19 Type Of Plants To Grow In Your Flower Boxes

A home’s appeal is enhanced and seems both beautiful and friendly when its windows are bordered with plants and flowers.

The beautiful thing about window boxes is that, regardless of the type of residence you have a house, an apartment, or another structure you probably have enough room for one of these compact planters.

You should pick the most spectacular, sensational-looking plants you can in shades that will go well with the facade of your property so that these planters are visible from the street.

These are some of our favorite flowers and plants that thrive in containers and will wow onlookers with their colorful blooms or flowing foliage.

#1. Petunias

Source: The Spruce

Petunias bring nonstop color with their cheerful trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from spring until frost. They thrive in full sun and only need moderate watering once the topsoil dries.

Regular deadheading will encourage more blooms, so keep a pair of scissors handy. With so many varieties available, you can mix colors to match your home s exterior.

They also work well in both trailing and compact forms, making them perfect for window boxes. Their sweet fragrance adds another layer of joy every time you open your window.

#2. Geraniums

Source: Momcrieff

Geraniums are classic window box favorites thanks to their wide range of colors and long-lasting flowers. They perform best in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.

Water deeply once or twice a week, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings. Pruning spent blooms keeps the plant tidy and encourages new buds.

Their bright flowers, paired with lush foliage, create a bold, traditional look. You can pair them with trailing plants for even more dimension.

#3. Zinnias

Source: Garden Design

Zinnias light up your flower box with their bright daisy-like blooms that butterflies can t resist. They are annuals, so you ll enjoy them for one season, but their long flowering period makes them worth planting.

Sow seeds directly into your box for fast growth, or purchase young plants for an earlier display. Give them full sun and consistent watering to keep flowers coming.

Their upright stems add height and texture to your display. For a colorful splash, mix several varieties in the same box.

#4. Nasturtiums

Source: Plantura

Nasturtiums not only brighten up your flower box with vibrant orange, yellow, and red blooms but also offer edible leaves and petals. They do well in poor soil and need little fertilizer, making them an easy-care option.

Full sun ensures the best color, but they ll tolerate partial shade too. Water lightly, as overly rich soil or too much water can reduce blooms.

Their trailing habit spills beautifully over the edge of containers. You ll also enjoy the peppery flavor of their blossoms in salads.

#5. Begonias

Source: Happy Valley Seeds

Begonias provide lush foliage and clusters of delicate blooms that thrive even in shaded spots. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top layer feels dry.

Morning sun with afternoon shade suits them best. Pinch back old blooms to keep new ones forming. Their wide range of leaf shapes and flower colors makes them versatile for any style of flower box.

They add both texture and a soft splash of color to your display.

#6. Ivy Geranium

Source: Dreamstime.com

Ivy geraniums trail gracefully, making them ideal for hanging over the edge of boxes. They perform well in sunny locations with regular watering but dislike soggy soil. Fertilize every two weeks for continuous blooms throughout summer.

Their glossy green leaves and colorful flowers add both texture and charm. Keep them trimmed if they become too leggy. These plants are resilient and forgiving, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.

#7. Heather

Source: Treehouse

Heather brings soft, colorful spikes of flowers that look stunning against evergreen foliage. It thrives in acidic soil and prefers a spot with good drainage. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in containers.

Its blooms can last for weeks, providing long-lasting beauty. Trim lightly after flowering to encourage compact growth. Heather s natural, meadow-like feel makes it a unique choice for flower boxes.

#8. Vinca

Source: FloraQueen

Vinca, also called periwinkle, is a hardy annual with glossy leaves and cheerful flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. It loves full sun but tolerates partial shade. Water when the soil feels dry, as it thrives in slightly drier conditions.

Vinca is drought-tolerant, so it s a low-maintenance option for hot summers. The flowers bloom nonstop, adding reliable color to your windows. Bees and butterflies are also frequent visitors, making your box more lively.

#9. Coleus

Source: Gardener’s Supply

Coleus is prized for its colorful foliage, which can include shades of green, red, pink, and gold. It thrives in part shade, though newer varieties tolerate more sun. Water evenly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Pinch off the tips to keep the plant bushy and prevent early flowering. Its leaves are the main attraction, creating bold color combinations. In a flower box, coleus pairs beautifully with trailing or flowering plants.

#10. Heliotrope

Source: Gardener’s Supply

Heliotrope delights with its clusters of small, deep purple or blue flowers that give off a sweet, vanilla-like scent. It prefers full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.

Deadhead faded flowers to keep blooms coming. This fragrant plant adds both beauty and a lovely aroma to your windows. Its compact size makes it easy to mix with other flowering plants for a layered look.

#11. Salvia

Source: The Spruce

Salvia offers vibrant spikes of flowers in shades of purple, red, or blue. It grows well in full sun with minimal fuss. Water moderately, letting the soil dry a bit between waterings. Deadheading spent blooms to extend the flowering season.

Its upright shape creates vertical interest in flower boxes. Salvia also attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, bringing life to your windows.

#12. Dusty Miller

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Dusty Miller is known for its silvery-grey, soft-textured foliage that provides a striking contrast to colorful flowers. It prefers full sun but adapts to part shade. Water sparingly, as it tolerates drought once established.

This plant stays compact, making it perfect for edging your window box. Pair it with bright blooms like petunias or geraniums for a bold display. Its unique foliage adds elegance even after flowers fade.

#13. Lavender

Source: Fake Landscapes

Lavender brings beauty and fragrance with its slender purple flower spikes. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, as lavender prefers drier conditions.

Trim lightly after blooming to encourage fresh growth. Its calming scent drifts indoors when placed by a window. Lavender s soft color and soothing fragrance make your flower box feel like a little retreat.

#14. Marigold

Source: Pinterest

Marigolds brighten up your boxes with their fiery orange and yellow blooms. They thrive in sunny spots and tolerate heat well. Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid letting it stay wet.

Deadhead regularly to keep flowers blooming longer. Their strong scent naturally deters pests, making them practical as well as pretty. Marigolds are cheerful, low-maintenance, and loved by pollinators.

#15. Miniature Rose

Source: J. Parker’s

Miniature roses bring classic romance to your flower box with their tiny, elegant blooms. They love at least 6 hours of sun daily. Water deeply when the soil feels dry and use a rose-specific fertilizer for best results.

Remove faded blooms to encourage new ones. Their compact size makes them ideal for containers. With proper care, they bloom repeatedly throughout the season.

#16. Ornamental Pepper

Source: The Spruce

Ornamental peppers add bold splashes of color with their vibrant fruits that shift shades as they ripen. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Water consistently, but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.

Their upright, glossy foliage complements the colorful peppers beautifully. While the fruits are edible, they are often too hot to enjoy. These plants add a playful and decorative touch to your boxes.

#17. Periwinkle

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Periwinkle produces delicate blue or purple blooms above trailing evergreen foliage. It adapts well to sun or shade, making it versatile for different window spots. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Its spreading habit quickly fills in boxes, creating a lush, cascading effect. This plant is hardy and reliable, returning year after year in mild climates. Its cool-colored flowers bring a refreshing look to your home.

#18. Astilbe

Source: Gardener’s Path

Astilbe is admired for its feathery plumes of flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, or white. It grows best in part shade with consistently moist soil. Water regularly, as it dislikes drying out.

Its foliage remains attractive even after flowering, adding greenery to your box. Astilbe brings a soft, romantic texture to your displays. Combine it with bolder flowers for a balanced mix of shapes.

#19. English Daisy

Source: Gardenia.net

English daisies charm with their button-like flowers in red, pink, or white. They thrive in cool conditions with full sun to part shade. Keep the soil evenly moist for best growth.

Deadhead faded flowers to extend the blooming season. Their cheerful appearance makes them a delight to look at from indoors. They re compact and neat, perfect for small boxes or mixing with trailing plants.