Window planters are the perfect way to add charm and character to your home’s exterior. They brighten up a dull exterior and provide an inviting touch that welcomes guests and passers-by alike.
Your windows can become a beautiful focal point with the right combination of flowers and greenery. However, choosing the best plants for your window displays can be tricky, as not all plants thrive in these unique conditions. To help you create the perfect look, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best plants that are not only gorgeous but also well-suited for window boxes.
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Coleus plants are a favorite choice for window boxes due to their vibrant, multi-colored leaves. These plants come in a wide array of shades, from delicate pinks and fiery reds to warm oranges and verdant greens, with some even displaying shades of yellow. They can grow anywhere from a foot to three feet tall, adding a touch of dynamic height to your window box arrangement.
They also have small flowers that attract bees and other insects. Some coleus plants like full sun, while others prefer partial shade.
Petunias are decorative annual flowers that offer a wide palette of colors such as red, pink, yellow, purple, and white. These charming flowers are ideal for window boxes, as they can endure the intense heat of summer while displaying a profusion of vibrant blooms. This resilience makes them a popular choice for those looking to add color to their homes during the warmer months.
Spreading petunias are a generally shorter type, growing to about 6 inches tall. However, these plants can spread over 2 feet wide in summer, making them a splendid choice for filling window boxes with color. Varieties like wave petunias are particularly impressive, as they produce so many blossoms that onlookers may barely notice the leaves amid the colorful display.
Creeping Jenny, which some people call moneywort, is the perfect trailing plant to liven up your window box. It's really popular for hanging baskets and window planters because it grows like crazy, spilling over the sides in no time. With the right care, those stems can easily push out more than a foot of growth each month!
Creeping jenny comes in a variety of varieties, but by far the most popular is the 'Aurea' variety, which has these beautiful golden leaves.
This plant is super easy to care for. Just keep the soil moist and make sure it gets some sunshine. It likes full sun or partial shade, so you can find a spot that fits your window box. It's a great plant for beginners and anyone who wants an easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance option to add some life to their space.
For a cool-season splash of color in your window box, pansies are the go-to choice. These cheerful flowers come in more than a dozen colors and have a lovely, perfume-like scent.
Plant your pansies when the weather starts to cool down. After planting, give them a good watering and keep the soil moist, especially during the winter. They'll need a little extra attention to stay healthy during the colder months, but with a bit of care, they can thrive and bring a touch of color to your space throughout the winter and into the spring. A layer of mulch and a bit of fertilizer will help keep them happy and blooming.
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Impatiens are a total win for window boxes! They're super easy to grow in containers and come in all sorts of vibrant colors like bright pink, orange, violet, lavender, red, and even white.
Most impatiens enjoy the warm summer weather, no matter how much sun they get. To keep them looking their best, it’s a good idea to spread a layer of mulch in your window box. Just keep an eye on the soil moisture; if it gets too dry, the stems can start to droop and wilt, and we definitely don’t want that!
Geraniums come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with tons of different flower colors and leaf patterns. You can find everything from tiny, delicate blooms to big, bold flowers, so you're sure to find something that fits your style.
Keep in mind that geraniums don’t do well without water, so it’s key to keep them hydrated to avoid wilting or breaking apart. And don’t forget to deadhead any spent flowers to encourage more growth.
For the best results, plant geraniums in well-drained, fertilized soil. Make sure your window box is deep enough for their roots to spread.
Wax begonias are probably one of the best options for your window box! These annuals keep blooming throughout summer, bringing lovely red, pink, and white hues to brighten up your space.
For a lush look, plant them close together, spacing them about 8 to 10 inches apart. You can also mix them in with other annuals to create a fun and varied display.
To keep them thriving, make sure your window box has good drainage and gets enough sunlight.
Lobelias are beautiful flowering plants that bloom in the summer. You can find them in a variety of colors – red, blue, purple, and even white. Some have solid colors, while others have cool patterns on their leaves. It's really fun to mix and match!
They're pretty easy to grow, just make sure they get some sun and good drainage. Some types trail beautifully, so they can fill up your container nicely. But if you're looking for a real showstopper, the blue and violet lobelias are super vibrant and eye-catching. They'll really make your window box stand out!
Vincas are a super easygoing plant that loves the sun, making them perfect for window boxes. They usually bloom in shades of white, lavender, red, and pink, with deep green leaves to match.
These plants really shine when they get around eight hours of sunlight each day. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, these annuals come from dry parts of Africa, which explains why they enjoy warm, dry conditions.
If you notice their stems getting really long and skinny, it means they're reaching for more light! Otherwise, they're pretty carefree and don't need much water or fertilizer. Just give them a little love, and they'll reward you with beautiful blooms.
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Calibrachoa is a beautiful flower that grows in South America. Its spreading nature makes it perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes.
You can find calibrachoa in a bunch of colors, like white, bronze, yellow, pink, magenta, red, violet, and blue. These charming annuals are often called “million bells” because of their cute bell-shaped flowers.
To get the best calibrachoas, fill your window box with organic matter. They love full sunlight and rich, nutrient-packed soil.
Make sure to water them daily to keep the soil moist without drowning them. Picking a window box with good drainage holes will help with water and air circulation.
Periwinkle is a thick ground cover that can also flourish in a window box. It has glossy dark green leaves and pinwheel flowers that are about 2 inches across. The flowers can come in violet, blue-purple, or white, depending on the variety.
A quick note about vinca: it can overtake other plants in a flower bed, so it's best to keep it on its own. The good news is that it thrives even in poor soil and can climb a small trellis or support, making it useful for blocking views or sunlight.
