Source: Google
Are you looking to add beauty and greenery to your home but don’t want to break the bank? Check out our list of the best plants for flower boxes! We’ve got you covered, from low-maintenance options to hardy plants that will last all season.
Why Choose A Window Box?
A flower box, a planter box or a window box is a container designed for growing plants. Here are some reasons why choosing a flower box for your plants is the best idea:
- Space-saving: If you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, a flower box is a great way to grow plants without taking up too much room.
- Aesthetics: Flower boxes can enhance the beauty of your home by adding a splash of colour and greenery to your windows, balcony or porch.
- Easy to maintain: Flower boxes are easy to maintain as they are smaller and require less watering and maintenance than traditional garden beds.
- Mobility: Flower boxes can be easily moved to different locations, allowing you to experiment with different arrangements and find the best spot for your plants to thrive.
- Accessibility: Flower boxes can be mounted at different heights, making them accessible for people of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities or who use wheelchairs.
The Best Plants For Flower Boxes
Strawberries
Source: Google
Strawberries are an excellent choice for flower boxes for several reasons. They produce beautiful, vibrant flowers that add colour to any space. Strawberry plants are relatively small and can be easily grown in small spaces like flower boxes, making them perfect for balconies, patios, and other small areas. Not only are they beautiful, but they also produce delicious fruit that can be eaten fresh and made into jams or desserts.
They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They don’t need regular watering and can be grown in various soil types. Overall, growing strawberries in flower boxes can provide both aesthetic and practical benefits, making them an excellent choice for any gardener.
Spring Bulbs
Source: Google
Spring bulbs are known for their bright and vibrant flowers, which add a burst of colour to your garden. They come in a wide range of colours, from bold and bright to soft and pastel, so you can easily find the perfect shade to complement your home’s exterior.
Spring bulbs are easy to plant and require little maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners. They also bloom for a long time, typically from early spring through late summer, providing continuous colour and interest in your flower boxes. Some varieties, like tulips and daffodils, can bloom for several weeks.
Chillies
Source: Google
Chillies come in various colours and shapes, making them an attractive addition to any flower box. They can add a pop of colour and texture to your space, whether it’s a balcony, patio, or window sill. Chillies are relatively easy to grow and maintain, making them a great choice for beginners or those with limited gardening experience. They are prolific producers and can provide a steady supply of fresh peppers throughout the growing season.
Chillies also have health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. They also contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Erigeron
Source: Google
Erigeron, commonly known as fleabane or daisy, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Asteraceae family. These plants are known for their daisy-like flowers that bloom in pink, purple, white, and blue shades. Erigeron plants are usually compact and small, making them perfect for growing in flower boxes. They have a long blooming period from spring to fall. You can enjoy their beautiful flowers for several months without replacing them. They are also low maintenance and require minimal care.
The Sweet Potato Vine
Source: Google
Sweet potato vine’s (Ipomoea batatas) colourful leaves make it an ideal match for practically any home’s appearance. If you want low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plants, you can try cultivating this plant.
Coleus
Source: Google
Coleus is a plant with vibrant foliage that grows in both the sun and the shade. Coleus makes an excellent filler and accent plant, even when robust cultivars such as Chocolate Covered Cherry and Kong Red are the main attraction.
Petunias
Source: Google
Petunias are the summer’s workhorse, blooming continuously despite the sweltering heat. In addition to plain white, red, pink, and purple hues, the annuals also come in striped, speckled, and fringed forms. Grow Petunia axillaris, aka wild white petunia, or cascading Wave or Surfinia petunias if you want a bushy plant.
Tips On Box Plant Care
1.Effective drainage is crucial. You can choose plant boxes with drainage holes already in them or drill your own. Overly moist soil can cause root rot, so avoid it at all costs.
2.Ensure the stability of the plants by using adequate high-quality potting soil. You can use dirt, coconut coir, sawdust, sand, and bonemeal to make your own potting mix, or purchase one from your local garden centre. Add compost to your plantings if they are edible. Make sure the box is completely filled.
3.Add water and mix thoroughly. If the soil has settled, stir it again, then add more soil, moisten it, and add more water if necessary. Frequent watering and fertilizing are essential. Direct sunlight will cause plant boxes to dry out quickly!
4.Replace plants that have finished blooming with new ones without hesitation!
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great plants for flower boxes, so it is up to the homeowner to decide what will work best in their particular space. With a little research, the perfect plants can be chosen and enjoyed for years.
FAQs
What evergreen is ideal for a window box?
Norwegian spruce (Picea abies spp.) and creeping juniper are cold-tolerant evergreens worth cultivating in a window box (Juniperus horizontalis). If evergreen bushes overrun the window box, transplant them into the ground. Into the potting soil, insert a couple of blooming bulbs.
What do you always put in window boxes?
Planting evergreens is the simplest, least work-intensive solution. They won’t need to be replanted from season to season and will (nearly) take care of themselves. Also, they are a fantastic option for window sills shaded by the sun.
What kind of plants belong in a planter box?
The rule of thumb is that putting three or four plants in 10 to 12-inch pots, four to six in 14 to 16-inch planters, and six to eight in 16 to 20-inch planters will beautifully fill the containers while giving room for the plants to develop without being overly crowded.
