For plant lovers, having a window box full of colourful and buoyant flowers and plants is a dream. The plant boxes not only colour your home but also add healthy and natural scenery to a seemingly dull environment. Even for passers-by, such scenery is pleasant to their eyes. It’s all appealing.
Also, window gardening and plantation are alternatives for flora and fauna lovers that do not have outdoor space. These plants are perched directly outside the window, letting you enjoy nature.
Let’s explore window boxes in more detail.
Ivy
Source: Google
The first plant on the list is ivy. This fast-growing plant will fill your plant box in no time. They can be grown in all types and sizes of window boxes, giving your mini window garden a burst of colourful and seasonal beauty.
The leaves vary in colour from yellow to dark green. It is possible to select plants with one feature or a mix of features based on whether you prefer more or fewer colours. Your climatic conditions will also affect plant characteristics. Find out what variety of ivy will grow best at your location from any local nursery near you.
Coleus
Source: Google
Second on the list is coleus. It is possible to grow coleus with other flowering plants. It is easy to grow and adds exceptional texture to flowers. Often, after planting the flowers, the boxes are left with many spaces. Such spaces can be covered perfectly with coleus.
In addition to being a filler, it adds visual interest to flower bases. The leaves contrast well with the flowers, which are green, pink, and purple. The Coleus plant grows well both indoors and outdoors.
Golden Sword Yucca
Source: Google
Growing all year long, this grass-like plant can be grown in plant boxes and does not require much maintenance. It is usually cultivated alongside petunias around the holidays. It doesn’t need to be rotated over the seasons since it is an evergreen. Despite its narrow leaves, it can reach two to three feet. Due to their narrow width, they can easily be grown in containers.
Stunning Gold Creeping Jenny
Source: Google
It only takes one planting to enjoy Golden Creeping Jenny the entire year. Throughout the year, the colour of this beautiful perennial evergreen shrub changes. Hence, you can expect pink flowers one day and purple flowers the next. Even though the plant appears to be spreading, it actually grows very slowly. You can simply regulate it after it spreads, making your window boxes more attractive.
Blue Star Juniper
Source: Google
Blue star junipers are low-growing container plants that have vibrant colours. The plant grows slowly, reaching about three feet high and one to two feet wide. As it grows moderately, you’ll only prune it periodically, reducing maintenance. The shrub has long, thin-needled leaves and is evergreen. The blue star juniper is an excellent choice if you do not want a plant that sprawls out and covers all your windows.
Licorice Plant
Source: Google
When combined with other vibrant flowers, the licorice plant adds a subtle charm to your window boxes. Its silvery-white leaves give it a distinctive appearance. It requires minimal upkeep and grows in partial shade. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, it has plush leaves that deter garden pests. Planting it alongside flowers has the advantage of keeping pests away. You may pair this plant with shrubs in containers for a beautiful combination.
Snapdragon
Source: Google
This plant is known to attract hummingbirds. There are several vibrant hues to choose from, such as yellow, orange, red, white, and pink. These blooms thrive in moist soil with adequate sunlight. You can plant them at the back of a flower box to maximize their height. The blossoms contain sweet nectar that draws bumblebees and hummingbirds.
Marigold
Source: Google
Marigolds add a rich texture to a window garden and are low-maintenance. Yellow, orange, and red hues are among the vibrant colours produced by these blossoms. Its pleasant smell serves as an insect repellent, protecting other garden flowers from pests.
Fuldaglut Sedum
Source: Google
You can add colour to your miniature garden with this plant. Winter turns the leaves a rich red colour. Summer is the time when these plants grow. 10 to 12 inches is ideal for covering the window box’s surface. Summer flowers will add colour to your scene, and winter leaves will finish it off.
Sweet Potato Vine
Source: Google
There are many variants of this plant without flowers. The plant thrives in hot weather and grows well everywhere. During winter, it displays purple and green drooping foliage. Its vines can grow up to six feet tall and fill boxes easily.
Final Words
Window boxes can be used for more than just flowers. Even though many people only put decorative plants in these boxes, you can grow any plant you like. Additional plant options include pine boughs and gourds.
Furthermore, you can grow tasty herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. In a miniature organic garden, you can grow leaf lettuce, kale, spinach, and green onions. Other plants can be used in window boxes beside those described here. Before deciding how many plants to put in your little garden, check the planter’s size. Generally, a 12-inch planter should hold four plants, a 16-inch planter should hold six, and so forth. This ensures that the roots have adequate room to grow.
This post will help you choose some plants for your window box. Have fun with your garden!
FAQs
What can I put in a window box besides flowers?
Window boxes make a nice focal point if you have been considering how to design a herb garden. The key is to combine herbs that grow well under similar conditions. Some examples include rosemary and thyme. Since both are Mediterranean herbs that can tolerate arid weather, direct sunlight, and hot climes, they make the ideal pairing.
A window box should contain how many plants?
You must provide room for growth with bedding plants (which live only for one season), but ideally, there should be no gaps or exposed soil. If you are planting shrubs or evergreen topiary, they require more space to grow. The label will tell you the plant’s final spread (width) is.
How can I keep window boxes looking good?
There are a few ways you can keep your window boxes clean. Some of them include the following:
- Plants that bloom should be deadheaded regularly. Use sharp scissors or secateurs to cut off old flowers.
- The window box should be fed atleast once a week. The best plant feed is liquid and diluted accordingly.
- Make sure the window box is well watered. Even heavy rain showers won’t benefit plants under a roof. Not sure? Feel the soil with your finger, and if it feels dry, the plants need water.
- Choose drought-resistant plants, like cacti or succulents, if you live in a warm climate.
- Refresh the compost in the spring if you have evergreen or permanent plants. Replace the top 10cm or so with fresh soil and fertilizer.
