Designing a Colorful Flower Bed Around a Porch with Boxwoods

A 100-year-old home has a large porch with boxwoods planted too far apart (1–2 ft gaps). The homeowner wants a spectacular, low-cost flower bed with sun-to-shade transition.

Fix the Boxwood Spacing

Boxwoods should be 18–30 in apart (center-to-center). If gaps are larger, interplant with dwarf varieties or accept open structure.

Sunny Zone (Porch Front)

• Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' – vibrant orange, pollinator magnet.
• Daylily ('Stella de Oro', 'Happy Returns') – repeat bloom, tough.
• Campanula glomerata 'Montana' – deep purple clusters.
• Zinnia (from seed) – direct sow after frost; pinch for bushiness.

Shade Transition (Toward Fence)

• Hosta – foliage texture, many sizes/colors.
• Astilbe – feathery plumes in pink/red/white.
• Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) – spring arching stems.
• Tricyrtis (Toad Lily) – late summer orchid-like flowers.

Design Tip

Plant in drifts of 3–5 per variety. Use marigolds as a quick, cheap filler while perennials establish. Collect seeds, but divide perennials in fall for faster coverage.