Best Plants for Planter Boxes and Window Boxes

Overview

Planter boxes brighten decks and patios but must tolerate root restriction and avoid waterlogging.

Large Periwinkle (Vinca major)

Fast evergreen perennial. 12-inch stems, 2–3 inch dark green leaves, 2-inch blue-violet flowers. Full sun to part shade, any soil; best in rich moist soil. Propagate by cuttings or shoots.

Mexican Zinnia (Zinnia haageana)

Drought-tolerant annual, 2 feet tall, 1 foot wide. 2–3 inch leaves, varied flowers. Attracts butterflies/hummingbirds. Full sun. Propagate by spring seed.

Burn Plant / Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Drought-tolerant succulent perennial. 18-inch fleshy leaves with marginal teeth. Rosette to 2 feet. Yellow tubular flowers on 3-foot stalks in winter/spring. Well-drained soil, full sun to part shade. Propagate by offsets.

Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus spp.)

Evergreen perennial. 12-inch leaf clumps, dark blue trumpet flowers 1–2 inches in summer. Any soil, full sun or afternoon shade. Propagate by spring clump division or seed.

Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

Evergreen perennial. Vine-like stems 6–9 inches, 1–6 inch dark green leaves. Greenish-white flowers on 2–4 inch spikes. Light organic moist soil, filtered light/medium shade. Propagate by division, stem or leaf cuttings.

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Fragrant perennial (often annual). 1–2 feet, 1-inch gray-green leaves, tiny flowers. Well-drained soil, full to nearly full sun. Propagate by seed or cuttings.