Thoroughly confident: Shade-loving window boxes can flourish with the right plant selection, bringing vivacity and brightness to dismal ledges - discover my preferred plant combination here
For those seeking a stylish and colourful addition to their shaded outdoor space, a shaded window box could be the perfect solution. Here's a guide on how to create one, based on recommendations from various gardening sources and a popular episode of Homes & Gardens' social series, Petals & Roots.
First, choose a suitable container. A galvanized zinc planter from Walmart is a good option, as it's both stylish and durable. Ensure your container has drainage holes for adequate drainage. Drilling holes if necessary.
Next, line the base of your container with a layer of stones, available from Walmart, to prevent clogging and help weigh it down. Fill the container halfway with peat-free, multi-purpose compost, which is ideal for providing a good drainage base.
Now, it's time to select your plants. For a lively, vibrant display, consider annuals like impatiens, wax begonias, and caladiums. These true shade lovers offer bright, colorful foliage and flowers all summer with minimal sunlight. Impatiens add long-lasting color and spill nicely over edges, while wax begonias offer glossy leaves and abundant pink, white, or red flowers. Caladiums bring dramatic heart-shaped leaves splashed with greens, pinks, and whites, making them eye-catching focal points.
For textural interest, add foliage plants like caladiums and ferns (like maidenhair fern). Sweet alyssum can be added for fragrant small flowers that trail over edges and attract pollinators. Dwarf conifers, euonymus, and herbs such as sage and rosemary can also be used to add greenery and structure. Hydrangeas can work in some shaded window boxes if kept well watered.
To lock in moisture and prevent the soil from drying out, add a layer of bark mulch, available from Amazon, on top of the compost. Perlite, also available at Walmart, should be mixed into the compost for additional drainage.
For contrast, consider adding bronze leaf begonias with bright white flowers. Three English ivy plants (Hedera helix) can be added for trailing interest.
Finally, water your new window box thoroughly and place it in a shaded area. Regular watering and occasional deadheading will help maintain vibrant, neat displays. Enjoy your new shaded window box and watch it flourish all summer long!
[1] Homes & Gardens' Petals & Roots episode on creating a window box for a shaded area. [2] Various gardening articles on selecting plants for shaded window boxes. [3] Gardening advice on using dwarf evergreens and shade-tolerant herbs in window boxes. [4] Information on using hydrangeas in shaded window boxes. [5] Article on fresh fall planter ideas for shaded areas, focusing on shade plants in interesting and tonal shades.
Add a galvanized zinc planter, ideal for both style and durability, to your home-and-garden collection for a shaded window box. To ensure your garden thrives and complements your lifestyle, consider incorporating a variety of plants such as impatiens, wax begonias, caladiums, and foliage plants like caladiums and ferns for vibrant color and textural interest. Don't forget to add the recommended mulch and perlite for optimal soil drainage and moisture retention, as suggested by various gardening sources, gardening articles, and Home-and-Garden's Petals & Roots social series.
