The space in the balcony box is limited. Accordingly, there are great efforts to utilize it as optimally as possible. The long shoots of the pennywort are just right. Even its summer flowering period is made for us.
Why is the pennywort ideal for the balcony box?
The pennywort is ideal for the balcony box as it takes up little space and allows long shoots to grow hanging. It blooms from May to August, prefers fresh substrate and regular watering. Combine with other plants to make the most of the space.
Ideal for plant mix
With its roots, the pennywort takes up very little space in the flower box. Instead of taking up space all around, its shoots hang down more than half a meter. This means that the greenery on the balcony cannot be overlooked, even from a distance.
Ideally, the pennywort is combined with other plant varieties, which in turn strive for heights. For example with purple-flowering finials. When putting together, make sure that all plants have similar requirements.
Rich flowering in summer
The long flowering period from May to August almost coincides with the time when we use balconies. So with this plant we have created an almost constantly blooming place to stay. The unfilled ones, approx.3 cm large and bright yellow flowers harmonize well with plants that bloom in different colors.
Tip
The yellow flowers, like the green leaves, are edible and can also visually enhance any dish.
Planting in spring
The pennywort is planted in spring. You can get young plants from specialist retailers or you can propagate them yourself from runners or head cuttings. The pennywort has little demands on the substrate and is even content with simple garden soil. It is only important that the substrate is permeable, because despite the great need for water, waterlogging is harmful. Plant the plant on the edge of the flower box so that its shoots can hang down.
Care for good growth
The soil must never dry out completely, which is why all specimens in the balcony box must be watered abundantly and regularly. The warmer the weather, the higher the water requirement will be.
The pennywort gets nutrients when it is planted by adding mature compost or another long-term fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon). During the growing season you can also fertilize regularly with a liquid fertilizer.
Regular cutting promotes dense branching, which is usually desirable for balcony planting. It may also be necessary to slow down the pennywort if its lush growth threatens to overwhelm neighboring plants.
Overwintering for the following year
The pennywort is hardy and does not need to be cultivated as an annual plant. However, it must be protected in winter because the soil in the flower box freezes more easily.
- detach the box if possible
- place in a protected place on insulating Styrofoam
- additionally wrap with fleece or protect with raffia mats
