Window boxes are a great way to add instant beauty to your home’s exterior. Whether you choose flowers, greenery, or a combination of both, the colors will instantly elevate the look of your home and make people smile when they pass by. With summertime in full swing, now is the perfect time to embrace this classic decorating trend with some of the best flowers for window boxes.
When planning your window box design, consider the size and shape of your windows and the amount of sunlight they receive. You’ll also want to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do; some plants require more care than others.
Once you’ve decided what type of plants you’d like to use, it’s time to pick out some beautiful blooms. From bright sunflowers and cheerful daisies to fragrant lavender and delicate petunias, plenty of options will bring life and color into your outdoor space. Be sure to mix up heights and textures for a truly eye-catching display. Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
Here are the Best Flowers for Planter Boxes
1. Box of Boxwoods
Box of Boxwoods is a great choice for planter boxes. These evergreen shrubs provide year-round interest and texture to any space. They’re low maintenance, drought tolerant, and very easy to prune into shape.
Plus, they’re the perfect size for fitting into small planters or box gardens. Boxwoods are known for their glossy, deep green foliage, and they look great when planted alongside other plants such as roses or lavender.
2. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are the perfect choice for adding a splash of sunny color to any planter box. These cheerful blooms come in various sizes and colors, ranging from creamy yellow to intense orange and red. They’re also easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners.
3. Lavender
Lavender is a classic choice for planter boxes because of its beautiful grey-green foliage and fragrant purple blooms. It’s also easy to care for and can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded locations. Plant it alongside other bright flowers, such as daisies or roses, for a lovely display.
4. Daisies
Daisies are a great choice for planter boxes because of their cheerful blooms and low-maintenance nature. These flowers come in various colors, from pure white to deep pink and yellow. They’re also known for attracting bees and butterflies, which can help create a beautiful pollinator garden.
5. Black Beauty
Black Beauty is a beautiful and unique flower that makes an excellent choice for planter boxes. Its deep black petals stand out among other flowers and add a dramatic touch to any garden or patio area. The blooms come in single and double varieties, with the double version having more petals than the single one.
The Black Beauty flower is very hardy and can tolerate partial shade and drought, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardeners.
6. Petunias
Petunias are another popular flower for planter boxes. These cheerful blooms come in many colors, from soft pastels to vibrant pinks and purples. They’re also easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners.
7. Snapdragon
Snapdragons are a great choice for planter boxes due to their tall, spiky blooms and long-lasting flowers. These flowers come in various colors, ranging from soft whites and pinks to deep reds and purples. They’re also known for attracting bees and butterflies, which can help create a beautiful pollinator garden.
8. Marigolds
Marigolds are a great choice for planter boxes due to their bright and cheerful blooms. Not only do these flowers add an eye-catching pop of color to your garden, but they’re also easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Marigolds are heat tolerant and thrive in full sun, so you don’t have to worry about them wilting during summer.
9. Pansies
Pansies are a great choice for planter boxes due to their cheerful blooms and vibrant colors. These flowers come in various shades, from soft pastels to bright oranges and purples. They’re also easy to care for and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Pansies can tolerate cold temperatures, so they’re perfect for adding color to your garden in the spring and fall.
10. Bright and Cheery
Bright and cheery flowers are a great choice for planter boxes. A few of the best options include sunflowers, daisies, petunias, zinnias, and marigolds. All these flowers thrive in containers and bring a burst of color to any outdoor space. Sunflowers are perfect for adding height to planter boxes as they can reach up to 8 feet tall.
11. Sweet Potato Vine
The sweet potato vine is a great choice for planter boxes, providing vibrant color and texture to any outdoor space. Its trailing vines and bright foliage come in various colors, including green, purple, bronze, and even variegated varieties.
It grows quickly and easily in most soil types, needing only occasional water to thrive. Sweet potato vine is also heat tolerant and drought-resistant, making it a great choice for busy gardeners.
12. Snapdragon
Snapdragons, also known as antirrhinums, are beautiful and popular flowers that can be found in many gardens. They have tall spikes covered in various blossoms, with red, orange, yellow, lavender, or near-white being the most popular.
When given a full day of sunshine, the stems will reach 12-18” in height. This makes them ideal for outdoor pots from early spring through late fall, as they are frost-tolerant annuals.
13. Gerber Daisy
The Gerber Daisy is an ideal flower for planter boxes due to its bright, vibrant colors and hardy nature. Gerber Daisies can be planted in the sun and shade, making them a great choice for any outdoor space. They are also drought-tolerant and low maintenance, so they don’t require much upkeep or water.
Gerber Daisies come in various shades, including yellow, orange, pink, and white. In addition, they are known to attract butterflies, making them a great choice for creating a pollinator garden.
14. Mums
Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are a great choice for those looking to add showiness to their garden. They’re late bloomers and can handle frost, making them perfect for fall planters. Mums prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade, so they’re versatile enough to fit into any garden. They can reach up to 18-24” in height, so they’ll nicely fill any pot or planter you have.
Mums come in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple, and red. They look great when planted in groups or mixed with other flowers like pansies or petunias.
When planting mums, ensure the soil is well drained and regularly fertilized during the growing season. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and keep your mums looking their best all season long.
15. Gerber Daisy
Gerber daisies are a cheerful and vibrant addition to any garden. These annuals come in various colors, including pink, red, orange, and yellow. They are perfect for pots and container gardens as they prefer warm weather and full sun.
Gerber daisies repeatedly bloom throughout the season, providing a bright splash of color to your outdoor space. Most varieties will reach 6-12” in height, but some can grow up to 18” tall.
These flowers are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They should be planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter added. Water regularly during dry periods and fertilize every few weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer for best results.
Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and keep the plants looking their best throughout the season. With proper care, gerbera daisies will bring beauty and joy to your garden for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Do you put plants directly into planters?
The answer to this question depends on the planter you are using and the type of plants you want to grow. Generally, it is best to use a potting mix when planting in planters, as this provides better drainage than soil alone. If your planter does not have a drainage hole, you should use a soil-less mix or add some perlite to your soil to improve drainage. Additionally, you should ensure that your planter’s size is appropriate for the type of plants you are growing.
2. What is the best flower for planter boxes?
The best flower for planter boxes depends on a few factors, such as light and soil conditions and personal preference. Some popular flowers for planters include gerbera daisies, mums, petunias, and vinca. All these flowers are easy to care for and can tolerate various conditions.
3. How often should I water my planter box flowers?
The watering frequency will depend on the type of plants you are growing and the conditions in your garden. Generally speaking, most flowers require about an inch of water per week. It may be necessary to water more frequently during particularly hot or dry periods. Additionally, if your planters are in very sunny spots, they will likely need more frequent watering than those in shady spots.
4. What type of soil should I use for planter boxes?
The soil you use for your planter boxes will depend on the type of plants you are growing and the conditions in your garden. Generally, a good potting or soil-less mix is best for most flowers and vegetables. If your planters are in hot, sunny spots, then it is best to use a light and airy potting mix so that the soil does not become compacted. If you are growing vegetables, then it is best to add some compost or other organic matter to the soil for additional nutrients.
5. What is the best way to fertilize planter box flowers?
The best way to fertilize planter box flowers is to use an all-purpose fertilizer every few weeks. This will help ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive. Additionally, you can add a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season for additional long-term nutrition. If you are growing vegetables, it is best to use a fertilizer specifically designed for vegetables.
Conclusion
Gerbera daisies are a great choice for planter boxes due to their easy care and minimal maintenance requirements. They should be planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter added and watered regularly during dry periods. Additionally, fertilizing every few weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer will help ensure the best results. With proper care, these flowers can bring beauty and joy to your garden for many years.
