Helpful information
Timing: All year around
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: No garden needed
A window box can bring colourful plant life to your home, even if you don’t have a garden. We look at some good plants to try growing.
- A window box can bring the wellbeing benefits of nature even if you have no traditional garden space
- Planting a window box involves fine motor skills and dexterity
- Many plants can grow successfully in a window box, allowing you to be creative with your choice
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A window box filled with plants
Having plants growing in a window box can bring real joy to your home. Here are some things to think about before you get started.
Outdoor vs indoor
This guide is focused on outdoor window boxes. If you have a windowsill inside, this can also be a very good place to grow plants.
Window boxes designed to be used outdoors tend to be a bit different from ones for indoor use. They might be bigger and, because they need to last whatever the weather, may be made of tougher material.
Installing an outdoor window box
Some houses have ledges outside of windows where a window box can be placed. Or, you may have railings or a balcony bar to hang a window box from.
If you don’t have these, you may need to fix your window box in place. This could involve adding brackets to the wall. Some window boxes will come with brackets included and instructions.
Installing a window box can be an enjoyable DIY project. If it is not something you feel comfortable tackling, you could get help from family, friends or a professional handy person.
Size of window box
The size of window box should suit the space. Think about height, width and length. Generally, when it’s below a window the length chosen is similar to that of the window.
Your window box size will affect how many plants you can grow. Whatever size it is, make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom.
Amount of sun
Work out how much sun your window box is likely to get each day. This will affect what plants will grow well. If it gets 6-8 hours of sun a day in summer, that is known as ‘full sun'.
Preparing for planting
Before adding your plants, put a layer of crocks (pieces of broken pot) or large stones in the bottom to help drainage. Fill your window box close to the top with good quality compost.
Caring for your window box
Window boxes can dry out quickly, especially if it’s very sunny. Water regularly and deadhead your plants as needed. This will help keep your window box display at its best.
Make it easier
Watering and deadheading window boxes can be challenging. You could use a watering lance to help reach up without strain. Or, choose evergreen plants that need less water and care.
A traditional window box with red geraniums
There are lots of plants that will grow well in a window box. These are some of the most popular you may see as you start noticing other people’s displays:
- Petunias. Colourful and fairly easy to grow
- Marigolds. Bright and cheerful
- Fuchsia. Pretty, distinctive flowers. Some varieties grow upwards and some trail down
- Busy lizzies (impatiens). For a window box bursting with flowers for months
- Geraniums. A classic choice, especially red varieties
- Herbs. A sunny window box is a perfect place to grow thyme, parsley, basil and more. Avoid mint as it can take over
A window box with trailing ivy
You can change your window box display as the seasons change. Or, if you prefer something lower maintenance, select evergreen plants that will bring life all year around. Examples include:
- Dwarf conifers. Small spruce, cypress or juniper plants add year-round colour, texture and shape
- Ivy. A very resilient trailing plant
- Euonymus. Lovely glossy leaves, can make a good centre plant
- Dwarf rosemary. Beautiful scent, great for cooking and evergreen. Choose a small variety
Pretty purple pansies
A window box can bring as much joy in winter as it does in summer. These are some plants for winter life and interest:
- Pansies. Their big, beautiful flowers can't help but raise a smile
- Cyclamen. Like pretty little jewels
- Evergreen plants (see above)
- Heather. Lovely flower spikes
- Ornamental cabbage. Beautiful and unusual
The bright and unusual leaves of coleus
If your chosen spot for your window box is shady, there are still a number of plants you can grow. These include:
- Ferns. Delightful woodland plants with fronds
- Begonias. Versatile and pretty, available in a range of colours
- Heuchera / coral bells. Come in a fantastic range of foliage colour
- Coleus. Has lovely coloured leaves. Check for varieties that love shade
- Primroses. Bright flowers in early spring
Purple spikes of salvia
Your window box can bring happiness to bees and other pollinators as well as you. Some nectar-rich plants to try include:
- Salvia. There are many varieties to choose from, including ones with rich purple flower spikes.
- Thyme / rosemary. Tasty herbs loved by bees when they flower
- Lavender. Great for a sunny window box
Related content
Container gardening
Container gardening is a popular and useful way to garden. From individual pots to barrels, long planters and balcony boxes, you can grow almost anything in containers.
