Plant These Hard-to-Kill Flowers in Window Boxes

Photo: MARGRIT HIRSCH (Shutterstock)

Gardens come in all shapes, sizes, and locations—including growing out of boxes attached to windows. And while window boxes may not seem like gardens in the traditional sense, think of them as mini versions, where you can grow everything from herbs and small vegetables, to flowers.

Beyond that, window boxes containing flowers also become part of a home’s outdoor design and landscape architecture. And when you’re inside looking out, these flowers automatically become part of your view (even if the rest of your view is a parking lot or dumpster-filled alley).

But because of their position (attached to houses or buildings), you can’t plant just any flower in a window box and assume it’ll grow and flourish: You have to base that decision on which plants fare best in different combinations of sunlight and shade. Here are a few examples of some of the hardest-to-kill flowers to plant in window boxes.

The best flowers for window boxes with full sun

For south- or west-facing windows, the Farmers’ Almanac recommends planting these flowers:

Upright

ArtemisiaDusty millerLavenderMarigoldMiniature rose Opal and bush basilOrnamental pepperPeriwinkleRosemaryRose-scented geraniumSalvia

Trailing

Sweet potato vineDwarf soapwort‘Homestead Purple’ verbenaNasturtiumPeppermint-scented geraniumPetuniaPink Prostrate rosemarySetcreaseaStrawberrySweet marjoramThyme

Climbing

Carolina jessamineGolden hopHoneysuckleJasmineMiniature climbing roseMoon vine

The best flowers for window boxes in the shade

For shady north-facing windows, the Farmers’ Almanac recommends planting these flowers:

Upright

AstilbeCardinal flowerColeusEnglish daisyFern (maidenhair, tassel, Boston, asparagus)Garden heliotropeHostaImpatiensJohnny-jump-upLamb’s earsLemon balmLenten roseMophead hydrangeaPansyParsleySnapdragonTropical houseplantWax begonia

Trailing

Creeping myrtleFuchsiaPeppermintSweet autumn clematisVariegated English or Algerian ivyInch plant (tradescantia)

Climbing

Sweet autumn clematisTrumpet vine

Not sure how to get started planting a window box garden? This previous Lifehacker post will walk you through the steps.

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