PHOTO: BRIE WILLIAMS

Lush window boxes, whether resting on sills or hanging from railings, never fail to dress up a house. All you need is the right combination of plants to create a beautiful, long-lasting display. Use our ideas to create maximum curb appeal.

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Bold and Beautiful Foliage

MIKE JENSEN

You can’t beat coleus for brightly colored foliage. This mix of super-saturated leaf colors will provide a great view and give your home some eye-catching curb appeal all summer long. If you can’t find the exact varieties in this example, any mix of coleus with contrasting light and dark hues will do, as long as they’re varieties that tolerate full sun.

A. Coleus (Solenostemon ‘Stained Glassworks Copper’)—1

B. Lantana ‘Dallas Red’—1

C. Bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax)—2

D. Coleus (Solenostemon ‘True Red’)—1

E. Coleus (Solenostemon ‘Stained Glassworks Big Blond’)—1

F. Licorice vine (Helichrysum petiolare)—1

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Unbeatable Flower Power

JANET MESIC MACKIE

One of the best window box flowers for sun is the petunia. These vigorous annuals don’t need much space, and will happily bloom all season long. Here, soft pink double petunias look stunning spilling out of a window box, along with a darker pink verbena and chartreuse sweet potato vine.

A. Petunia ‘Ruffle Pink’—2

B. Verbena ‘Aztec Raspberry’—3

C. Coleus (Solenostemon ‘Frilly Milly’)—1

D. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’)—2

E. Angelonia ‘Angelface White’—1

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Go Big for a Large Window

TOM MCWILLIAM

A big window needs a bold window box, and here’s a great example. This container has it all: tons of texture, depth, and dimension. A mix of easy-care annuals provides colorful flowers and foliage all season long.

A. Bacopa (Sutera ‘Bridal Bouquet’)—4

B. Torenia ‘Catalina Blue’—1

C. Calibrachoa ‘Cabaret Purple’—2

D. Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana)—1

E. Heliotrope (Heliotropium ‘Marine’)—2

F. Daisy (Felicia ‘Read’s White’)—2

G. Licorice vine (Helichrysum petiolare)—1

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Cascades of Color

TOM MCWILLIAM

A no-fail trailing plant that’s perfect for sun is the sweet potato vine. It’s a fast grower that adds a lush, cascading look to any window box. There are a number of varieties, but a sure standout is this golden selection, which combines effortlessly with practically everything.

A. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Margarita’)—2

B. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum ‘Floral Showers Rose Pink’)—2

C. Browallia ‘Blue Bell’—1

D. Pentas ‘Graffiti Pink’—1

E. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum ‘Floral Showers Apricot’)—1

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Design Tip: Repeat Groups of Plants

BRIE WILLIAMS

Repetition is a foolproof way to create a cohesive look in a window box. For a sens of flow and order, this 15-foot-long box is planted with repeating groups of ivy ball topiary, chartreuse coleus, sweet potato vine, and white caladium. As a bonus, pale flowers and foliage seem to glow in moonlight, so you can enjoy this combination longer into the night.

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Rocking a Railing

BRIE WILLIAMS

For a brilliant burst of color, take the idea of a window box and hang it from your porch or deck railings. Mixing wispy purple fountain grass, bold croton, and trailing sweet potato vine provides masses of texture. Even though the box is tightly packed, each plant stands out, thanks to the varying shapes, sizes, and colors.

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Railing Window Box Combination, Take Two

D. RANDOLPH FOULDS

Here’s another enchanting box to decorate your deck. Because the pansy is a cool-season plant, you have the opportunity to give your window box a new look as the seasons change. Don’t be afraid to replace the pansies with a heat-loving plant, such as blue angelonia, to keep the color show going into summer.

A. Pansy (Viola ‘Delta Beaconsfield’)—3

B. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum ‘Fordhook Favorites’)—1

C. Lobelia ‘Riviera Midnight Blue’—1

D. Dracaena marginata—1

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Design Tip: Use Your Home for Inspiration

BRIE WILLIAMS

Set your window boxes apart by tying in elements of your home’s facade. Here, yellow blooms match the home’s exterior and white caladium foliage coordinates with the window frames. Herbs such as thyme, oregano, and mint fill in this window box, which hangs near an outdoor dining table.

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Simple Is Beautiful

KRITSADA PANICHGUL

This small container garden is overflowing with color and texture. Dark purple foliage from a sweet potato vine is the perfect partner for bright pink petunias and calibrachoas, while also accenting this home’s dark blue shutters.

A: Superbells Trailing Rose Calibrachoa—2

B: Supertunia Vista Bubblegum Petunia—1

C: Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’)—1

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Cottage Garden in a Box

RICHARD FELBER

An all-white wall might seem as though it needs an explosion of color to dress it up, but you can create an equally impressive display by going with soft, subtle shades. Pink flowers are the perfect choice for adding cottage garden charm.

A: Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’)—1

B: Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare)—1

C: Petunia ‘Carpet Lilac’—2

D: Verbena ‘Aztec Pink Magic’—1

E: Wishbone flower (Torenia ‘Summer Wave Blue’)—1

F: Salvia ‘Lady in Red’—1

G: Petunia ‘Ramblin White’—1

H: Petunia ‘Pink Daddy’—1

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Miniature Edible Garden

ERIC ROTH

Imagine reaching out your kitchen window and grabbing a handful of edible flowers, herbs, or even vegetables. Edibles with ornamental appeal can do double duty in a window box. Select compact varieties, such as patio tomatoes bred for containers, so your plantings don’t grow out of control.

A. Pansy (Viola ‘Matrix’ series)—3

B. Scented geranium (Pelargonium ‘Rober’s Lemon Rose’)—1

C. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum ‘Alaska’)—2

D. Everbearing strawberry (Fragaria ‘Ozark Beauty’)—3

E. Bell pepper (Capsicum ‘Purple Belle’)—1

F. Johnny-jump-up (Viola tricolor) —3

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A Feast for the Senses

ERIC ROTH

This lush arrangement also offers plenty of edible foliage and flowers to use in the kitchen. An assortment of herbs offers delicious flavors and aromas, while edible Johnny-jump-up flowers provide a splash of color among the greenery.

A: Spearmint (Mentha spicata)—3

B: Flat-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum)—2

C: Lavender cotton (Santolina chaemacyparissus)—2

D: Variegated lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodorus ‘Variegata’)—1

E: Johnny-jump-up (Viola tricolor)—3

F: Marjoram (Origanum majorana)—1

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A Butterfly Buffet

PETER KRUMHARDT

Butterflies love easy-growing, sun-loving flowers. This colorful window box full of bold purple and yellow blooms contains a variety of textures that will keep pollinators coming back all summer long. And parsley is a host plant for swallowtail butterfly larvae.

A: Verbena ‘Aztec Purple’—1

B: Parsley (Petroselenium crispum)—4

C: Zinnia ‘Profusion White’—2

D: Pentas ‘New Look White’ —1

E: Lantana ‘Landmark Gold’—3

F: Calibrachoa ‘Cabaret Purple’—2

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Design Tip: Create Contrasts

BRIE WILLIAMS

Garden designers know the power of contrast. Whether you’re contrasting colors, shapes, or sizes, plant an eye-catching combo of opposites to give your plantings more visual impact. In this garden gate container, the large, colorful leaves of red-orange copperleaf and variegated sea hibiscus reach upward, creating a pleasing contrast with more finely textured Spanish moss and trailing English ivy.

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Mix and Match Flowers and Foliage

RICHARD FELBER

Playing with different shapes and colors of flowers and foliage adds excitement. Here, grassy-looking flax lily leaves appear to burst out of clouds of starry white zinnia flowers. The paler stripes of green on each flax lily leaf are echoed by trailing sweet potato vine, with the perfect lime green hue to contrast with the hot pink blooms of impatiens.

A. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Margarita’)—2

B. Flax lily (Dianella tasmanica ‘Variegata’)—3

C. Zinnia haageana ‘Star White’—3

D. Salvia guarantica ‘Black and Blue’—2

E. New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens ‘Sonic Sweet Purple’)—3

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A Synergy of Textures and Colors

ANN VANDERWIEL WILDE

The silvery leaves of plectranthus give this window box some chunky yet graceful texture, creating a dynamic contrast with the delicate-looking blooms of the begonia and lantana. Tiny leaves of trailing creeping Jenny spill over the side to further enhance the effect.

A. Plectranthus argentatus ‘Silver Shield’—2

B. Dragon Wing pink begonia—2

C. Lantana ‘Landmark Gold’—2

D. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)—3

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Design Tip: Think Outside the (Window) Box

GREG SCHEIDEMANN

No one’s ever said a window box has to be an actual box, nor that it must involve a window. Get creative and express your style and vision. For example, this rustic window box is comprised of a hen nester and vintage farm containers that are filled with shasta daisies, annual vinca, and dwarf gerbera daisies. Succulents, such as hens-and-chicks, echeveria, and sedum, along with trailing bacopa, round out the look.

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Try It on a Trellis

BILL STITES

Trellises are a great way to give your deck, patio, or yard a little privacy. If you’re not able to grow vines on your trellis, try creating a colorful display with a lightweight window box. This moss-lined trough is filled with colorful plants that, when placed strategically, give you a double dose of screening.

A. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Margarita’)—1

B. Impatiens ‘Fiesta Rose’—2

C. Marigold (Tagetes ‘Durango Yellow’)—1

D. Geranium (Pelargonium ‘Designer Cherry’)—1

E. New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens ‘Sonic Cherry’)—1

F. Wax begonia (Begonia ‘Prelude Scarlet’)—1

G. Viola ‘Sorbet Plum Velvet’—1

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Make a Mock Window

ELVIN MCDONALD

Be playful with window boxes and enjoy them—even when you don’t have a window. This weathered box made of planking goes vertical with a vintage window frame attached to the back. The window frame is a perfect trellis for a tropical mandevilla. Bonus: Attach this to a fence and insert a mirror behind the frame for even more appeal and the illusion of more space.

A. Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’—1

B. Aster alpinus ‘Beechwood’—3

C. Aster alpinus ‘Dunkle Schone’—3

Are your windows looking a little bare? Then these window box ideas are just what you need. From simple and chic designs to cascading florals, they will instantly lift your space to the next level.

One of the best things about window boxes is they are enjoyed by everyone. For instance, if you place them at the front of your home, not only will they offer a warm welcome to you, they will be admired by passers-by too. They also enhance the view from inside the house – who doesn’t love a vista framed with pretty florals and leaves? And, if you go for brightly-coloured blooms, you’ll attract buzzy bees and butterflies.

What’s more, window boxes provide an opportunity to get really creative and make a display that beautifully complements your home, individual style, and other garden design ideas. And if you don’t have an outside plot of your own, then there’s even more reason to include them, to satisfy those green-fingered urges!

1. PLAY WITH HEIGHT

This window box creates a stunning effect with different levels of planting

To create a stunning scene full of interest, then choose plants of multiple heights. Using tall plants will offer a subtle screen too, perfect for a touch of privacy, or to enhance an otherwise lacklustre view.

White gaura, otherwise known as bee blossom, provides upright yet delicate stems topped with pretty pink-white blooms and makes a lovely centre point. Bright purple Verbena bonariensis makes another good tall-plant choice. Salivas also add height and can be found in a multitude of colours – try ‘Hot Lips’ or ‘Lady in Red’ for vivid, red-toned alternatives to the deep indigo hues of ‘Caradonna’.

Surround with plenty of trailing plants for maximum impact – we love this cascading plum-coloured petunia.

2. MATCH YOUR FLOWERS TO YOUR FRAME

A picture-perfect window box full of daisies

Sometimes a simple choice can create all the impact you need! So why not pick one plant in the same colour as your window frame and fill a container en masse?

This smart planter adorned with daisies is a gorgeous yet pared-back display. They’re bound to make everyone smile and look beautifully balanced with the white, wooden surroundings. We love the picket detailing too – reminiscent of cottage garden ideas.

If you’re after an all-white scheme too, then try Cosmos ‘Purity’, Ox-eye daisies, or Osteospermum.

3. MIX BRIGHT BLOOMS WITH BLACK

This display creates a vibrant contrast around the surroundings

To make your windows stand out from the crowd, pair vibrant blooms with black shutters. Not only will it offer an on-trend look, but the distinct contrast will create a showstopping view.

Here, a mass of purple pansies, trailing ivy, and sunny daffodils make a sumptuous selection that sings against the dark backdrop. Pussy willow is a brilliant way to add further texture (we love its fluffy catkins!) and creates height to draw the eye.

If you’re ready to revamp your windows, start by taking a look at our best exterior wood paint.

4. LET TULIPS STEAL THE SHOW

Spring tulips are always a delight to see

Tulips are one of our favourites. Once valued at extortionate prices for singular bulbs (during the ‘Tulip Mania’ of the early 1600s) it’s easy to see why these beauties remain well-loved today.

This smart set-up offers a beautifully-balanced backdrop of cool grey and green, allowing the scarlet blooms to take centre stage. Rosemary provides a reliable evergreen display for when the flowers fade.

Need a helping hand getting started? Check out our advice on how to plant tulips.

5. TURN HEADS WITH A TREE

Create a dramatic display using potted trees

Even a small windowsill such as this can be transformed with a bold statement. A niwaki style tree (pruned carefully to appear miniature) adds a forest feel to this urban scene.

Planted in a stylish galvanised pot, it’s a fuss-free approach which still looks spectacular. You could try other ornamental trees too – why not learn how to grow acers for year round interest in your garden? Or, a small olive tree adds a wonderful touch of Mediterranean flair – you could even don it with fairy lights for added ambience.

6. DECORATE YOUR SHE SHED

A window box or too will do wonders for your she shed

Window boxes aren’t just for houses! If you’ve recently revamped your shed after perusing our stunning she shed ideas then this idea is for you.

This super-sweet window box adds a touch of charm to this pretty window. We love the red and patterned details against the pale blue, whilst the bunting adds a sense of vintage chic.

The addition of a windmill adds to the playful vibe whilst pulling the colour scheme together beautifully.

7. OPT FOR TRAILING BEAUTIES

Add strings of trailing foliage

Make the most of the space beneath your window. Try using leafy trailers and you can enjoy their wonderfully natural structure as they fall.

English ivy, ornamental sweet potato vine with its lime-green leaves, or even trailing varieties of Heucherella are all good choices. Top with a sunny show of flowers to complete the scene.

8. COMPLEMENT GREY HUES WITH PINK

A stunning combination of Lobelia and Pelargoniums adds colour to this scene

Grey is totally in this year (check out our garden trends to see for yourself). It instantly revitalises a space with a sophisticated yet pared-back air.

If your walls are painted in this cool hue, then why not use your window boxes to provide a focal point? Here, vivid pink Pelargoniums sit aside jewel-toned Lobelias to create a lovely, yet contemporary look.

For more modern garden ideas, check out our advice.

9. GO SIMPLE AND SMART

Vence Window Box from Garden Trading(opens in new tab)

If you’re not so keen on showy floral displays, why not opt for a simple, evergreen scheme?

These zinc-plated steel planters are super stylish yet subdued – perfect for a contemporary home. The three miniature plants add structure and a refreshing dose of green all year round – so a great low-maintenance option.

Try small varieties of European cypress or Arborvitae ‘Emerald Green’. If you’re after more low maintenance garden ideas, then head on over to our guide.

10. CREATE A SPRING THEME

Pair pretty pastels with miniature eggs for an Easter theme

Transform your windowsill into a spring scene that will bring joy to both adults and children alike. All you need is a few small pots in pretty pastel tones, then load them up with a selection of your favourite violas. A wooden support built into the frame ensures they won’t topple off if the wind picks up.

For a real Easter theme, dot a few miniature eggs around the base of each plant – the kids will love to spot them!

11. UP THE ROMANCE WITH A RELAXED STYLE

If you love cottage gardens, then it’s simple to extend the style to your windows. Go for masses of flowers full of scent and colour for a relaxed yet abundant vibe.

Petunias are a great choice – they come in an array of colours, smell lovely, and attract pollinators – but take a look at our best cottage garden plants to discover alternatives.

12. GROW EDIBLE GREENS

Try planting micro greens for a tasty treat

If you’re pining for a raised bed but haven’t got the space, then now’s the time to put your window boxes to good use. ‘You can grow edibles on your kitchen windowsill – herbs and dwarf vegetable varieties,’ says gardener and florist Jessica Smith of Flower and Land(opens in new tab).

Jessica also suggests trying trailing tomatoes to conserve space. ‘You can buy windowsill glasshouses or glass boxes too,’ she adds. Jessica also suggests to try companion planting. For example, she explains how basil, when grown alongside tomatoes, will help to ward off pests.

Micro greens such as Mizuna or ‘Red Russian’ kale make great choices. You could also plant a herb garden just outside your window for easy access. Just take a look at our best herbs to grow in your garden for inspiration.

13. BE BOLD WITH COLOUR

This bright pink scene has the wow-factor

If you really want to make a statement, then go big and bold on colour. This bright fuchsia setting makes the perfect backdrop for a sea of pretty petunias.

If you’ve got the space, use the rule of three when it comes to lining up pots – it’s easy on the eye. We love the fun design of the pot higher up, too – it finishes the display with an extra boost of playfulness.

Why not get creative with your own pots for a quick and budget-friendly update? Just take a look at our advice to revamp and revitalise your terracotta pots in 5 simple steps.

14. USE CYCLAMEN FOR WINTER INTEREST

Pure white cyclamens will add a dose of elegance to your window

Cyclamen are a wonderful choice for a reliable winter bloomer. If you love a vibrant look, opt for varieties in bright pinks or purples. However, you can never go wrong with the snow-white kinds for an elegant display.

Their hardy nature means they’re an easy choice for window boxes. And, you’ll be sure to love the lift they’ll give to your space throughout the colder months.

For more ideas, check out our best plants for winter pots.

15. FILL EXTRA LONG PLANTERS

Boost your window’s planting space with long containers

For wider windows, opt for extra long planters. That way, you can really make the most of the space to create a view you will love.

This chic white container looks stunning loaded up with a mixture of textural and colourful plants, with that indigo-hued Lobelia taking the spotlight. It ties together with the rest of the white window frame perfectly.

We also love the dark creep foliage that creeps up the wall behind, creating another layer or interest. Opt for Virginia creeper to recreate the look – it has the bonus of turning a blazing red come autumn.

16. CREATE A MINIATURE JUNGLE

A window box is the perfect place to let your creativity run wild. Just check out this beauty for example!

Tons of colourful foliage have been gathered to create a jungle-like vibe, for a magnificent view, as we’re sure you’ll agree. Recreate this look and your window boxes will be the talk of the town in no time.

WHAT DO YOU PUT IN THE BOTTOM OF A WINDOW BOX?

Heather makes the perfect window box plant for this stony cottage scene

There are a few things to put in the bottom of your window box to help create a well-prepared home for your plants.

1. Start with a clean slate – if you’re replanting an old window box, it’s best to remove everything, even the soil, first. This gives your new plants the best chance at thriving.
2. To improve drainage, add a few handfuls of gravel, small stones, or terracotta crocks to the bottom of your window box.
3. Opt for potting soil rather than heavy loam, to increase drainage further and allow roots to grow freely.
4. If your window box is in a very sunny spot, consider adding water crystals to the soil mix to reduce your plants from drying out.

DO WINDOW BOXES NEED DRAINAGE?

Yes, window boxes definitely need drainage! Make sure your container has plenty of holes in the bottom. This will avoid your plants sitting in damp soil after watering or heavy rainfall, which can cause them to rot.

Most commercially bought window boxes will come with holes included, but if yours doesn’t, you may want to consider carefully creating your own, using a drill.

Be sure to check for passers-by before watering, if your window boxes are up high. No-one wants to be soaked by surprise!