How well will herbs such as basil and parsley survive in this situation? Any suggestions on what might be appropriate to plant(vegetables, herbs or flowers)? Thanks!

You'll probably have to see how much actually gets through and where along the balcony it shines the most, and then position the plants accordingly. Lots of plants would appreciate the morning sun and will grow in part sun.

I am an avid balcony gardener of 5 years, and have the same challenges with sun/shade. We are East facing, however, one the walnut trees are in full bloom, our sun is also limited. I am happy to hear that Monardas do well, in this type of location.

I concur, that Impatiens, Hostas, and Ivy will do well. I have all these things.

Question: Can I separate Varigated Hostas in the Spring, or must I wait until Fall? Also, I have little luck with starting new English Ivy cuttings. I root them in water, and when the roots are well established, plant them in a light mix. They are okay for a while, then just shrivel up. I also use rooting hormone.

Morning glories do okay, but once the shade comes in, any new growth stays small e.g. leaves.

More suggestions would be great!

Lavender Canadian

I have dug up and separated hostas in the dead of summer (that's how I got the one I have now - from my mother). LOL Just have to make sure that you water them in well when replanted.

In your conditions, swisscanada mentioned some that I grow including heuchera and monarda (and many other mints) and you could also grow bleeding hearts, asiatic lilies, dianthus, various fern, lily of the valley, bluebells, solomon's seal, columbine, begonias - both tuberous and wax, astilbes, caladiums, hellebores, & hardy geraniums.

i would like to grow some vegetables. any recomendation? are there any chili or tomato varieties that might ripen on so little direct light?

as for ornamental plants, of which i know almost nothing, i would love to grow something perenial, lucious and fragrant that climbs or stands tall. is that too much to ask? swisscanada mentions clematis as a climber..

As for ornamentals - you could try roses, clematis, and even a jasmine, which is fragrant. Again, they may not flower as much but due to your heat, they may do just fine and would appreciate some shade during heatwaves.

I mentioned in another thread that I will go to a local nursery or garden center and see something I like and buy it anyway to try. You might be surprised what will actually do well despite not having what are supposed to be perfect conditions!

I've found that zonal geraniums flower well on my balcony.