If you’re unsure which plants to put in your window box, consider succulents. These plants are low-maintenance but can bloom for months on end. They’ll also grow well in a window box that has limited sunlight. Here are some of the best ones:
Plants with a long flowering period
Planting an annual in your window box is a great way to add a burst of color and interest. Although this plant can tolerate drought, it does not like direct sunlight. Its flowers should be watered regularly or they may become wilted. You should plant them close together to reduce watering time. They prefer partial to full sun. And because they can be aggressive growers, you may not have the space to plant them in a window box.
If you have a small window, you can pack a lot of plants into it, but you can also use a spaced-out arrangement. You can place larger succulents in the back, while smaller ones are tucked in front. Some flowering succulents are great for the front, and creeping succulents work well on the sides. Plant flowering creepers in your window for dramatic looks!
Petunias are another excellent option for window boxes. They are great for summer because they pump out blooms continuously despite the hot, dry conditions. Choose a bushy variety, or choose one of the cascading varieties for added interest. Petunias are cheap and widely available, but if you aren’t a fan of the clumping look, try Creeping Jenny, or moneywort. This plant has dense leaves and can cascade over the edge of the window box.
Hardy cyclamens
Hardy cyclamens for window boxes are ideal for areas that receive a moderate amount of sun and are protected from frost and freezing temperatures. They grow best indoors or in containers near buildings. Once planted outdoors, these plants will naturalise over several years. Depending on their variety, cyclamen can last from five to six days. Indoors, they can last up to two months. Hardy cyclamens do not need to be transplanted; they can be moved to a warmer spot when frost threatens.
Another good option is the hardy cyclamen mixture, which has three cyclamen varieties, each with a slightly different color and form. They also make excellent ground covers. Hardy cyclamen mixtures are disease-free and easy to grow. It’s also a good choice for mass plantings. They’ll be stunning in your window box! The hardy variety also produces beautiful blooms at the end of winter.
Although cyclamens are commonly sold as indoor plants, hardy cyclamens do well in the garden. They prefer cool, humid conditions and thrive in window boxes. In fact, they grow best in shaded windows. They have a broad range of colors and can be found for as little as $9.99. Hardy cyclamens are easy to grow and do not require deadheading. You should water these plants regularly throughout the summer months, but don’t let them dry out in a hot, sunny spot.
Purple Prince Zinnia
The intense color of Purple Prince Zinnia will brighten your window box, and its hairy stems are reminiscent of daisies. The flower heads are simple and work well in a window box with other annuals and perennials. It is a great addition to a window box for $6.95 and grows well in full sun or partial shade. For added color, consider adding a few euonymus, or moneywort, to the mix. It is a low-maintenance plant, and requires a bit of water every few weeks.
This tall plant bears a showy cluster of double, lilac-purple blooms in the summer. It also attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to your garden. It can fill the gaps in a sunny border. The flowers of Purple Prince Zinnia are a favorite amongst pollinators, and the nectar-pollen-rich flowers attract a variety of insects to your yard.
The double-petaled blooms of Purple Prince Zinnia open to about four to six inches in diameter. The flowers are perfect for cutting, and many people place them in bouquets. It also makes a beautiful window box plant. So, if you’re looking for a window box succulent, consider adding one of these to your garden. You’ll be glad you did. It’s easy to grow, and will look great in your window.
Annual begonias
Begonias are a great choice for window boxes. They have wax-like leaves and bright red blooms. They thrive in partial shade but can also grow in a sunny window box. Begonias need well-drained soil and a moderate amount of sun to thrive. Impatiens are the best begonias for window boxes. You can also choose a variety with variegated leaves, such as dangling begonia.
Angelonias, or petunias, are great for window boxes because they produce beautiful blooms throughout the year. Because of their low maintenance requirements, they are an excellent choice for window boxes. Angelonia flower stems can grow from one to three feet high. Angelonias are also good choices for the background of the window box and grow well in full sun. While they do not tolerate cold or shade, they should be watered deeply at the base to prevent fungal diseases.
While these plants need little to no pruning, they do need to be given regular attention. Begonias need well-drained, evenly moist soil with plenty of organic matter. During the growing season, they will benefit from a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer is recommended for foliage plants. For optimal growth, water your begonia regularly, but don’t overwater it, or you may cause root rot. Always water at the base to avoid leaf spot and leggy growth.
Creeping Jenny
If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant for your window box, consider choosing a Creeping Jenny. Also known as moneywort, this plant’s trailing leaves resemble vines. It can grow 12 to 18 inches tall and features silver foliage. As a bonus, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Listed below are some tips for growing Creeping Jenny succulents in a window box.
Although the Creeping Jenny is invasive in some areas, it does well in pots and containers. The plant’s leaves look like a golden waterfall, which will add color to your window box. Remember, it’s important to take proper care of your succulents to keep them looking their best. This plant is easy to grow and maintain, and you can easily prune it to a desired height for a more pleasing effect.
If you choose to grow Creeping Jenny in your window box, you should plant it at least 12 inches apart so that it can grow in an even carpet. For best results, plant them in the spring before the last frost, as this will allow the plants to take root and bloom before winter. Water your Creeping Jenny regularly in the spring to encourage growth. As long as the soil is moist, it doesn’t need much water.
For the best results, creeping jenny plants will receive adequate sunlight. The creeping jenny is a low-maintenance perennial that needs little attention. They will bloom year-round, but need full sunlight to flourish. They are not hospitable to slugs, and they may even get stuck on broken eggshells. This is a problem that can be easily avoided by removing dead plants and watering from below the foliage.
Ghost plant
If you’re considering adding a ghost plant to your window box, remember that they need full or partial sun to grow well. They can tolerate some shade, but their color is best displayed when given plenty of light. If your window doesn’t receive sufficient light, they will lose their leaves and change to a dull gray. You’ll want to keep the lights on your window sill at least 6 hours a day.
After you’ve selected the perfect ghost plant, give it plenty of sunlight to grow. Don’t overfeed, as it will burn the leaves. Keep the soil almost dry between waterings so that the ghost plant does not overfeed. Afterward, you can trim the stems to a fuller shape. If you want to enjoy the beautiful flowers and seed pods, you can use a leggy ghost plant.
When you choose your window box plants, be sure to pick a pot that’s breathable and will allow air to reach the plants’ roots. Succulents need a tray or saucer to collect water, and too much water can cause root rot. In such cases, you may want to try withholding water for a few weeks, and check for root rot. If it doesn’t, you can always transplant a plant from the original source to another container or create a new one.