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
