say Good Morning to your plants and give them a little water each morning. As for fertilization keep to a minimum due to the small nature of the container itself. Over doing it can cause root burn or damage. Plants that are great for your railing container could be but certainly not limited to.. Pansies,petunias, potatoes vine, or any trailer plant variety. Also germanium’s, salvia,sweet Williams, you have so many options but be sure to ask your gardening supplier for shallow root plants. Also you can grow vine plants that are actually perennials or evergreens such as Madevilla, or Clematis,That will cover any where you decide to direct the grow pattern for year after year return of a wonderful patio plant. Or you could consider growing plant varieties that can be transplanted into any inside container for year around pleasure.
Best of Luck,
Suzette Trimmer