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Tradescanthia or wandering jew is a very reliable plant everywhere. I started growing some from cuttings in Australia almost 40 years ago and I have also done it in Europe with excellent results. In Bagni di Lucca, New Guinea impatiens do extremely well in terraces and gardens and flower profusely over a long period. Kalanchoes and begonias do very well and also geraniums and pelargoniums. These can provide the flower "touch" that you need. A favourite of mine is lantana, very tough, grows well in pots and there are plenty of varieties with beautiful colours which should enhance any terrace. Happy gardening!

They are very useful, and surprisingly (though not fully, with me)  hardy. I bought a gorgeous one with deep purple flowers, and the grower advised me it really couldn't stand full sun, but it is coping very well (in a pot, in almost full building shade). I think it'd be happier with about four hours of sunlight. The more common white flowered version is less particular about shade. Something else which in Britain we tend to think of as a house plant, but which will happily go rampant over the summer in Italy even in open ground is the 'spider plant'. Consider a very simple 'cutting' as an instant 'annual' bit of greenery.

Another easy one for the �������� terrace: nasturtium. Grows quickly from seeds and it can be great hanging, trailing... Leaves, flowers and fruit can be added to a salad for a unique, peppery flavour.

Thanks for the interest folks and I am right with you re spider plants. bought 2 at a church fete in uk and now rampant and healthy on the terrace. As for nasturtiums the ones without the spur not v good but the usual one v good provided all seeds and faded leaves removed! Any other suggestions for �������� winter hardy plants as sure-fire winners?

I forgot to mention this very hardy and easy to grow plant.