Choosing the right perennials for your window boxes is a total game-changer. Instead of replanting every single season, these hardy picks will keep your balcony looking lush year-round. Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite low-maintenance plants and how to pick the perfect ones for your space.
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++Crocus (Crocus)
If you want an early pop of color to kick off the year, you can’t go wrong with crocus bulbs. Once they’re in your window box, they can stay there year-round without much fuss. The secret to success? Timing. These little guys need a natural “chilling period” over the winter to trigger their spring blooms, so make sure to get them in the soil by autumn.
++Sweet Violet (Viola odorata)
Sweet violets are fantastic perennials that are super easy to care for. They produce those classic, charming violet flowers that look amazing on any balcony. Since they often start blooming as early as March, they’re a great way to welcome spring. They aren’t huge fans of deep shade, so plant them in a spot that gets a decent amount of sunlight.
++Hardy Geranium (Geranium)
The hardy geranium (also known as Cranesbill) is an absolute classic for a reason. You can keep these in your flower boxes all year long, and they’ll reward you with a massive blooming window—usually from May all the way through August. They are incredibly hardy and aren’t picky at all about what kind of potting mix you use.
++Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii)
If you want to add some texture, Japanese Sedge is a beautiful ornamental grass that works perfectly on a balcony. While it can grow up to 15 inches tall in the ground, it usually stays a bit more compact when planted in containers. It’s a great “filler” plant to combine with flowers, providing a lush, green backdrop that stays vibrant.
++Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Who says window boxes are just for flowers? Rosemary is a fantastic evergreen herb that looks great and smells even better—just brush your hand against the needles to release that amazing aroma. It absolutely loves the sun, making it the perfect choice for a south-facing balcony. Plus, you’ll always have fresh herbs on hand for cooking!
++Daylily (Hemerocallis minor)
For a touch of elegance, try daylilies. They produce stunning yellow blooms that, as the name suggests, usually only last for a single day. But don’t worry—the plant keeps pumping out new buds throughout its flowering season, so you’ll have plenty of color. They are low-maintenance and actually prefer spots with a bit of shade or partial sun.
++English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your balcony with its iconic purple spikes and relaxing scent. It’s a hardy perennial that works beautifully in long-term containers. A huge bonus? The scent helps keep wasps and mosquitoes away while you’re trying to relax outside. You can even harvest the blooms for tea or baking!
%%Lamb’s Tail (Chiastophyllum oppositifolium)
Another easy-care option is the Lamb’s Tail (or Gold Drop). This plant features unique, cascading yellow flowers that look lovely spilling over the edge of a box. It thrives in partial shade and likes soil that is rich in organic matter (humus). Because it stays relatively low to the ground, it’s a perfect fit for smaller balcony setups.