Window Box Plants: Best Choices for Sun and Shade Exposures

A window box adds charm and a splash of color to this home.

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When planting window boxes, choosing plants that match your sun exposure is the key to success.

The leaves of shade-lovers will get scorched in the high light levels of a south or west-facing wall; plants that thrive in full sun will grow tall and leggy in a northern exposure.

Often overlooked for window boxes are foolproof flowering bulbs. Whether you do a fall planting of miniature daffodils, snowdrops, or hyacinths for springtime bloom, or you do a late-spring planting of lilies, alliums, or dwarf gladiolus for summertime bloom, be sure to tuck a few bulbs and corms into your window boxes for added impact.

Connoisseurs may choose to add topiary forms as a focal point. Ivy or fig-vine standards ("lollipop trees") or other identifiable shapes can capture the imagination. Climbers can be trained around the window frame for an ensemble effect.

SHADE LOVERS

(for a shady, cool, north-facing window)

Upright astilbe, cardinal flower, coleus, English daisy, fern (maidenhair, tassel, Boston, asparagus), garden heliotrope, hosta, impatiens, Johnny-jump-up, lamb's ears, lemon balm, lenten rose, mophead hydrangea, pansy, parsley, snapdragon, tropical houseplant, wax begonia

Trailing creeping myrtle, fuchsia, peppermint, sweet autumn clematis, variegated English or Algerian ivy, wandering jew

Climbing sweet autumn clematis, trumpet vine

SUN LOVERS

(for a sunny, hot, south or west-facing window)

Upright artemesia, dusty miller, lavender, marigold, miniature rose, opal and bush basil, ornamental pepper, periwinkle, rosemary, rose-scented geranium, salvia

Trailing airplane plant, 'Blackie' sweet potato vine, dwarf soapwort, 'Homestead Purple' verbena, nasturtium, peppermint-scented geranium, petunia, pink prostrate rosemary, setcreasea, strawberry, sweet marjoram, thyme

Climbing Carolina jessamine, golden hop, honeysuckle, jasmine, miniature climbing rose, moon vine

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This article was originally published in 2008 and has been updated.