What are the best plants for window boxes?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Selecting the correct plants will enhance your window boxes with vibrant, living displays. Bright colors emerge from petunias in sunny spots; ferns flourish in shady corners. Edible herbs, such as basil, give decorative beauty without sacrificing utility. This guide helps you identify the ideal plants for your specific conditions.
Sun-Loving Plants
- Petunias: Trumpet-shaped blooms needing 6+ hours direct sun
- Geraniums: Heat-tolerant red/pink flowers ideal for south-facing boxes
- Marigolds: Pest-repelling annuals requiring minimal care
Shade-Tolerant Options
- Begonias: Continuous blooms with just 2-3 hours filtered light
- Ferns: Lush foliage thriving in deep shade conditions
- Hostas: Striking leaves for morning sun locations
Edible Varieties
- Basil: Flavorful leaves with decorative purple varieties
- Strawberries: Sweet fruit producers needing 6+ hours sunlight
- Chives: Ornamental herbs with pollinator-attracting blooms
Sun exposure greatly influences your plant choices. Assess the hours of sunlight that your plants will receive before making a purchase. South-facing windows are ideal for geraniums and petunias. North-facing works well for ferns and begonias. Pairing plants appropriately will save you heartache, and you'll have a beautiful display.
Maintenance requirements differ among plants. Succulents, such as sedum, require very little water. Annual flowers require deadheading to promote continued blooming. Herbs should be harvested regularly. For optimal success, select plants that are suitable for the time you have available for care.
Seasonal Factors influence the performance of plants in the landscape. Swap pansies (a cool-season plant) with zinnias (a warm-season plant) in the spring. Evergreens such as ivy will provide year-round structure. You will want to change your selections based on temperature to keep visual interest throughout the season.
Read the full article: Ultimate Guide to Window Box Plants
