Shady areas don't hinder window box growth; discover my preferred plant combination for infusing brightness and vibrancy onto dimly lit ledges.
Brighten up your dark corners with a beautifully designed shaded window box. This article offers a plant recipe and useful tips for creating a vibrant and thriving shaded window box.
First, let's talk about the container. A galvanized zinc planter from Walmart makes a suitable choice for a shaded window box. To ensure proper drainage, drill drainage holes into the base if it doesn't already have any.
Next, line the base of the container with a layer of stones to prevent compost from clogging the drainage holes and to help weigh the planter down. A layer of bark mulch, available from Amazon, can also be used for the same purpose.
Now, let's discuss the plant recipe. Start with a selection of small shade plants. Some recommended options include Heuchera (Coral Bells) for the back of the container with attractive foliage and some flower display, Begonias (bronze leaf or wax begonias) for bright flowers and glossy leaves that add color and contrast, English Ivy (Hedera helix) for a trailing plant that drapes nicely over edges to soften the container, and Impatiens for one of the few flowers that bloom reliably in full shade with cheerful, bright flowers.
To add more texture and height, consider adding Dwarf conifers, Euonymus, and herbs such as sage and rosemary. For a softer, more natural look, add English Ivy plants. To create contrast, add bronze leaf begonias with bright white flowers.
For plants that thrive in deep shade conditions, consider Caladiums, Fuchsias, Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida), and Torenia (Wishbone Flower). Also, don't forget about the shade-loving perennials Ferns and Hostas, and the nicely cascading plant Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'). Lastly, a small evergreen shrub like Japanese Pieris can add a touch of colour with its colorful new growth and flowers.
Once you've selected your plants, fill half of the container with peat-free, multi-purpose compost, such as organic compost from Amazon. Mix in perlite to improve drainage and moisture retention. Then, plant your selected plants, starting with larger plants at the back, adding trailing plants like ivy for softness, and filling with colorful flowers like begonias or impatiens for contrast.
Finally, water the plants in situ to avoid carrying them to their final location. Top the soil with a thin layer of bark mulch to lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Following these tips, you can create a beautiful and thriving shaded window box that will brighten up any dark area. For more inspiration, check out the social series called Petals & Roots, produced by Homes & Gardens. Happy gardening!
Incorporating your chosen plants into a home-and-garden setting, you might consider arranging them in a shaded window box for a delightful touch of landscaping that aligns with your lifestyle. To enhance the aesthetics of your home-and-garden, explore the variety of plants recommended for shaded window boxes, such as Heuchera, Begonias, English Ivy, Impatiens, Dwarf conifers, Euonymus, Sage, Rosemary, Caladiums, Fuchsias, Purple Heart, Torenia, Ferns, Hostas, and Golden Creeping Jenny for a vibrant and thriving garden within your home.
