- Browallia is an annual shade-loving plant that has deep green foliage and dainty white, blue or purple flowers; it also attracts hummingbirds to the garden with its mid- to late-summer blooming flowers. Impatiens bloom in single, double or ruffled flowers that provide abundant color from early spring until fall. Lobelia has small delicate blue or white flowers. Torenia is a snapdragon-like flower available in pink or white. Loose clusters of white, pink, red or pale green flowers characterize Nicotiana, a shade-tolerant annual.
- Astilbes have pink, red, lavender or white flowers that grow on erect or arching spiked stems, which provide an effective window box backdrop for shorter plants. Its foliage ranges in color from dark green to deep reddish green. Columbine has trumpet-shaped, delicate flowers that bloom in shades of pink, cream, blue, red and yellow. Woodland plants such as bleeding heart, lily-of-the-valley and wild violets thrive in shady location window boxes.
- Upright, tall plants at the back of the box and trailing plants in front create a harmonious window box design. Plant lobelia and torenia near the front edge of the window box to trail over the side. They thrive in a uniformly moist environment. Browallia trails gracefully 1 to 2 feet below. Nicotiana and tall, spiked, blue salvia grow best in the middle or back of the window box.
- Window box plants use water and soil nutrients quickly. Drainage holes in the bottom of the box are important to prevent soggy soil and root rot. Use commercially available potting soil or a homemade mixture of garden loam and finely sifted compost. Water the box when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Container garden plants always need more frequent watering than those in the ground. Feed window box flowers on a regular monthly schedule, using commercial plant food or diluted compost tea. Clean up decaying flowers and plant debris to prevent mildew and other diseases.
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