Adding vibrant window boxes to your home can dramatically boost your curb appeal, transforming a mundane exterior into a breathtaking showcase. Placed on sills or hung from railings, window boxes offer an easy way to incorporate fantastic color and style into your home. The best part? With the right combination of plants, you can create beautiful displays that’ll last well into the seasons.
Selecting the Perfect Window Box
Before diving into plant selection, consider where you want your window box to be placed. Factors such as sun exposure and the aesthetic of your home will guide your decisions. Choosing a window box that complements the style of your house will enhance the overall look. You can opt for classic wooden boxes, modern metal designs, or even rustic containers that add unique charm. After selecting a box, it’s essential to plan your planting strategy to ensure your boxes bloom throughout most of the year.
Bold and Beautiful Foliage
If you’re looking to create a visual statement, consider using coleus in your window box. Its striking, super-saturated leaf colors can provide an eye-catching contrast against your home’s exterior. For instance, combining different varieties can result in a spectacular array of colors and textures.
Suggested Planting
- Coleus (‘Stained Glassworks Copper’) – 1
- Lantana (‘Dallas Red’) – 1
- Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) – 2
- Coleus (‘True Red’) – 1
- Coleus (‘Stained Glassworks Big Blond’) – 1
- Licorice Vine (Helichrysum petiolare) – 1
This combination thrives in full sun, maximizing the impact of vivid colors.
Unbeatable Flower Power
For those who adore flowers, the petunia is a top choice for sunny windows. These resilient annuals require minimal space yet provide continuous blooms.
Recommended Floral Arrangement
- Petunia (‘Ruffle Pink’) – 2
- Verbena (‘Aztec Raspberry’) – 3
- Coleus (‘Frilly Milly’) – 1
- Sweet Potato Vine (‘Marguerite’) – 2
- Angelonia (‘Angelface White’) – 1
By mixing colors like soft pinks with darker hues of verbena and accentuating them with vibrant green from sweet potato vines, you can create abundant floral displays.
Large Window Box Displays
When working with larger windows, bold designs are essential to match proportionately. You can create a layered and textured effect by incorporating an array of easy-care annuals.
Recommended Planting for Bigger Boxes
- Bacopa (‘Bridal Bouquet’) – 4
- Torenia (‘Catalina Blue’) – 1
- Calibrachoa (‘Cabaret Purple’) – 2
- Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeana) – 1
- Heliotrope (‘Marine’) – 2
- Daisy (‘Read’s White’) – 2
- Licorice Vine (Helichrysum petiolare) – 1
This thoughtful combination will ensure your window boxes make a bold statement.
Cascades of Color
If you want to add some dramatic depth and lush greenery, sweet potato vine is an excellent trailing plant for window boxes. Its fast growth provides that beautiful draping effect wished for in hanging arrangements.
Suggested Planting
- Sweet Potato Vine (‘Margarita’) – 2
- Snapdragon (‘Floral Showers Rose Pink’) – 2
- Browallia (‘Blue Bell’) – 1
- Pentas (‘Graffiti Pink’) – 1
- Snapdragon (‘Floral Showers Apricot’) – 1
This combination not only captures attention but also encourages a serene, cascading visual.
Creating Harmony with Repeated Groups
For a coherent and elegant design, repetition is key. Establish calm through groups of plants that provide balance and flow.
What to Include
- Ivy Ball Topiary – Repeated throughout for structure
- Chartreuse Coleus
- Sweet Potato Vine
- Caladium
This design can illuminate your exterior, especially during the evening, thanks to the lighter foliage.
Railing Window Box Ideas
For those who have railings, hanging planters can enhance the visual interest and add a splash of color.
First Railing Idea
Create a beautiful display with:
- Purple Fountain Grass
- Croton
- Trailing Sweet Potato Vine
This arrangement showcases unique colors and textures that bring life to your space.
Second Railing Idea
In cooler months, consider using pansies, which can seamlessly transition into heat-loving plants as the weather changes.
Labels and Themes
To create unique window box themes that reflect your home’s character, consider blending elements from your home’s facade. Choose plants that echo the colors of your home or incorporate herbs for an aromatic culinary experience.
Emphasizing Simplicity
Sometimes, less is more. A small window box filled to the brim with contrasting colors, like dark purple sweet potato vines paired with pink petunias, showcases the beauty in simplicity while complementing your home’s features.
Miniature Edible Gardens
Imagine extending your kitchen’s reach by growing edible flowers or herbs in a window box. Planting compact varieties ensures you gain both beauty and practicality.
Suggested Edibles
- Pansy (‘Matrix’ series) – 3
- Scented Geranium (‘Robert’s Lemon Rose’) – 1
- Nasturtium (‘Alaska’) – 2
- Everbearing Strawberry (‘Ozark Beauty’) – 3
- Bell Pepper (‘Purple Belle’) – 1
Conclusion
The above suggestions illustrate just how flexible and creative you can get with window boxes, which enhance nearly any home’s aesthetic. Whether you choose to play with texture, color, or even edibility, your window boxes will provide a stunning visual that adds personality to your space. Implement these ideas, and watch your home transform into a vibrant exhibition of nature’s beauty!
