When adding patio containers or window boxes to your home, consider which flowers do well in shade and hot, sunny spots. There is various kind of flowers out there. So, you won’t ever run out of options while choosing flowers.
Look at our list of the best plants for your window box garden. Those followers will enhance the beauty of your window and your environment.
Table of Contents
Here are the best annual flowers for window boxes
1. Impatiens
Impatiens are one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. These annuals bloom throughout the summer months, making it easy to find a variety that suits your home decor. There are wide different varieties of impatiens, including some that produce colorful flowers and others that produce white ones. Some popular types include “Candy Stripe,” “Sunshine Mix,” and “Red Hot Poker.” You can also look into more exotic varieties like “Double Delight” or “Millionaire’s Money Tree.”
2. Zinnia
Zinnias are among the most low-maintenance annuals available. They require little care, but they do need light to thrive. If you have a shady spot with minimal sunlight, try growing zinnias there instead of planting them outside.
In addition, you can keep these plants alive by cutting off their stems each year. This is especially useful if you want to remove the plant from its pot before transplanting it outdoors.
3. Caladium
Caladiums are some of the easiest houseplants around. They’re often used as indoor houseplants because they don’t require too much maintenance. This tropical plant grows in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and purple. But it doesn’t stop there; caladiums come in many shapes and sizes. Some varieties include hearts, stars, and flowers.
A heart-shaped bloom is usually found on this plant, and the foliage is usually red and pink. The leaves are thick and fleshy, perfect for adding color to a shady area. However, place the plant in full sun to see the most vibrant colors.
4. Geranium
Geraniums are another type of plant that’s ideal for shady areas. Most geraniums are grown in pots, but you can buy them in hanging baskets. Many people use geraniums as an accent plant, placing them in front of windows and other places where they will get plenty of sunlight. As long as you provide adequate water and fertilizer, geraniums should be able to survive without additional attention.
5. Marigold
Marigolds are another common choice for window boxes. While marigolds aren’t technically annuals, they typically bloom during the warmer parts of the year. That means they can add color to any outdoor space. Since they’re so easy to grow, you’ll probably have several in your yard. And since they’re such versatile flowers, you may put them in multiple locations throughout your property.
| Annual Flower | Scientific Name | Flower Color | Blooming Season | Height | Special Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impatiens | Impatiens walleriana | Various | Spring to Fall | 6-12 in | Keep soil consistently moist. Avoid direct sun. |
| Begonia | Begonia spp. | Various | Spring to Fall | 6-12 in | Well-drained soil, pinch off dead blooms. |
| Torenia | Torenia fournieri | Blue, Purple | Spring to Fall | 6-12 in | Prefers slightly acidic soil. |
| Coleus | Plectranthus scutellari | Various | Spring to Fall | 12-24 in | Prune for bushier growth. |
| Fuchsia | Fuchsia spp. | Pink, Purple | Summer to Fall | 12-36 in | Regular feeding with balanced fertilizer. |
| Caladium | Caladium bicolor | Various | Summer to Fall | 12-24 in | Keep soil consistently moist. |
| Browallia | Browallia speciosa | Blue, White | Summer to Fall | 12-18 in | Well-drained soil, moderate watering. |
| Lobelia | Lobelia erinus | Blue, White | Spring to Fall | 6-12 in | Deadhead for continuous blooms. |
| Wax Begonia | Begonia semperflorens | Various | Spring to Fall | 6-12 in | Allow soil to dry slightly between watering. |
| Viola | Viola x wittrockiana | Various | Spring to Fall | 6-8 in | Deadhead spent flowers for more blooms. |
6. Coleus
Coleus is a hardy annual herbaceous perennial native to South America. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. In temperate climates, it blooms from spring to fall. This easy-to-grow plant produces masses of small white flowers in summer. Coleus is commonly used as ground cover and container plantings.
7. Dusty Miller
Senecio cineraria are called dusty miller because their leaves are covered in silvery hairs. This unusual trait gives the plant a unique appearance, especially when contrasted against bright flowers like the Sunflower family.
Silver Dust can reach 12 to 18 inches higher than Silver Lacey and Cirrus varieties. All three types of dust millers bloom throughout summer and into fall. They’re hardy perennials that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Dusty Miller is also drought tolerant, making it ideal for gardens where water conservation is important. The plant requires little maintenance once established. Simply deadhead spent blossoms to encourage new growth. Remove weeds regularly to keep the soil free of competition.
8. Snapdragon
Snapdragon is one of the most popular annual bedding plants around. Its bright yellow flowers bloom in late summer and early fall, making it easy to spot in the garden. Snapdragon is a member of the daisy family, along with sunflowers and zinnias.
The name “snapdragon” comes from the Latin word “snappare,” meaning “to seize.” This refers to the way the flower snaps open when you touch it.
9. Forget-Me-Nots
The forget-me-not is one of those plants you rarely see because it doesn’t do well in our climate. But plenty of varieties thrive here, including some that bloom in shades of purple, red, white, yellow, orange, and even green. They’re easy to care for and require little maintenance once established.
10. Ivy
Ivy can be a beautiful addition to your garden. They are easy to care for and require little maintenance. You can find ivy plants in many different colors and sizes. If you want something small, try growing it inside a pot or hanging basket. These tend to be easier to maintain because there is less soil to move around.
If you prefer a larger plant, you can start your ivy outdoors. Start it in a container filled with peat moss. Keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly. When the leaves turn yellow, cut off the dead parts and continue to water the plant. Once the roots develop, transplant them into a permanent location.
11. Fuchsia
Fuchsias are one of the easiest flowers to grow indoors. They require little water and no fertilizer. And because they don’t bloom very often, keeping them looking beautiful is easy. If you’re planning to plant fuchsias outdoors, make sure that you choose a spot where there is plenty of shade. You’ll want to avoid planting them near windows since too much light can burn out the blossoms.
12. Geraniums
Geraniums come in a variety of shapes and colors. Some have large blooms, others smaller ones. More than 100 species of geraniums are available today, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.
They’re easy to grow, requiring only moderate sunlight and moisture. If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, you may need to bring your plant indoors during winter.
13. Morning Glory
Morning glories are another easy indoor flowering plant that will add color to any room. They’re known as climbing vines, but they grow upright rather than clinging to support as true vines do. They grow quickly, reaching 10 to 15 feet in just two years. Morning glory seeds are also relatively easy to germinate. All you need to do is soak them overnight before planting them.
14. Phlox
Phlox is a hardy perennial that grows best in full sun. The plants produce blue, pink, lavender, or white flowers throughout spring and summer. They tolerate low humidity levels and dry conditions. Water it every other day during the warmest part of the year to ensure your phlox stays healthy. It won’t need much fertilizer, either.
15. Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular herb used for cooking and seasoning food. It has been used since ancient times and was mentioned by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. The rosemary plant produces small white flowers on long stems. It’s easy to grow and requires minimal watering and light. You shouldn’t have any problems keeping this plant alive as long as you provide adequate ventilation.
16. Sage
Sage is a fragrant evergreen shrub that is native to North America. The sage plant produces tiny white flowers on its branches. Like most herbs, sage prefers bright light and well-drained soil. Because it’s not very forgiving regarding growing conditions, you’ll want to watch over your sage carefully.
17. Salvia
Low-maintenance salvia is a type of sage, which may explain its hardiness, durability, and drought resistance. Something is intriguing about salvias, which have long, tubular-shaped flowers that rise above equally arranged leaves. There are a variety of colors available for salvia, including red, pink, white, violet, and blue.
There are good creatures that Salvia attracts, but there are also bad ones that Salvia deters. Aside from attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, pests like deer and rabbits do not like salvia.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. How Many Flowers Do You Need For A Window Box?
You need to consider the size of your container and the type of plants you are using. To ensure that the plant has room to grow, Sue suggests leaving some space for it to grow three to four times larger by the end of the season. You can always trim back the excess growth later if necessary.
2. What Kind Of Flower Should I Use?
Flowers are important because they attract pollinators such as insects, birds, and bats. However, you don’t necessarily need to buy expensive flowers from florists. Many common household items, including marigolds, nasturtiums, pansies, petunias, zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, and snapdragons, can be effective substitutes.
3. Do I Need To Fertilize My Plants?
Yes, you should fertilize your plants at least once per month. Fertilizing helps promote strong roots and new growth. If you notice yellowing leaves, you might need to apply more fertilizer.
4. Can I Keep My Plants Inside All Winter?
Yes, you can keep them indoors until temperatures drop below freezing. Make sure you bring them outside when the weather warms up again.
5. Is It Okay To Put My Plants Near The Windows?
Yes, although you should be careful how close your plants are to the glass. Plants that get too close to windows will suffer from sunburn or frostburn.
Conclusion
Best annual flowers for window boxes in the shade. Rosemary is a famous herb used for cooking and flavoring food. It has been utilized since ancient times and was discussed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. But the other options above are also an option for you.
