Window boxes are perfect to add charm and curb appeal to your property. Window boxes are basically the containers for growing plants that are attached just below the window sill. So if you want to enhance the beauty of your house from the outside, we recommend going for window boxes. But before installing them, analyze a few things.

• How much sunlight your plants will receive when placed at a particular window is a big deal. If you choose a window that faces shade all day long, your flowering plants might not survive.

• Choosing the right container for the plants is also very important for flourishing blooms, for example, some plants require containers with good drainage holes. And at the same time, the container style should complement the exterior design and style of your house.

• The hardware that is required to attach the box to the window sill needs to be sturdy so that it bears the weight of the watered soil and the growing flowers.

• The type of plants you finalize for your window boxes are the most important factor to keep in mind. You just can’t go and pick any plant you just like for your window box. Growing conditions a particular plant needs, how much will it grow in a particular time frame or is it feasible to grow it in containers, are a few things that need to be considered.

If you are a fan of vertical gardens, we have put up a list of hanging flower plants that will brighten up your garden.

a.   Window Box Plants That Can Grow in Sunlight

If you have a window that faces at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, then these flowering plants are ideal to plant in window boxes for those windows.

i. Geranium

Beautifully fragrant and statement-making flowers, this is a true description of Geraniums. They come in a wide range of hues of pink and red. You can pick the color that will mesh well with the exterior of your house. These are annual flowering plants that are best grown in containers and hanging baskets and are ideal for window boxes.

On average these plants live for two years which is a good sign to have them in window boxes. Geraniums grow to an ideal height for window boxes or simply said, they do not block your window view.

Care:

These are sun-loving flowers that need at least 6 hours of light. The hot afternoon sun is not kind to them, so beware. A good drainage pot is very important for them as they don’t like wet feet. Give them evenly moist soil and they will reward you with wonderful blooms in spring/summer.

ii. Salvia

Salvia is a gorgeous flowering plant that is best for growing in pots and containers. From blues to lavenders and shades of red and pink, salvias come in an array of colors. These are also known as sage more commonly. They are great pollinators and attract a lot of butterflies. So imagine your house window looking like a dream with salvia. Salvia is a perennial plant that usually blooms in spring/summer.

Care:

Salvia loves full sun and well-drained but moist soil. These are drought tolerant so don’t overwater them unless it is very hot. These plants don’t like frost and may die in cold soil so plan accordingly. You can deadhead these plants and they will in return give you a prolonged flowering session.

iii. Lantana

Native to the tropical regions, lantanas are tiny flowers that grow in clusters with the hues of pink and yellow. These are classified as evergreen shrubs but sometimes they act as vines. These plants are annuals that bloom from spring till the first frost. The fragrance of these flowers is not only irresistible to us but to bees and butterflies as well. Plant a dwarf variety so that these fast-growing plants don’t overcrowd your window.

Care:

Lantanas love hot and humid weather. So these plants should be grown where they receive full sun for at least 6 hours. Good drainage is very important for them, so plant in a mix of sand, perlite, and soil for good drainage. Regular deadheading is recommended.

Cherish the spring with this compilation of plants with yellow flowers to add to your garden.

iv. Biden

Commonly known as Spanish needles, Biden is perennials in warmer regions where it doesn’t get too cold. Though the flowering ends but the foliage remains lush green in winters of these regions. These most cheerful yellow flowers bloom in the summers. Bidens tend to look like vines and create a spectacular show when tumbling down the window boxes.

Care:

Bidens are heavy feeders so provide them with rich soil. They need fertilizing every month for efficient flowering. These plants are pretty drought tolerant so the soil should be moist but well-drained. These flowers need full to partial sun.

v. Persian shield

Commonly known as the royal purple plant, the Persian shield is a tropical flowering plant with vividly hued foliage that is native to tropical Myanmar. They love heat and humidity just like other tropical plants. Give it temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and it will reward you with lush foliage. The blue cone-shaped flowers that were once a part of this plant have become rare now. These are perennials in warmer regions but act as annuals in cooler ones. They usually die off with the first frost.

Care:

Your window box should be at least 12 inches deep with good drainage holes. Plant them in rich, organic soil that should be moist enough but well-drained. Wet feet can cause root rot for them.

Too much sun exposure makes the leaves scorched. Give them indirect sun or part shade to grow well.

b.   Window Box Plants That Can Grow in Shade

We have compiled a list of flowering plants for window boxes that grow well in shade. So you can place them in your windows even if they don’t receive much sunlight.

i. Impatiens

Impatient are tiny cheerful flowering plants that have a vivid range of colors to make your house look extremely beautiful and give it a cottage-like feel. These are very delicate flowers and once touched, the ripe seeds burst open, hence called “touch me not” flowers. Protection from heavy gusts of wind is very important for these fragile perennials.

Care:

Impatiens are not at all drought tolerant and need perfectly balanced moist soil all the time. If unable to do so, they will show their displeasure by wilting. Mulching and layering with organic matter might solve this problem better. Give them at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight to thrive well. They will also grow in heavy shade but the blooms will be more rewarding when kept in indirect sunlight.

ii. Begonias

Begonias are ornamental flowering plants that are native to tropical and subtropical regions. They have a wide range of varieties. Some are sun-loving and some are not! You have to choose the perfect one for your desired spot. The varieties with drooping flowers are the best ones to plant in window boxes. Reiger begonias are magnificent for growing in window boxes with their showy double flowers (rose-like) that are best to grow in shade.

Care:

Begonias are shade-loving plants that like to have good drainage. Your window box should have drainage holes to let out the excess water from the soil so that it doesn’t cause root rot. Some varieties may love the sun but most of them start wilting with too much sunlight.

If you’re on a budget but still want to be creative, you can use our guide on inexpensive plants to create your own Zen environment.

iii. Caladium

Caladiums are tropical perennial plants that are grown for their stunning foliage as they rarely bloom. The heart-shaped foliage has hues of red, pink white, and green. The strap-leafed caladiums are great for growing in window boxes. Another reason why they are ideal for window boxes is the height of the plant, as the maximum height they reach is 30 inches.

Care:

Caladiums are shade-loving plants and will often burn with excessive sun exposure. These are warm temperature plants and go into dormancy as soon as the winters arrive. Temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit are not ideal for their growth. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout as the dry soil will eventually result in the yellowing of the leaves.

iv. Hydrangea

A flowering plant that can instantly add elegance and color to the outlook of your house with its statement blooms, hydrangeas are ideal for growing in window boxes. Choose a variety of hydrangea suitable for your region. We suggest the dwarf variety as it is best suitable for growing in containers. They attract a lot of pollinators, especially bees. Choose from the lavender-colored hydrangea to pinks or from blues to greens. You can also change the color of the bloom by changing the acidity of the soil.

Care:

Hydrangeas do like the morning sun but direct sunlight for too long becomes damaging for the heavy blooms. So it is best to keep them in partial shade. These plants are water guzzlers, so give them ample water. Just make sure that you water the roots and not the flower for any kind of rot. A good quality soil with organic matter is a must for hydrangea.

v. Fuchsia

With so many gorgeous varieties of Fuchsia to pick from, the dangling ones are best for window boxes. The stunning blooms come in so many colors like red, violet, salmon pink, and white. One way to add more style to your window boxes is to plant the trialing fuchsia on the edges and the upright variety in the center. Fuchsias are tender perennials that attract a lot of hummingbirds and produce edible fruit after the blooming season ends.

Care:

The first and foremost care that Fuchsias require is good drainage, so make sure that you choose an adequate window box. These plants are grown best in humid surroundings having partial to full shade. It is nearly impossible to grow them in high heat and full sun. They are susceptible to root rot so moist, well-drained, and rich soil is very important for their growth.

Whether you live in an apartment or a house, window boxes make gardening easy while also improving its appearance. Fixing window boxes properly is very crucial as you don’t want to damage the walls of your house permanently. You can opt for cedar, plastic, fiber, or wrought iron for the boxes. Pick a style that will double the beautification of your house.