Are there low-maintenance options for window boxes?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Window boxes with low maintenance provide color and beauty without the need for sustained attention. Succulents benefit from infrequent watering, and ornamental grasses don't mind being ignored. English ivy tolerates a wide range of conditions with ease. These hardy plants offer a spectacular show for homeowners who don't have time for upkeep.
Drought-Tolerant Succulents
- Sedum: Stonecrop varieties needing water every 2-3 weeks
- Sempervivum: Hardy hens-and-chicks surviving frost
- Echeveria: Rosette forms requiring gritty soil
Self-Sufficient Grasses
- Carex: Evergold variety providing year-round texture
- Blue fescue: Clumping grass tolerant of poor soil
- Liriope: Drought-resistant with seasonal blooms
Adaptable Evergreens
- English ivy: Trailing vines surviving sun or shade
- Boxwood: Maintains shape without frequent pruning
- Ajuga: Groundcover with persistent foliage
Create resilient combinations suitably simple beauty. Use blue fescue grass paired with sedum for an interesting texture contrast. Use ivy with sempervivum for spill-and-thrill. Develop a uniform design featuring silver echeveria and gray varieties of Carex.
Soil preparation greatly reduces ongoing care. Using soil with a gritty cactus mix helps prevent root rot in succulent plants. In extremely hot climates, use moisture-retention crystals for grasses. Ensure that all your drainage holes prevent water from accumulating during heavy rains.
Seasonal adjustments hold year-round interest with a little upkeep. Evergreen ivy provides structure in the winter. Sedum provides texture in the summer and changes color in the autumn. In spring, replace any plants that may have been damaged by frost to maintain coverage.
Install self-irrigating systems for longer periods with less maintenance. Reservoir boxes can keep plants watered for 7-10 days. Use together with moisture meters to prevent over-watering. It becomes easier to let plants do their thing and stay out of the way!
Read the full article: Ultimate Guide to Window Box Plants
