Best Sun and Shade Flowers and Plants for Window Boxes
Adding flowers and plants to your
window boxes, outdoor planters, pots, or plant containers can bring new life to your outdoor space. Whether you are looking for sun loving plants or shade-tolerant flowers, there are many options available to suit your needs. In this article, we will discuss the best sun and shade flowers and plants for window boxes, planters, pots, or plant containers, so you can select the right ones for your garden.
Sun-Loving Flowers
If your flower boxes, planters, pots, or plant containers receive plenty of sunlight, there are several sun-loving flowers and plants that can thrive in this environment. Here the 10 best options:
Marigolds: Marigolds are vibrant, cheerful flowers that bloom in shades of yellow, orange, and red. These flowers are heat- and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for sunny spots.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers are fun, iconic flowers that can reach heights of up to six feet. They are easy to care for and provide cheerful blooms throughout the summer.
Zinnias: Zinnias are gorgeous, brightly-colored flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, orange, red, and white. They are heat- and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for flower boxes in sunny spots.
Petunias: Petunias are low-maintenance, heat- and drought-tolerant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. They are a great option for sunny flower boxes.
Cosmos: Cosmos are bright, delicate flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. They are easy to care for and thrive in sunny spots.
Geraniums: Geraniums are heat- and drought-tolerant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. They are a great option for sunny flower boxes.
Snapdragons: Snapdragons are tall, vibrant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. They are heat-tolerant and can thrive in sunny spots.
Dianthus: Dianthus are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. They are a great option for sunny flower boxes.
Impatiens: Impatiens are low-maintenance, heat- and drought-tolerant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. They are a great option for sunny flower boxes.
Ageratum: Ageratum are low-maintenance, heat- and drought-tolerant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. They are a great option for sunny flower boxes.
How to Grow Sun Loving Flowers in Plant Containers
Sun loving flowers are those that thrive in sunny locations with plenty of direct sunlight. To grow sun loving flowers, you will need to choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil Preparations: Prepare the soil by digging it up and adding organic material, such as compost. This will help to enrich the soil, improve drainage, and create a better growing environment for the flowers.
Select the Plant: Choose plants that are suited to your growing conditions and research the variety of sun loving flowers available. Look for annuals, perennials, and shrubs that are labeled as "full sun" or "part sun." Plant the flowers in the prepared soil.
The Process: Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball of the plant and add some compost or soil amendment to the bottom of the hole. Place the plant in the hole, cover with soil, and firm down.
Keep them Hydrate: Water the flowers thoroughly after planting. In the future, water the flowers when the soil feels dry about 1 to 2 inches below the surface.
Feed Them: Fertilize the flowers once a month with a liquid fertilizer. This will help to provide the plants with essential nutrients which will help them to grow and flower. Deadhead the flowers once they have finished blooming to promote new growth and more flowers.
Things to Consider While Growing Sun Loving Flowers in Planters
Sun loving flowers need plenty of direct sunlight to bloom and thrive. These flowers need at least 6 hours of sun a day and should be planted in a spot that gets plenty of sun. Before planting, it is important to check the soil to make sure that it is well-draining. Sun loving flowers will not survive in wet, soggy soil. When planting, it is important to select a location that is away from trees or large shrubs that can block the sun. Mulching the soil around the flowers can help them retain moisture and will protect their roots from the intense heat of the sun.
To give the flowers the best chance for success, it is important to properly water them. Water the flowers in the morning, giving them a deep soaking. This will help them to retain moisture and will also keep their roots cool. You can use a sub-irrigation planter reservoir to water the flowers at the base of the plant which will help the roots have more water uptake. These same systems can turn any window box into self-watering window boxes. These are especially helpful if you have window boxes or deck rail planters in direct sun.
Fertilizing the flowers is important to ensure that they get the nutrients they need to thrive. Sun-loving flowers should be fertilized at least once a month during the growing season. Fertilizers should be selected carefully and should be tailored to the specific flower being grown. Finally, it is important to deadhead the flowers to encourage new growth and blooms. Removing the spent blooms will help the plant conserve energy and will also encourage new flowers to bloom.
Shade Tolerant Flowers that Grow Well in Flower Boxes
If your flower boxes, planters, pots, or plant containers are in a shadier spot, there are still plenty of shade-tolerant flowers and plants that can thrive in this environment. Here are the 10 best options:
Impatiens: Impatiens are low-maintenance annuals that can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. These colorful flowers will bloom throughout the spring and summer in bright shades of pink, purple, white, and red.
Begonia: Begonia is another great shade-tolerant flower for flower boxes and planters. The begonia plant is available in a variety of colors and sizes, and it's easy to care for.
Sweet Alyssum: Sweet alyssum is a low-growing, fragrant annual that will thrive in full shade to partial shade. These delicate flowers will add a soft, sweet scent to your flower boxes or planters.
Pansies: Pansies are a classic flower that can tolerate both sun and shade. These cheerful annuals are available in a variety of bright colors, and they are easy to care for.
Hosta: Hosta is a beautiful perennial that will thrive in partial shade or full shade. These plants have large, heart-shaped leaves that come in shades of green, blue, and yellow.
Caladium: Caladium is a shade-loving tropical plant that will add a splash of color to your flower boxes or planters. This plant is available in many different colors, ranging from white to pink to red.
Wax Begonia: Wax begonias are a type of begonia that will thrive in shade or partial shade. These flowers come in shades of pink, red, and white, and they are low-maintenance.
Coleus: Coleus is a striking foliage plant that can tolerate both sun and shade. This plant is available in a wide range of colors and sizes, so you're sure to find one that will complement your flower boxes or planters.
Ferns: Ferns are a classic shade-loving plant that can add texture and color to your flower boxes or planters. These plants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can find one that works for your outdoor space.
Vinca: Vinca is an easy-to-care-for annual that will thrive in full shade or partial shade. These flowers come in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue, and they will bloom throughout the summer.
How to Grow Shade Tolerant Flowers in Planters
Shade tolerant flowers are an excellent way to bring vibrant colors and life to shady areas in the garden. Many of these flowers require minimal effort to thrive and will happily grow in conditions that other plants may find difficult. Here are some tips for growing shade-tolerant flowers:
Choose plants that are specifically adapted to shadier areas, such as impatiens, begonias, and hostas. Pansies, ferns and astilbes also make great choices. Shade tolerant flowers prefer soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to help create a good growing environment. Shade tolerant plants may require more frequent watering than other plants as they don’t receive as much sunlight, which helps them absorb and retain moisture. Water the plants deeply but keep it infrequent as well.
Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month to ensure they get the nutrients they need to thrive. Mulch helps keep the soil cool and moist and helps prevent weeds from taking over. Shade-tolerant flowers can be a great addition to your garden. With a bit of effort and care, you can create a vibrant and beautiful area that you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
Things to Consider While Growing Shade Tolerant Flowers
Shade tolerant flowers can be a great addition to any garden. However, there are several points to keep in mind while growing these specific plants. First, make sure the plants have a good amount of indirect light. Shade tolerant plants may not need direct sunlight, but they still need some light to grow and bloom. Consider positioning your plants near a window or a light-reflecting wall to make sure they get enough light.
Check the soil before planting. Shade tolerant plants prefer soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to help the plants take in nutrients and water more efficiently. Make sure to water your plants regularly. Shade-tolerant flowers need enough water to stay healthy. If you’re growing them in containers, check the soil every few days to make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.
Fourth, pay attention to the plants’ needs. Shade tolerant flowers may not need as much fertilizer as other plants, but they should still be fertilized occasionally. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for shade tolerant plants. Finally, keep an eye on diseases and pests on these plants. Shade tolerant plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases, so check the leaves and stems regularly for signs of damage or disease. If you notice any, treat them right away to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Plants and flowers are like friends who are helpful in relieving stress, growing them is easy and their fragrance will ease the environment. No matter if you have a sunny or shady flower box, planter, pot, or plant container, there are plenty of flowers and plants that can thrive in this environment. By selecting the right flowers and plants, you can create a beautiful, low maintenance garden that will bring color and life to your outdoor space.
 About the Author
Matthew Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, Inc., which is one of the largest online window box companies in the United States. In addition to being the owner, he is also an expert author, and regularly writes about industry topics in the window boxes, planters, exterior shutters, and home and garden industry.
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