30 Best Plants for Window Boxes — Gorgeous Picks [2022]

A home with windows framed with flowers and greens intensifies its visual appeal and looks attractive and welcoming.

Whether you live in an apartment, house, or anywhere, you always have space for these lovely plant beds.

When you’re planning to grow plants in your window box, opt for varieties that can add color, texture, and beautiful scent to your sill.

As these plants can easily be seen from the outside, you should choose the ones that are the most prominent, stunning plants with colors that can complement your exterior.

Below is a list of the 30 best low-maintenance plants for window boxes with their attractive foliage and gorgeous blooms.

 

30 Best Plants for Window Boxes

1. Coleus
2. Hummingbird Fuchsia
3. Candy cane Verbena
4. Sweet Potato Vine
5. Fortune’s Spindle
6. Cape Periwinkle
7. Busy Lizzie
8. Surfinia
9. Variegated Ivy
10. Snapdragon
11. Red Strawberry Plant
12. Purple Prince Zinnia
13. Sunset Grooves Hosta
14. Purple Cyclamens
15. Sage
16. Miniature Fraser Fir
17. Spider Flower
18. Licorice Plant
19. Dusty Miller
20. Creeping Jenny
21. Lavender
22. Jasmine 
23. False Goat’s Beard
24. Miniature daffodil
25. Dwarf Morning Glory
26. Canna Lily
27. Purslane
28. Blanket Flower
29. Lemon Coral Sedum
30. Fan flower plant

 

 

Best Plants for Window Boxes

 

1. Coleus

Coleus is wholly packed with fantastic, colorful foliage, giving your home’s exterior a dramatic look. And, one thing admirable about these plants is that they are available in both shade and sun varieties.

It has a beautiful bushy appearance, making it an excellent filler and striking plant. However, the colors apparently are different in low light compared to those that grow in sunnier locations.

Among all the fifteen varieties of coleus, Kong Red and Chocolate Covered Cherry have a showy and bold appearance, making them the center of attraction in your window.

According to the University of Florida Coleus is easy to propagate and very resilient.

The binomial nomenclature of Coleus Plants includes:

• Scientific name: Coleus
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Temperature: 60° – 75 °F (15.55° – 23.88 °C)
• Soil: Rich, moist, loose, and well-draining soil
• pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• Fertilizer: any balanced (10-10-10) all-purpose fertilizer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Growth rate: Fast
• Humidity: 40% or above

 

2. Hummingbird Fuchsia

Although Fuchsia is mainly grown in hanging baskets, the colorful blooms make it a pleasant addition to container gardens.

This plant blooms for an extended period and offers various colors like white, pink, red, purple, yellow, lavender, and orange. Each gardener can find a tone in the fuchsia flower that they love.

Many varieties of Fuchsia prefer shade and will provide you with some outrageous flowers throughout the season.

To make hummingbird fuchsia thrive, water it every third or fourth week during its dormant period.

It will not only look fantastic but will start blooming again in the early spring when provided with adequate water, sunlight, and care.

The binomial nomenclature of the hummingbird fuchsia plant includes:

• Scientific name: Fuchsia magellanica
• Family: Onagraceae
• Temperature: 55° to 80°F (12.77° – 26.66 °C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• Soil: well-draining, moist, rich soil. Before planting, mix some peat moss or compost in the soil.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize regularly with any balanced fertilizer, with equal potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus amounts
• Lighting: bright, indirect sunlight
• Growth rate: Moderate

 

3. Candy Cane Verbena

Every verbena plant is adaptable, strong, and beautiful and can produce dazzling flowers throughout the season.

Although you can plant any variety of verbena, the Violet Ice cultivar (with purple blooms) and Candy Cane (blooms with white and red stripes) verbenas are the most common ones.

They look super gorgeous and add interest to your home’s exterior.

The binomial nomenclature of Candy Cane Verbena plant includes:

• Scientific name: Verbena x hybrida
• Family: Verbenaceae
• Temperature: 60° to 75 °F (15.55° – 23.88 °C)
• pH: 5.8 – 7.2
• Soil: well-draining, moderately fertile soil
• Fertilizer: Any slow-release fertilizer that promotes flower growth once monthly
• Lighting: Full sun
• Growth rate: Fast

 

4. Sweet Potato Vine

If you don’t want to plant blooms in your window boxes, consider going with any variety of Sweet Potato Vine. It has cordate or heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips that come in various colors.

Our top favorites are gray-green-pink tricolor variety, deep purple Sweetheart, and lime-green Margarita. All these plants require minimal maintenance.

The binomial nomenclature of Sweet Potato Vine includes:

• Scientific name: Ipomoea batatas
• Family: Convolvulaceae
• Temperature: 75 °F (23.88 °C)
• pH: 5.0 – 7.0
• Soil: well-draining, moist, sandy loam soil.
• Lighting: Full sun
• Growth rate: Fast

 

5. Fortune’s Spindle

Another option for people looking for flower-free windows is planting Fortune’s Spindle. It gives your window box an elegant look by keeping things simple and green.

You can get plenty of color from bright leaves that seem like they have been painted off-white at the edges. These leaves will spill over the edges of your window box as the plant matures.

The binomial nomenclature of Fortune’s Spindle includes:

• Scientific name: Euonymus fortunei
• Family: Celastraceae; R.Br.
• Temperature: 40° – 60 °F (4.44° – 15.55 °C)
• pH: 6.0 – 8.0
• Soil: well-draining, moist soil
• Fertilizer: liquid-based fertilizer rich in phosphorus, vitamin B11, IBA (rooting hormone), and potassium
• Lighting: Full sun or partial shade
• Growth rate: Medium to fast

 

6. Cape Periwinkle

Periwinkle is an excellent ground cover that grows well in window boxes. It consists of glossy, dark green leaves and 2″ (5.08 cm) pinwheel-shaped flowers.

The plant is pretty simple yet charming. Flowers vary in color and may come in red, pink, white, blue-purple, violet, etc. When we talk about Cape Periwinkle, it has attractive white or pink flowers.

Another advantage of having this plant in your window box is that it can block unpleasant views or unwanted sunlight by climbing up through support and can even do well in poor soil.

The binomial nomenclature of the Cape Periwinkle plant includes:

• Scientific name: Catharanthus roseus
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Temperature: 48 °F (20 °C) at night and 82 (27.77 °C) during the day
• pH: 5.5 – 7.5
• Soil: well-draining, moist, rich in organic matter.
• Fertilizer: Any balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring when needed
• Lighting: Partial shade but will also do fine in full sun
• Growth rate: Slow

 

7. Busy Lizzy/Lizzie

Consider planting impatiens if you have a deeply shaded window box and want to grow colorful blooms. The most common variety of impatiens most people prefer is Busy Lizzy.

It has a broad range of colorful blooms, including purple, yellow, pink, red, and orange. Furthermore, it easily thrives in containers and requires minimal care.

However, they may need regular watering if the temperature rises above 85 °F (29.44 °C).

The binomial nomenclature of Busy Lizzy includes:

• Scientific name: Impatiens walleriana
• Family: Balsaminaceae
• Temperature: 65° – 75 °F (18.33° – 23.88 °C)
• pH: 6.0 – 6.5
• Soil: well-draining and rich in organic matter.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize every two weeks using a water-soluble fertilizer throughout the summer and spring.
• Lighting: Full shade to partial shade
• Growth rate: Slow

 

8. Surfinia

All petunias bloom excessively during the summer’s harshest heat. Surfinia is a hanging petunia that produces a wide range of colorful bell-shaped flowers.

It has an amazing characteristic of exuberantly cascading down, making your window box look rich and attractive.

The binomial nomenclature of the Surfinia plant includes:

• Scientific name: Petunia × atkinsiana Surfinia
• Family: Solanaceae
• Temperature: 50° – 65 °F (10° – 18.33 °C)
• pH: 5.5 – 6.0
• Soil: well-draining and light soil with peat or perlite
• Fertilizer: Regular fertilizing using a balanced fertilizer keeps the plant thriving
• Lighting: Full sun but can also grow in partial shade
• Growth rate: Slow

 

9. Variegated Ivy

Variegated ivy is another option for people looking for flower-free plants. The leaves of variegated ivy are green with yellow or white markings.

The white or yellow area of the leaves lacks chlorophyll; therefore, they must be kept out of direct sunlight. Also, they require less fertilizer as they need less energy to grow.

The binomial nomenclature of Variegated Ivy includes:

• Scientific name: Hedera helix
• Family: Araliaceae
• Temperature: 50° – 70 °F (10° – 21.22 °C) during the day and lower at night
• pH: 6.0 – 7.8
• Soil: any houseplant potting soil that is well-draining, moist, and fertile
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer only once per year during the growing season
• Lighting: filtered or indirect bright light
• Growth rate: Slow

 

10. Snapdragon

Make your window box appealing with some unique and dramatic colors of snapdragon flowers.

It is named so because the head of each flower is similar to the dragon’s snout and opens and closes with a snapping motion.

The flowers come in almost every hue, including pink, red, yellow, peach, orange, white, violet, etc. The plant needs regular watering once it has matured.

The binomial nomenclature of Snapdragon includes:

• Scientific name: Antirrhinum majus
• Family: Plantaginaceae
• Temperature: 60° – 75 °F (15.55° – 23.88 °C) during the day and 50°  – 55 °F (10° – 12.77 °C) at night
• pH: 6.2 – 7.0
• Soil: well-draining, moist, and rich in organic matter
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced (10-10-10) all-purpose fertilizer and water appropriately to avoid nitrogen burns
• Lighting: Full sun to partial shade
• Growth rate: Slow

 

11. Red Strawberry Plant

Red Strawberry Plant looks attractive and treats you every summer with yummy berries that spill over the edge of your window box. These plants are easy to grow and produce bright flowers in early spring.

The binomial nomenclature of the Red Strawberry Plant includes:

• Scientific name: Fragaria ananassa
• Family: Rosaceae
• Temperature: 50° – 80 °F (10° – 26.66 °C)
• pH: 5.4 – 6.5
• Soil: well-draining, rich, sandy loam soil.
• Fertilizer: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as ammonium nitrate (33-0-0) or urea (46-0-0) or a balanced fertilizer (12-12-12)
• Lighting: Full or direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily
• Growth rate: Fast

 

12. Purple Prince Zinnia

Another sun-loving, visually appealing plant with low maintenance is Purple Prince Zinnia.

The best thing about zinnias is that they attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other insects such as bees to your sill.

The binomial nomenclature of Purple Prince Zinnia includes:

• Scientific name: Zinnia elegans
• Family: Asteraceae
• Temperature: 70° – 80 °F (21.11° – 26.66 °C)
• pH: 5.5 – 7.5
• Soil: well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer occasionally
• Lighting: Full sun
• Growth rate: Fast

 

13. Sunset Grooves Hosta

Hostas do not always grow into enormous plants, and those small growing, like Sunset Grooves Hostas, are well-suited for window boxes.

Like other hostas, the Sunset Grooves also thrives in a lot of moisture, so make sure you keep your plant fully hydrated, especially during summers.

The binomial nomenclature of Sunset Grooves Hosta includes:

• Scientific name: Hosta x ‘Sunset Grooves
• Family: Asparagaceae
• Hardiness Zone: 2-9
• Soil: well-draining, moist
• Lighting: Full sun or partial shade
• Growth rate: Moderate

 

14. Purple Cyclamens

Clycamens can be a good fit for window boxes that spend most of their time in full or partial shade.

Purple cyclamens have variegated leaves and produce blooms that twist and turn like small butterfly wings.

The binomial nomenclature of purple cyclamens includes:

• Scientific name: Cyclamen purpurascens
• Family: Primulaceae
• Temperature: 65° – 70 °F (18.33° – 21.11 °C) during the day and 40° – 50 °F (4.44° – 10 °C) at night
• pH: 6.0 – 6.5
• Soil: Poor, well-draining soil
• Fertilizer: use a water-soluble fertilizer every 3 – 4 weeks after the plant grows.
• Lighting: bright, filtered light

 

15. Sage

Common sage or sage is another low-maintenance, eye-catching plant that is long-lasting, hardy, and drought-resistant.

It has little spears of flowers in tubular shape that rise above opposite leaves. It may have a wide range of colors based on the variety.

The binomial nomenclature of Sage includes:

• Scientific name: Salvia officinalis
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Temperature: 60° – 70 °F (15.55° – 21.11 °C)
• pH: 5.6 – 7.8
• Soil: well-draining, loamy, and sandy soil
• Lighting: full sun
• Growth rate: Moderate

 

16. Miniature Fraser Fir

Most plants usually thrive only in their growing season and leave the window box almost barren after some time.

Give miniature Fraser Fir a try if you’re eager to grow a plant that’s not only low-maintenance but thrives all year-round as well.

They look like dwarf trees and make your window super attractive when planted with different blooms and greens.

The binomial nomenclature of Miniature Fraser Fir incudes:

• Scientific name: Abies fraseri
• Family: Pinaceae
• Temperature: 60°F (15.55°C) or less
• pH: 5.5 – 5.8
• Soil: well-draining, fertile, and moist soil
• Lighting: full sun to partial shade

 

17. Spider Flower

Perk up your window box with elegant pink, white, lavender, or purple flowers of the Spider flower plant.

Although these plants don’t emit noticeable scents, they still attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees throughout the summer.

The binomial nomenclature of the Spider Flower plant incudes:

• Scientific name: Cleome
• Family: Cleomaceae
• Temperature: 80° – 85 °F (26.66° – 29.44 °C) during the day and 68° – 70 °F (20° – 21.11 °C) at night
• pH: 6.0 – 7.9
• Soil: well-draining, organically rich soil
• Lighting: full sun
• Growth rate: Fast

 

18. Licorice Plant

Homeowners mostly opt for a Licorice plant for their window box as it offers beautiful felted foliage. This evergreen shrub has trailing stems covered with small white flowers and round, plush, and velvety leaves.

The binomial nomenclature of the Licorice plant incudes:

• Scientific name: Helichrysum petiolare
• Family: Asteraceae
• Temperature: 60° – 80 °F (15.55° – 26.66 °C)
• pH: 6.1 – 7.8
• Soil: well-draining, light, and loamy soil
• Fertilizer: doesn’t necessarily need a fertilizer. Just add compost or other organic material if your soil is poor
• Lighting: full sun to partial shade
• Growth rate: Fast

 

19. Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller, a tender shrub, consists of textured silver-colored foliage that looks stunning when planted with other colorful blooms.

It is a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for people who don’t have much time to look after their greens and blooms.

The binomial nomenclature of the Dusty Miller plant incudes:

• Scientific name: Senecio cineraria
• Family: Asteraceae
• Temperature: 40° – 60 °F (4.44° – 15.55 °C)
• pH: 5.5 – 6.0
• Soil: any potting mix that is well-draining and moist
• Fertilizer: slow-release, general-purpose fertilizer once every spring
• Lighting: full sun to partial shade (at least 4 hours of direct sunlight)
• Growth rate: Fast

 

20. Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a great ground cover and grows well in window boxes. It comes in gold and green shades with densely packed leaves that may spill over the edge of your window box.

The binomial nomenclature of Creeping Jenny incudes:

• Scientific name: Lysimachia nummularia
• Family: Primulaceae
• Temperature: 55° – 75 °F (12.77° – 23.88 °C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.8
• Soil: well-draining and moist clay or sand
• Fertilizer: balanced (10-10-10) granular fertilizer every spring
• Lighting: full sun to partial shade
• Growth rate: Fast

 

21. Lavender

Lavender is a popular and scented perennial plant having tall flower spikes, gray-green foliage, and a densely packed shrub form. Lavender’s a low-maintenance plant that will perk up your window box.

The binomial nomenclature of the Lavender plant incudes:

• Scientific name: Lavandula
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Temperature: 50° – 55 °F (10° – 12.77 °C) during the day and around 70 °F (21.11 °C) at night
• pH: 6.5 – 8.0
• Soil: chalky, well-draining, and drier for increased fragrance
• Lighting: full sun
• Growth rate: Slow

 

22. Common Jasmine

Jasmine is another highly scented plant with beautiful blooms and large glossy leaves. Not all jasmines emit fragrance, but the common and hardy ones do emit sweet scents.

The binomial nomenclature of the Common Jasmine plant incudes:

• Scientific name: Jasminum officinale
• Family: Oleaceae
• Temperature: 60° – 75 °F (15.55° – 23.88 °C)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• Soil: They can grow on a broad range of soils as long as they are well-draining, rich loamy.
• Fertilizer: 7-9-5 fertilizer in spring or winter
• Lighting: full sun or partial shade
• Growth rate: Fast

 

23. False Goat’s Beard

False Goat’s Beard produces some striking blooms that make your window box look welcoming and appealing. Its flowers may range from white to dark pink, having pastel hues in between.

The binomial nomenclature of False Goat’s Beard includes:

• Scientific name: Astilbe biternata
• Family: Saxifrages
• Temperature: 67° – 75 °F (18.33° – 23.88 °C)
• pH: 5.8 – 6.2
• Soil: well-draining, moist soil
• Lighting: Partial shade
• Growth rate: Slow

 

24. Globe Amaranth

Globe Amaranth is an easy-to-grow plant that blooms all season heavily. It’s cotton ball-shaped flowers that are hot pink in color adorned by pollinators.

The plant grows well in a humid environment and can tolerate drought once its roots have matured.

The binomial nomenclature of Globe Amaranth includes:

• Scientific name: Gomphrena globosa
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Temperature: 70° – 76 °F (21.11° – 24.44 °C)
• pH: 6.1 – 6.5
• Soil: Any well-draining soil
• Lighting: Full sun to partial shade
• Growth rate: Fast

 

25. Dwarf Morning Glory

Dwarf morning glories consist of actual sky blue flowers and enhance the visual appeal of your home’s exterior.

It can tolerate intense heat and high humidity and is suitable for almost any location of your house.

The binomial nomenclature of Dwarf Morning Glory includes:

• Scientific name: Evolvulus
• Family: Convolvulaceae
• Temperature: >60°F (15.55 °C)
• pH: 6.0 – 8.0
• Soil: well-draining, moist, sand, loam, clay, or sandy soil
• Lighting: Full sun
• Growth rate: Fast

 

26. Canna Lily

Canna Lily is a great choice for people who adore tropical but low-maintenance plants. They grow rapidly and fill your window box with alluring blooms.

They are available in four colors: orange, yellow, scarlet, and coral.

The binomial nomenclature of Canna Lily includes:

• Scientific name: Canna
• Family: Cannaceae; Juss.
• Temperature: Up to 90°F (32.22 °C)
• pH: 6.0 – 6.5
• Soil: well-draining, moist, and rich soil
• Lighting: Direct sunlight for at least 4 hours
• Growth rate: Fast

 

27. Purslane

Purslane is an enduring colorful blooming succulent that produces flowers throughout the summer season. From their wide range of hues, opt for the one that is the best in complementing your home’s exterior.

The binomial nomenclature of Purslane includes:

• Scientific name: Portulaca oleracea
• Family: Portulacaceae
• Temperature: 70° – 100 °F (21.11° – 37.77 °C)
• pH: 5.5 – 7.0
• Soil: well-draining, dry soil
• Fertilizer: Either mix compost in the soil or use a slow-release fertilizer.
• Lighting: Full sun

 

28. Blanket Flower

In addition to being fast-growing fillers, these plants are heat tolerant as well as pollinator-friendly. They feature either bright yellow flowers or scarlet-red flowers having yellow tips.

The binomial nomenclature of Blanket flower includes:

• Scientific name: Gaillardia
• Family: Asteraceae
• Temperature: 50° – 65 °F (10° – 18.33 °C)
• pH: 6.1 – 6.5
• Soil: well-draining, poor soil
• Lighting: Full sun but can also tolerate partial shade in an extremely hot weather
• Growth rate: Fast

 

29. Lemon Coral Sedum

The lemon coral stands out even when the conditions are challenging. Beautiful in landscapes as well as in containers, this plant will make your window box look appealing and spill over its edge.

The binomial nomenclature of the Lemon Coral plant includes:

• Scientific name: Sedum mexicanum
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Temperature: 60° – 80 °F (15.55° – 26.66 °C)
• pH: 5.8 – 6.2
• Soil: well-draining, dry to medium soil
• Lighting: Full sun to partial shade
• Growth rate: Fast

 

30. Fan Flower

Fan flower plant consists of gorgeous-looking, fan-shaped blooms that will make your window box look fascinating. When mature, this plant becomes extremely drought and heat-tolerant.

The binomial nomenclature of the Fan Flower plant includes:

• Scientific name: Scaevola aemula
• Family: Goodeniaceae; R.Br.
• Temperature: 70° – 80 °F (21.11° – 26.66 °C)
• pH: 5.5 – 6.0
• Soil: Average, well-draining, and moist soil
• Lighting: 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight
• Growth rate: Fast

 

Conclusion About Plants for Window Boxes

Window boxes with beautiful blooms and greens are a great way to enhance your home’s exterior and attract the eyes of every passer-by.

The list mentioned above of the 30 best plants for window boxes is easy to grow and enhances the visual appeal of your home.