Does the very thought of growing colorful flowering plants delight you? If yes, then the idea of a window box is sure to appeal to you. Read on to know how to choose plants for your window box, which are the plants for window boxes, and more...

A window box is a rectangular container that you can hang outside your window. Its dimensions are such that you can grow quite a few number of small to medium-sized plants in it, and it comes with provisions for draining out excess water. All you need to do is get a window box, fill it with soil and voilà! You have a little flower bed before you, ready to be decorated with colorful flowers! Window boxes are available in a variety of materials ranging from plastic to fiber glass to terracotta. If you have the required skills, you can even make one at home, using wood.

Choosing Flowers for Window Boxes
Window boxes are a great way to add a touch of color and beauty to your windows. What's more, it doesn't even require much time and effort from your side, unlike a garden or a flower bed. A window box is your personal little garden that gives you a lot of opportunity to experiment. Also, if you are a beginner who is interested in gardening, a window box is the perfect way to get started, as there is ample scope to learn by trial and error. However, there are certain things that you need to take care of, before you start planting in your window box. The most important part is choosing your plants. The ideal plants for your window box are those that do not grow taller than 6 to 12 inches, grow easily in the climate of your region, do not require too much care and maintenance, are pretty and colorful, and add an exotic touch to your little garden.

You can use your imagination to choose from a wide range of flowers out there. The only thing you need to keep in mind is the location of your window box. Depending on which direction it is facing, you have a completely different list of flowers to choose from. This is because different directions mean different levels of exposure to sunlight and wind for the plants. So, if your window box is facing either the south or the west, go for plants that grow best in direct sunlight. However, if you have one that is facing the north, it is advisable that you choose plants that grow best in shade, which includes some of the best indoor plants as well.

Another factor for choosing the plants, is the aesthetic appeal of your hanging garden or, for that matter, the kind of look you want. If you have a particular color scheme in mind, you can choose the plants accordingly. Usually, it is a good idea to use contrasting colors for your window box. You can even design the box keeping a single color in mind. Choose plants of varying heights to add dimensions to your garden and don't forget to add some vines for that cascading effect.

Plants that are Best for Window Boxes
You can opt for either annuals or biennials while choosing plants for your window box. Here is a list of the best plants for window boxes, sorted under the different categories discussed above.

Plants For Sun

• Sweet potato
• Nasturtium
• Verbena
• Miniature roses
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Periwinkle
• Petunia
• Marigold

Plants For Shade

• Fuchsia
• Wandering jew
• Creeping myrtle
• Pansy
• Impatiens
• Hosta
• Coleus
• Astilbe
• Ferns

Annual Plants

• Balsam
• Begonia
• Petunia
• Marigold
• Scarlet sage
• Impatiens
• Snapdragon

Perennial Plants

• Polyanthus
• Ajuga
• Basket-of-gold
• Bergenia
• Blue fescue
• Bunchberry
• Winter pansy

Trailing Plants

• Ivy
• Pelargoniums
• Nasturtium
• Blue lobelia
• Sweet pea
• Chilean glory flower

Aromatic Herbs

• Tobacco
• Petunia
• Evening stock
• Sweet violets
• Lavender
• Scented geraniums

Now that you are familiar with the best plants for window boxes, you can get one for yourself too. Remember to water your plants on a regular basis and deadhead them, i.e., pull out the dead flowers from the plant. Doing this will ensure that you have plants that bloom for a longer period. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and create a beautiful little garden with 'smiling' flowers that you can call your own!