My recommendations for the best window box flowers to add color and life to my home’s exterior. Not only do they enhance curb appeal, but they also provide a space-saving solution for gardening enthusiasts.
Best Window Box Flowers
I love window boxes because even if you have a small apartment balcony or a large house, window boxes can transform any space.
In this post, I’ll explore the 17 best flowers for window boxes, providing you with detailed information to help you choose the perfect plants for your window boxes.
Criteria for Selecting Window Box Flowers
Sunlight Requirements
Different flowers have varying sunlight needs. Some thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade or full shade.
Understanding the sunlight exposure of your window box location is crucial for selecting the right plants.
Full Sun: Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Partial Shade: Prefers 3-6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light.
Full Shade: Thrives with less than 3 hours of direct sunlight or mostly indirect light.
Climate and Hardiness Zones
Selecting flowers suited to your climate and USDA hardiness zone ensures they will thrive throughout the growing season. Check your local hardiness zone to make informed choices.
Maintenance Level
Consider the amount of care and maintenance you can provide. Low-maintenance flowers are ideal for busy gardeners, while high-maintenance plants may require regular attention.
Blooming Season
Choose flowers that bloom in different seasons to ensure year-round beauty. Some flowers are spring bloomers, while others peak in summer, fall, or even persist throughout the year.
Color Scheme and Visual Appeal
Decide on a color palette that complements your home’s exterior. Whether you prefer vibrant hues or a more subdued look, selecting flowers with coordinating colors can create a cohesive and attractive display.
Growth Habit
Flowers have different growth habits, such as trailing, bushy, or compact. Understanding these habits helps in designing a well-balanced and visually appealing window box.
The 17 Best Flowers for Window Boxes
Geraniums
Description: Geraniums are beloved for their vibrant, eye-catching colors, ranging from deep reds and pinks to soft whites and purples.
They are relatively drought-tolerant, making them perfect for sunny locations. Geraniums produce large clusters of blooms that can last from spring until frost. Their slightly spicy fragrance can also help deter pests.
Best for: Full sun
Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooms.
Petunias
Description: Petunias are one of the most popular window box flowers due to their extensive color range and long blooming season. They can bloom continuously from spring to late fall.
Petunias can be found in various forms, including trailing, compact, and spreading varieties, making them versatile for any window box design.
Best for: Full sun
Care Tips: Petunias need regular watering, especially during hot, dry spells. Pinching back stems can promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Begonias
Description: Begonias thrive in shaded areas and are known for their continuous blooms and attractive foliage.
They come in various types, including wax begonias, tuberous begonias, and Rex begonias, each offering unique flower shapes and colors.
Begonias can bloom in white, pink, red, and orange shades, providing constant color in shaded spots.
Best for: Partial shade to full shade
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent powdery mildew. Check this complete guide to growing begonias.
Impatiens
Description: Impatiens are shade-loving plants that produce masses of colorful blooms. They are excellent for adding vibrant color to darker areas.
Impatiens come in various shades, including red, pink, white, purple, and orange. They are particularly effective when planted in clusters for a bold display.
Best for: Partial shade to full shade
Care Tips: Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
Pansies
Description: Pansies are cool-season flowers with distinctive “faces” in a wide range of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, and white.
They are perfect for early spring or fall displays and can withstand light frosts, making them ideal for transitional seasons.
Best for: Partial sun
Care Tips: Pansies prefer cooler temperatures and need regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Check this complete guide to growing pansies.
Marigolds
Description: Marigolds are hardy, sun-loving flowers known for their bright yellow, orange, and red hues. They are also excellent companion plants due to their ability to repel common garden pests.
Marigolds come in various sizes, from compact to tall varieties, suitable for different window box designs.
Best for: Full sun
Care Tips: Plant marigolds in well-draining soil and water them regularly. Deadheading prolongs the blooming period.
Lobelia
Description: Lobelia is a trailing plant that produces masses of small, delicate flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white.
It is perfect for adding a cascading effect to window boxes and pairs well with other flowers. Lobelia blooms profusely in cooler weather, making it ideal for spring and fall.
Best for: Partial shade
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to prevent the plant from wilting in hot weather.
Sweet Alyssum
Description: Sweet Alyssum is a fragrant, low-growing plant that produces clusters of tiny flowers in white, pink, or purple. It attracts beneficial insects and adds a sweet scent to your garden.
Sweet Alyssum blooms continuously from spring to fall and works well as a filler in window boxes.
Best for: Full sun to partial shade
Care Tips: Water regularly and trim back if the plant becomes leggy to encourage a fresh flush of blooms.
Nasturtiums
Description: Nasturtiums are easy-to-grow, edible flowers that come in vibrant colors like yellow, orange, and red. They have a trailing or climbing habit, making them ideal for adding height and interest to window boxes.
Nasturtiums are also known for their peppery-tasting leaves and flowers, which can be used in salads.
Best for: Full sun
Care Tips: Plant nasturtiums in well-draining soil and water sparingly. Too much fertilizer can result in more foliage than flowers.
Fuchsias
Description: Fuchsias have unique, pendulous flowers that are ideal for shaded areas. They come in stunning color combinations of pink, red, white, and purple.
Fuchsias are perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes, where their trailing flowers can be fully appreciated.
Best for: Partial shade to full shade
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and protect from direct afternoon sun. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer promotes blooms.
Calibrachoa
Description: Often called “Million Bells,” Calibrachoa resembles mini petunias and produces abundant small flowers. They come in various colors, including purple, pink, red, yellow, and orange.
Calibrachoa has a trailing habit, making it excellent for window boxes where it can spill over the edges.
Best for: Full sun
Care Tips: Ensure well-draining soil and water regularly. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
Verbena
Description: Verbena produces clusters of small, vibrant flowers that bloom from spring until frost.
They are drought-tolerant and come in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, red, and white. Verbena is ideal for adding long-lasting color to sunny window boxes.
Best for: Full sun
Care Tips: Plant in well-draining soil and water moderately. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Snapdragons
Description: Snapdragons are known for their vertical growth and colorful spikes of flowers. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, white, and purple.
Snapdragons add height and structure to window boxes and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Best for: Full sun to partial shade
Care Tips: Provide regular watering and deadhead to prolong the blooming period. Snapdragons prefer cooler weather, making them suitable for spring and fall.
Million Bells
Description: Similar to petunias, Million Bells are prolific bloomers with a trailing habit.
They produce an abundance of small, petunia-like flowers in many colors. Million Bells are low-maintenance and can bloom continuously from spring to fall.
Best for: Full sun
Care Tips: Plant in well-draining soil and water regularly. Pinch back stems to maintain a bushy shape.
Heuchera
Description: Also known as Coral Bells, Heuchera is prized for its colorful foliage, which can range from deep purples and reds to bright greens and silvers.
It also produces small, bell-shaped flowers on tall stalks. Heuchera is shade-tolerant and adds texture and color to window boxes.
Best for: Partial shade to full shade
Care Tips: Plant in well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist. Mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots.
Dusty Miller
Description: Dusty Miller is known for its striking silver foliage, which provides a beautiful contrast to brightly colored flowers. It is a hardy plant that can handle both sun and partial shade and is often used as an accent plant in window boxes.
Best for: Full sun to partial shade
Care Tips: Plant in well-draining soil and water moderately. Dusty Miller is drought-tolerant once established and requires little maintenance.
Ivy Geraniums
Description: Ivy Geraniums have a trailing habit and produce clusters of colorful blooms, including red, pink, purple, and white. They are drought-tolerant and ideal for window boxes where their cascading stems can spill over the edges.
Best for: Full sun
Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms and prevents legginess.
Tips for Successful Window Box Gardening
Choosing the Right Container
Selecting the right container is essential for successful window box gardening. Consider the size, material, and drainage capabilities.
- Size: Ensure the box is deep enough for root growth (at least 6-8 inches).
- Material: Options include wood, metal, plastic, and ceramic. Each has its pros and cons in terms of durability and aesthetics.
- Drainage: Good drainage is crucial. Ensure your window box has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Selection and Fertilization
Use high-quality potting soil mixed with compost for a nutrient-rich planting medium. Regularly fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooms.
Watering Schedule and Methods
Proper watering is key. Most window box flowers need consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Watering Schedule: Water in the morning to allow the soil to dry out during the day. Check moisture levels regularly.
Methods: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to avoid overwatering and ensure even distribution.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regular pruning and deadheading encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period.
- Pruning: Remove dead or diseased leaves and stems.
- Deadheading: Cut off spent flowers to stimulate more blooms.
Seasonal Care and Rotation of Plants
Adapt your window box to seasonal changes by rotating plants. Replace summer bloomers with fall or winter plants to maintain year-round beauty.
Creative Window Box Design Ideas
- Mixing and Matching Colors
Create visual interest by combining flowers of different colors. Use color theory to choose complementary or analogous colors for a harmonious look.
2. Combining Different Plant Types
Incorporate thrillers (tall, eye-catching plants), fillers (medium-height plants), and spillers (trailing plants) to add depth and dimension.
3. Seasonal Themes and Holiday Decorations
Design your window boxes to reflect seasonal themes or holidays. Use pumpkins and gourds in fall, or red and white flowers for patriotic displays.
4. Incorporating Herbs and Edible Plants
Mix herbs like basil, thyme, or mint with your flowers. Not only do they add fragrance, but they also provide fresh herbs for cooking.
Final Thoughts
Just like with all other types of gardening, window box flower gardening offers a delightful way to enhance your home’s exterior with colorful blooms.
I have found that experimenting with different flowers and designs helped me find what works best for my space.
I hope this post on the best window box flowers was helpful. If you love growing flowers and house plants subscribe to our newsletter and also follow me @flowerthings on Pinterest.
