During the growing season, there are plenty of ways to plant fresh flowers or herbs. Planting a window box garden add pops of color and creates dimension to your windows. But before you run to your nearest plant nursery, check out our recommendations for the best flowers to plant in your window box.
What is a Window Box?
A window box is a type of planter that’s attached or installed just below your window sill. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, window boxes are the perfect container garden for herbs, flowers or greenery.
What Are the Best Flowers for Window Boxes?
Mix and match your favorite flowers to create the ultimate window box garden. Make sure to pay attention to each flower’s water and sunlight needs to see successful growth season after season.
Petunias
In most climates, petunias are grown as annuals. For the best blooms, plant your petunias in a spot that receives six hours or more of full sunlight. These plants’ shallow roots mean they need to be watered often, but their impressive selection of colors and sizes makes up for it.
Geraniums
Geraniums are notorious for their extended blooming time and can last up until the beginning of winter in the right conditions. Grown as annuals in most zones, geraniums love sunny spots but appreciate afternoon shade in especially hot climates. A thorough soak once or twice a week should keep these plants happy in your window box.
Snapdragons
Grown as annuals, six or more hours of direct sunlight keep snapdragons blooming and happy. Snapdragons come in a variety of colors and are a cheerful addition to any window box garden. Once established, snapdragons are often drought-tolerant—but be mindful of your other plants!
Lantana
Lantana is a heat-loving plant with bursts of color that last up until the first frost. When treated as an annual, these flowers can grow quite large, so keep watch to prevent them from overtaking your container garden. As an added bonus, lantana will attract a buzz of pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies and other insect pollinators.
Additional Tips for Window Box Care
Now that you have an idea of what flowers to plant in your window box, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Consider what direction your home faces. South-facing windows receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, so be mindful of flowers and plants that are susceptible to heat stress.
- Annual flowers will likely die off before or during the winter. If you’d like for your flowers to come back each year, look for perennials.
- Opt for well-draining soil. Mix perlite or orchid bark into your soil for improved oxygen glow.
- Fertilize your flowers once established. They need nutrients and minerals to grow! Fertilization will supply your flowers with the nutrients and minerals necessary to produce beautiful blooms that last all season long. Happy growing!
Refresh Your Windows with Window World
The perfect window garden isn’t complete without custom replacement windows to match! Window World of Baton Rouge offers a variety of energy-efficient replacement windows to suit your home’s style and comfort needs. Give your home a facelift and request your free estimate today!