Are your window box plantings spent? Reinvigorate them. After all, you've already invested in top-of-the-line window boxes to boost your curb appeal, and there's plenty of time left in the summer growing season to fill them with charming plants and flowers. With proper care, these selections—five for shade and five for sun—will thrive from late summer through early fall.
"When planting any of these 10 plants in window boxes, I recommend adding a slow-release fertilizer applied at the label rate, which can last up to three months in the soil," says Kevin Reiner, founder of the garden and home design firm Kevin Reiner Design. "Another option is a weekly application of liquid fertilizer at the label rate."
Once you've refreshed your window boxes, be sure to follow the watering instructions provided for each plant to support them in the summer heat. For more window box inspiration, check out our favorite container plants and outdoor hanging plants, as well as these DIY window box projects.
Window Box Plants for Shade
For shady window boxes, these five selections are perfect summer plantings.
Coleus
Coleus is noted for keeping its color through the season. Pinch regularly, water thoroughly, and allow to dry slightly between waterings.
Caladium
The striking heart-shaped foliage of caladiums provides seasonal interest when other summer flowers are spent. This plant prefers warm and moist soil. Water thoroughly and allow to dry very slightly between waterings.
Begonias
Available in a wide range of varieties, begonias offer unique leaf shapes (shown above) and flower colors ranging from white to brilliant orange. Water thoroughly and allow to dry slightly between waterings. Morning sun is okay, but begonias prefer a more filtered light.
Ferns
Ferns are beloved for their beautiful texture and classic green coloring. Water thoroughly and allow to dry slightly between waterings. Before the first frost, you can transfer window box ferns to pots to overwinter indoors.
Related: How to Revive a Boston Fern
Impatiens
Impatiens are a classic plant for window boxes. Available in many colors. Water thoroughly and allow to dry slightly between waterings.
Window Box Plants for Sun
For sunny window boxes, these five plants can take those intense summer rays.
Lantana
Lantana's colorful blooms thrive in the high summer heat. Water thoroughly and allow to dry slightly between waterings. Opt for a sterile variety, such as Bloomify Rose, Bloomify Red, and Luscious Royale Red Zone; otherwise, lantana can be invasive in warm climates.
Marguerite Daisy
Marguerite daisies have a classic flower shape and are easy to grow. Remove spent flowers, water thoroughly, and let dry slightly between waterings.
Related: 25 Colorful Types of Daisies That'll Brighten Your Garden
Purslane
Perfect in full sun, purslane tolerates extreme heat and is drought tolerant. Water and allow to dry thoroughly between waterings.
Petunias
Petunias keep their color for months. Pinch regularly, water thoroughly, and allow the plants to dry slightly between waterings.
Periwinkle-Vinca
The distinctive pinwheel-shaped flowers of periwinkle-vinca stay strong and bright even in the high summer heat. Water thoroughly and let dry slightly between waterings.
