Question
hi there, i am not an experienced gardener, but wish to establish about 8 window planters on the outside of my house in berkeley ca, under the windows. i am interested in attarctive, low maintenance perennials. do you have any suggestions for perennials that don't require much fussing, and ones that do OK with roots being constrained in window planters (about 8" deep...). the areas where they would be living are outdoors, with not so much direct sunlight, maybe about 2 hours a day each. i would love and appreciate a list of suggested plants so that i can continue hunting and researching. thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Lucie,
Thanx for your question.  Violas or Johnny-Jump-Ups add nice color to a semi-shady window box along with, hardy geraniums which have velvety medium-green leaves that contrast well with their blue, pink, red, or white blossoms. They are covered drought resistant. They don't require an especially rich soil.  A dwarf or trailing variety would look good in a window box. There is an ivy-leafed variety, which trails and is especially attractive for window boxes.

Other ideas include, plumbago, but flowering will be reduced if there is a lot of shade.

Fuchsias - many bright, vibrant colors that will do better in cooler weather and partial shade.

Ferns, begonias, caladiums, asparagus ferns, shamrocks (oxalis), hosta, dusty miller, ajuga, forget-me-not, primrose.

It's always fun and beautiful to include some annuals like sweet potato vines (come in varietgated, lime-yellow-green, purple/black), coleus, which come in numerous shades and leaf patters.

I hope this helps.
Tom