When you live in a house, one of the first things that you will consider as a plant lover is where you will place your flowers in your indoor and outdoor space. Some homes have a lot of garden space that can accommodate a wide variety of different plants, while other homes will only have enough space for a few window boxes. No matter where you live, window boxes can look amazing, but since these spaces are typically located close to the wall, they may not get quite as much light as plants that are growing in other locations.
In this guide, we will take a look at 10 different plants that will thrive in a shady window flower box. We will discuss how each one looks and the type of care that it will need to grow in the space.
1. Impatiens
This is a bright annual plant that produces beautiful blooms that are typically pink, purple, or red. They do not like a lot of direct sunlight, which will make them a great option for a shaded window box. In addition, when you water these plants, make sure that you give them enough water so that the soil remains moist because a lack of water will cause the flowers to wilt. You will want to plant these flowers close together because this will encourage them to grow even more.
2. Begonias
Begonias are a plant with wax-like leaves that are unique and attractive, especially when they are surrounded by bright red blooms. These plants grow best in the shade, but if your window box is located on the sunny side of your home, then you will still be able to grow begonias. However, any window box with afternoon shade will be ideal. They also like well-drained soil, so make sure to keep that in mind when you are watering the plants.
3. Caladium
If you are looking for a plant with extremely colorful leaves that will do well in a shady window box, try planting caladiums in this space. The foliage, which is typically shaped like a heart, will grow in shades of red, pink, white, and green. These plants tend to be pretty carefree and easy to maintain. They grow best in shady areas and well-drained soil, but if you find that the plants are not thriving as much as you’d like, add a mushroom compost to the soil.
4. Forget-Me-Nots
These plants often have bright blue blooms that are small and dainty, which will add quite a bit of character to your window box, especially if they are paired with a few slightly larger flowers. This is a plant that likes a lot of humidity, but they will grow and spread best in the shade. On occasion, the blooms of these flowers will be pink, which can be a wonderful surprise in your window box garden.
5. Ivy
Ivy can be a gorgeous option when you have a window box that you are looking to fill, especially if the plant has long vines that you can train on and around your home. Ivy will grow the best with a lot of light, but they do not need direct sunlight all day long, which is why a window box is perfect for this plant.
6. Coleus
Another plant to consider for your window box that has beautiful foliage is coleus. The leaves are often breathtaking shades of red and orange. These plants are designed to tolerate the hot afternoon sun, but if your window box is located in a shady location, the plant will be able to adapt and grow. Soil should be well-draining, and temperatures should be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit for these plants to thrive.
7. Petunias
Petunias are another popular plant that is often seen around the walkways of a garden or the windows of a house. In fact, they do not grow well in extreme heat, which is why growing them in a shady window box is a great idea. These plants can have either a double or a single bloom, and they come in a myriad of color options that will only brighten your outdoor space.
8. Fuchsia
Fuchsia plants do not like a lot of sunlight, so if you have a shady window box on the side of your home, then this pink, purple flower may work for your outdoor space. In fact, too much sun will heat up the air and create an atmosphere that is too hot, which will cause the blooms to wilt.
9. Snapdragon
The snapdragon is a very robust plant that will grow in nearly any conditions. This plant prefers partial sun and well-drained soil, but it may not grow as well with too much direct sunlight. There are quite a few varieties of the plant available, so choose a variety based on the color of the plant that you want in your garden.
10. Verbena
A verbena is a very versatile plant that is going to need a good bit of sunlight each day. Luckily, this does not mean direct sunlight, so a window box that only gets partial sun will work out great. In addition, it also grows best in well-drained soil. The blooms of this plant are typically a soft shade of lavender.
