Any suggestions for container plants to provide shade?

I have a covered balcony on the front of my condo that gets afternoon sun from around 3 to 6pm. In summer the sun hitting the front makes the place uncomfortably hot. The homeowner association rules prohibit using outdoor blinds, but I am really wanting to block some of the afternoon sun.

Does anyone have suggestions on what type of container plants I could place out on the balcony that would block the sun a bit? I really like the look of Bamboo Palm, but I was told it would not survive in the winter.

Specifics on the location: The balcony itself is around 4' deep and 25'-30' long and covered. I am in zone 9b. I believe I could get away with something on a trellis, although I'm not sure how well the homeowners association would react.

I would really appreciate any suggestions that you could offer. Thank you! :)

You could always do potted bamboo, that would look really nice. Or some vines on a trellis would work too if the HOA will let you do it. Or for a non-plant solution, could you get one of those tiltable patio umbrellas?

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm looking into the different types of bamboo available.

Also http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/58816/ looks good, although I think it will be a bit difficult to just pick up at a local nursery. I may order some seed and see if I can grow it.

The trellis option is a good suggestion. I may risk it and see what happens. They are just really picky about all the units looking the same.

Thanks again.

If you don't want to use an actual trellis, you could build a framework on YOUR side (invisible to people on the opposite side) and run monofilament (fishing line...maybe 80 lb. test) either horizontally or vertically. Space the nails about 6" apart (or less) and then do one continuous "pattern" in either or both directions. Wrap the fishing line 2 or 3 times around each nail head then go on to the next one.

Space your nails (galvanized lath nails would work) evenly on the frame.

Then plant a vine that would grow up on it and attach itself to the fishing line. Use clear fishing line. When it's done it will barely be visible. The heavier the lb. test line you use, the thicker it is, and the longer it will last.

You could either use a few large pots spaced appropriately, or use deep window boxes. Your choice of vines could be permanent, or ones you change seasonally, as long as you use vines that wrap/coil or have tendrils. Nothing with "feet".

I did this for my sister in a condo she bought that had similar restrictions. We planted Star Jasmine to grow on the fishing line and the HOA has never said a word about it. That was 3 years ago.

She allows the vine to get thicker when the summer comes and it does a great job of filtering the sun. From down below, or across the court, you can't even see the fish line and it just looks like a flat thin plant standing and growing on it's own, with no visible means of support.

I believe that would be perfect for my situation too. Thanks for the suggestion Jasper :)

Why don't you just get a blackout liner for your curtains? Add plants on your patio for the love of plants instead of making it such work. Walmart has Roc Lon blackout liner at walmart.com. If you have a Walmart store they will deliver it to the store for free. It comes with hooks and just attaches to the back off your curtains.

I will check out that issue of Garden Ideas, Wood Fern :)

We have vertical blinds in our living room so I blackout liner would not work unless we were going to replace the window treatments. I have been thinking about putting a liner on the upstairs curtains. Now I know where to get them...thanks :)