1. PETUNIAS
Among the myriad of floricultural trends, the ever-popular Petunia reigns supreme in window boxes. These vivid, resplendent blossoms infuse a kaleidoscope of color to your home’s exterior. Though Petunias are relatively undemanding, they thrive best in well-aerated soil under abundant sunlight.
Diane Blazek from the national Garden Bureau elucidates, “Annuals are preferable for vibrant displays as they bloom continuously, unlike perennials which have intermittent flowering phases.”
Petunias boast an extensive palette and numerous forms, such as cascading or upright varieties. Depending on your aesthetic and preference, you can select the most fitting type. These charming florals make their presence felt throughout spring and summer, transforming your window boxes into vibrant spectacles.
Hardiness zones: 9 to 11 (USDA)Soil type: Well-drained, moistType: Tender perennials, predominantly cultivated as annualsSun exposure: Minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
2. TOUCH-ME-NOT (MIMOSA PUDICA)
This tactilely responsive flora is remarkably low-maintenance, perfect for minimalist gardeners. It requires a generous amount of sunlight for optimal growth.
Kat Aul Cervoni, landscape designer and founder of Staghorn nYC and The Cultivation by Kat, advises, “Touch-me-not plants (Mimosa pudica) thrive under copious sunlight and moist yet well-draining soil. Position them near eastern or southern windows to ensure they receive ample rays, preventing them from closing up and encouraging blooming. Avoid fertilizer-rich potting mixes as they can be overly nourishing.”
For organic fertilization, consider integrating coffee grounds, banana peels, eggshells, and green tea into the potting mix.
Hardiness zones: 7–13Soil type: Well-draining, loamyType: Annual or short-lived perennialSun exposure: Bright, indirect light
3. PANSIES (VIOLA TRICOLOR VAR. HORTENSIS)
Ideal for autumnal displays, pansies are exceptional for window boxes, providing a burst of seasonal color. These flowers not only enhance flower beds but also embellish the confined spaces of window boxes.
Gardening expert reese L. Robins from Just Pure Gardening notes, “Pansies come in a spectrum of vivid hues and are well-suited for window boxes. They offer vibrant, seasonal colors and are relatively easy to nurture. By combining them with other flowers, you can create visually appealing and dynamic displays year-round.”
When selecting flowers, reese emphasizes considering aesthetic appeal and color harmony to boost your home’s curb appeal.
Hardiness zones: 7 to 10Soil type: rich, well-drainedType: Short-lived perennialsSun exposure: Approximately 6 hours of partial sunlight
4. GERANIUMS (PELARGONIUM)
Geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are urban gardening favorites due to their ease of cultivation, care, and aesthetic appeal, especially in hanging baskets.
These sun-loving flowers come in over 422 species, presenting an array of colors such as red, white, orange, yellow, pink, violet, and lilac, complementing any modern garden scheme.
Diane Blazek suggests, “In addition to geraniums, consider adding calibrachoa, snapdaons, verbena, lantana, and shorter zinnias and marigolds for sun-loving plant diversity.”
Hardiness zones: 3-9Soil type: Well-drainingType: Primarily grown as annuals, perennials in Zones 10-11Sun exposure: 4-6 hours of full sunlight daily
5. ROSEMARY (SALVIA ROSMARINUS)
For those short on space for a herb garden, rosemary offers a delightful solution. Adding this herb to your window box not only enhances your culinary endaors but also provides a fragrant, verdant display.
Diane mentions, “Herbs like basil and rosemary are excellent fillers, while oregano and thyme make great spillers. For herb enthusiasts, cilantro is another fantastic addition.”
Hardiness zones: Zone 7Soil type: Well-drained, loamyType: PerennialSun exposure: At least six hours of direct sunlight
6. FUCHSIAS
For windows that favor shade, fuchsias are an excellent choice. These shade-loving perennials, known for their exotic, lantern-like blooms, add a splash of color to shaded areas. Fuchsias can trail beautifully, making them perfect for hanging baskets, although with a bit of care, they can also grow upright.
Reese recommends, “In addition to fuchsias, consider other perennials like strawberries, sedum, marigolds, creeping jenny, pansies, ivy, and lavender for window boxes. These plants are resilient, adaptable to confined spaces, and return year after year, offering a cost-effective and low-maintenance gardening option.”
Hardiness zones: Tender varieties tolerate zones 10-11; half-hardy varieties survive in USDA zones 9-10Soil type: Moist but well-drainedType: Tender perennialsSun exposure: Full morning sunlight, afternoon shade
