Shade Window Boxes in Berkeley (Zone 10a): Low-Maintenance Perennials for 8″ Depth

2 Hours Sun, 8″ Deep, Outdoors: Tough but Pretty

Top Picks for Semi-Shade Window Boxes

• Hardy Geranium (Geranium 'Rozanne', 'Biokovo') – Velvety leaves, long bloom, drought-tolerant. Trailing varieties ideal.
• Violas / Johnny-Jump-Ups – Cheerful color, self-sow, tough.
• Fuchsias – Bright flowers, love cool shade. Upright or trailing.
• Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Foliage stars: purple, caramel, lime. Evergreen.
• Ferns – Japanese Painted, Autumn, Tassel. Texture kings.
• Begonias (fibrous/wax) – Nonstop color, shade-loving.
• Oxalis (Shamrock) – Clover leaves, delicate flowers.
• Ajuga – Glossy rosettes, blue spikes. Spreads slowly.
• Tiarella (Foamflower) – Maple leaves, white/pink plumes.

Annual Accents (For Extra Pop)

Sweet potato vine (chartreuse, purple), coleus (endless leaf patterns).

Keys to Success

• High-quality potting mix + slow-release fertilizer.
• Water when top 1″ dry; drain fully.
• Rotate boxes seasonally for even light.

Mix foliage textures + flower colors for year-round appeal.