Window Boxes, Zinc troughs, and terrazzo balcony planters... Window box ideas and planting suggestions.
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Thursday, 4 September 2008

BEST PLANTS FOR WINDOW BOXES

When planting a windowbox, choosing plants to match your exposure is the key to success.

If you choose shade loving plants for a window box on a south or west-facing wall, the foliage will get scorched in the high light levels; and plants that thrive in full sun will grow tall and leggy in a northern exposure.

SHADE LOVING PLANTS FOR A NORTH FACING WINDOW BOX

If you are planting a shady windowbox, try:

Hellebores - I particularly like H. orientalis 'Ballards Hybrids' but there are some lovely ones to choose from

Hosta - try mixing a few different sized hostas in the same planting for a lush effect

Fern's such as Polystichum Aculeatum (Hardy Shield Fern) and Adiantum (Maidenhair Fern) or even Asparagus falcatus (Asparagus Fern}

Shade loving herbs such as Parsley, Chive and Mint

Pansy - classic window box plant

Ivy - great for evergreen structure throughout the year

Fuschia - Elegant in hot pink or white

Hydrangea - looks great with ferns if you can get them small

PLANTS FOR A SOUTH OR WEST FACING WINDOWBOX

If you are planting a sunny windowbox, try:

Lavender - classic when planted on it's own

Salvia - long flowering

Nasturtium - great for trailing over the side of your window box, and edible flowers too!

Sun loving herbs such as Basil, Oregano and Thyme

Strawberries - I particularly like to combine alpine strawberries with erigeron karviscianus

Verbena - another great long flowering essential


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