Planting flowers in planter boxes can brighten up any space. With the right selection of blooms, these containers can enhance the look of patios, balconies, and gardens. Choosing the best flowers for planter boxes ensures vibrant colors and healthy growth throughout the season.
There are so many options to consider when filling planter boxes with flowers. From low-maintenance varieties to fragrant favorites, the possibilities are endless. These choices can turn ordinary spaces into beautiful displays of nature.
1) Petunias
Petunias are a fantastic choice for planter boxes. They are colorful and come in many shades, such as red, pink, purple, and white. These flowers can brighten up any space.
They bloom from spring to fall, providing long-lasting beauty. Petunias thrive in sunny spots, needing at least six hours of sunlight each day. This makes them perfect for outdoor gardens.
Their growth habit is versatile. Some varieties spread out, while others grow upright. This means they can fit in different planter styles and shapes.
Petunias are also fairly easy to care for. Regular watering helps keep them looking their best. They enjoy well-drained soil and benefit from fertilizer every few weeks.
Be sure to remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Healthy petunias will bloom profusely and create stunning displays. She loves how cheerful they look in her garden.
These flowers can also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. This makes them a great choice for not only beauty but also aiding local wildlife. Petunias truly enhance any planter box with their vibrant charm.
2) Geraniums
Geraniums are a fantastic choice for planter boxes. They come in many colors, such as red, pink, and white. This variety allows for fun color combinations that bring life to any space.
These flowers are known for their bright, cheerful blooms. They can add vibrant energy to both front porches and balconies. Geraniums also have a lovely scent that many people enjoy.
For those who want low-maintenance plants, geraniums fit the bill perfectly. They thrive in sunny spots and need minimal care. A little watering and occasional deadheading keep them looking their best.
Geraniums can last throughout the growing season. With proper care, they bring beauty from spring to fall. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding more life to the garden.
These flowers can grow in both containers and directly in planter boxes. Their versatility makes them a popular choice among gardeners. Whether someone is a beginner or has years of experience, geraniums are an exciting addition to any floral arrangement.
3) Marigolds
Marigolds are a favorite for many gardeners! Their bright colors can bring energy to any planter box. They come in yellow, orange, and even red.
These flowers are easy to grow and care for. They thrive in sunny spots and can handle heat well. Marigolds are perfect for beginners.
They also help keep pests away from other plants. Their strong scent deters insects, making them great companions in a garden.
Marigolds bloom all summer long, providing a cheerful display. They can grow in different types of soil, which makes them very flexible.
For a lively look, mix different marigold varieties in a planter. This will create a colorful and joyful arrangement that lasts for weeks!
4) Begonias
Begonias are a fantastic choice for planter boxes. They come in many colors and shapes. This variety makes them perfect for adding a splash of color to any space.
These flowers thrive in partial shade. They are great for areas that don’t get full sunlight. This makes begonias perfect for spots where other flowers might struggle.
Begonias are easy to care for, making them a favorite among gardeners. They require watering but can handle some dry spells. This tough plant still looks great, even if it’s a bit forgotten.
Another plus is their long blooming season. They can flower from spring through fall. This means beautiful blooms can last for months.
Whether in hanging baskets or mixed planter boxes, begonias shine. Their unique leaves add texture, while their flowers attract attention. They create cheerful displays that brightens up any area.
Overall, they are a wonderful option for adding charm and beauty to gardens and patios. Begonias bring joy with their vibrant colors and rich foliage, making them a delightful addition to any planter box.
5) Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, often known as Million Bells, is a fantastic choice for planter boxes. Its vibrant, small blooms can brighten up any space.
These flowers come in many colors, like purple, yellow, and pink. They add lively pops of color throughout the growing season.
Calibrachoa loves the sun, thriving in full sunlight. It can fill planter boxes with its cascading growth, looking stunning as it spills over the edges.
These plants are also low-maintenance. They need little care and can tolerate some dry conditions.
With regular watering, they will bloom all summer long. This makes them perfect for busy gardeners who still want a beautiful display.
Calibrachoa pairs well with other flowers too. Combining it with different plants creates a lively and colorful planter box.
Its cheerful blooms attract pollinators, adding to the garden’s buzz. This flower not only looks great but also supports local wildlife.
Using Calibrachoa in a planter box is sure to bring joy. It offers a delightful mix of beauty and ease, making it a popular pick for many gardeners.
6) Lobelia
Lobelia is a vibrant flower that adds flair to planter boxes. Its rich blue and purple shades create a lovely contrast with other plants. This flower can bloom from spring to fall, giving gardens a pop of color throughout the season.
They thrive in cooler weather, which makes them great for early and late planting. Lobelia prefers partial to full sun and moist soil. Gardeners appreciate how low-maintenance they are, making them perfect for beginners.
These flowers can trail beautifully over the edges of planter boxes. Their delicate, cascading petals create a soft, flowing look. Lobelia is also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
In addition to their beauty, lobelia plants are versatile. They can fit well in various planter sizes, from small to large. This flexibility allows for creativity in garden design.
With proper care, lobelia can flourish and brighten up any outdoor space. Their charming appeal and easy growth make them a favorite among flower fans. Planter boxes with lobelia can bring joy to any garden.
7) Impatiens
Impatiens are a favorite among gardeners. They bring bright colors and a cheerful look to any planter box. These flowers bloom from spring until frost, adding lovely shades of pink, red, white, and purple.
They are known for doing well in shady spots. This makes them perfect for areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight. Impatiens thrive in cool, moist soil and need regular watering to keep them happy.
These flowers can grow quite lush, filling up planter boxes quickly. They look great planted alone or mixed with other flowers. Impatiens can create a stunning display with their thick, green foliage.
Caring for impatiens is easy. Regular deadheading helps them bloom more. To ensure their best growth, gardeners should consider fertilizing every few weeks.
With their vibrant colors and delightful blooms, impatiens can brighten up any space. They are perfect for adding beauty and life to patios, balconies, or garden beds. Anyone looking to enhance their planter boxes can count on impatiens for a colorful touch.
8) Verbena
Verbena brings vibrant colors and a cheerful vibe to any planter box. Its clusters of tiny flowers bloom in shades of purple, red, pink, and white. This plant can brighten up a dull spot with its lively display.
They thrive in full sun and love warm weather. Verbena is known for being low maintenance, which makes it perfect for busy gardeners. It can handle dry conditions, so it’s great for those who forget to water sometimes.
Butterflies are drawn to verbena, making it a fun choice for attracting wildlife. Planted in groups, these flowers create a stunning effect that looks fantastic in any outdoor space.
With a sprawling growth habit, verbena can spill over the edges of a planter, adding a lovely cascading look. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or tall planter boxes where its beauty can really shine.
Verbena blooms all summer long, keeping gardens colorful even in the heat. Its long-lasting flowers ensure a garden remains cheerful and lively. Choose verbena for a touch of brightness in a flower arrangement.
9) Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a stunning choice for planter boxes. Its vibrant colors, like bright pink, purple, and red, catch the eye and create a cheerful atmosphere. These flowers can add a splash of life to any space.
Fuchsia plants thrive in partial shade. They prefer locations with some protection from the harsh afternoon sun. This makes them perfect for spots that don’t get all-day sunlight.
They are also known for their unique shape. The flowers look like little lanterns, hanging elegantly from their stems. This charming appearance can create a lovely cascading effect in planter boxes.
Fuchsias need well-drained soil to flourish. Regular watering keeps them healthy and encourages blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, helps promote more growth.
These plants attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding extra beauty to gardens. Watching these creatures visit is a delightful experience.
Fuchsia can be grown as annuals or perennials, depending on the climate. They adapt well to different conditions, making them a reliable choice.
Whether used alone or combined with other flowers, Fuchsia is sure to impress. Its colorful blooms and graceful form will brighten any outdoor space.
10) Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a charming flower that brightens up any planter box. With its small white, purple, or yellow blooms, it adds a splash of color to gardens. The flowers are known for their lovely, sweet fragrance that attracts butterflies and bees.
This flower is easy to grow and loves full sun to partial shade. It thrives in cooler temperatures, making it perfect for spring and fall. Sweet Alyssum can create a beautiful cascading effect when planted in boxes.
It also has a trailing habit, which means it can spill over the edges for a lovely look. Plus, it grows well in various soil types, as long as it drains well.
Gardeners appreciate how low-maintenance Sweet Alyssum is. Regular watering and occasional deadheading promote more blooms.
This flower is also great for filling empty spaces. Its dense growth helps to crowd out weeds, making it a smart choice for your garden. Sweet Alyssum can bring life and beauty to any planter box with its stunning display.
11) Dianthus
Dianthus, often called “pinks,” is a charming flower that brings joy to any planter box. With its vibrant colors and unique petals, it instantly catches the eye. They bloom all summer, making them a favorite for brightening up outdoor spaces.
These flowers are not just pretty. They are tough and can withstand different weather. Dianthus thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This makes it easy for gardeners to care for them.
Dianthus comes in various colors, including pink, white, and red. Each type has a lovely spicy fragrance that adds to its appeal. The flowers are often used in bouquets because they last a long time.
They also attract butterflies, which can make any garden feel more alive. Planting Dianthus can add a fun pop of color to any planter box.
With minimal care, these flowers can flourish. Regular deadheading helps them bloom even more. This cheerful flower is the perfect choice for anyone looking to add beauty to their garden.
Choosing the Perfect Planter Box
Selecting the right planter box enhances the beauty of flowers and supports their growth. It’s important to focus on material and size to ensure the best results.
Material Considerations
The material of a planter box can impact both aesthetics and plant health. Common options include:
- Wood: Gives a natural look. Cedar and redwood resist rot, making them long-lasting. However, they may require sealing or staining.
- Plastic: Lightweight and affordable. It comes in many colors. But it might not be as durable as wood or metal.
- Metal: Provides a modern look. Stainless steel is long-lasting, while galvanized metal resists rust. They can heat up quickly, affecting the roots.
- Ceramic or Terracotta: Attractive but heavy. They provide good insulation but can crack in freezing temperatures.
Choosing the right material helps plants thrive and suits the location’s style.
Size and Depth
The size and depth of a planter box are crucial for the health of the flowers. Larger boxes can hold more soil, which retains moisture better.
Consider these factors:
- Width: A wider box allows for more plants. Heavier blooms can also be supported better.
- Depth: Deeper boxes are essential for root growth. Most flowers need at least 6-12 inches of depth.
Matching the size to the types of flowers helps in providing adequate space. This ensures they have room to grow strong and healthy.
Essential Care Tips
To keep flowers in planter boxes thriving, they require the right amount of water and suitable soil. Focusing on these care tips will help flowers grow strong and vibrant.
Watering Needs
Watering is crucial for the health of plants in planter boxes. Each plant has its own needs, but a general rule is to check the soil moisture.
- Frequency: Most flowers need water 2-3 times a week, but hot days might require daily watering.
- Depth: Water until it seeps from the bottom of the planter. This ensures deep roots get enough moisture.
- Signs of Need: Yellowing leaves or wilting can indicate that the plant needs water.
Using a soaker hose or a watering can helps to distribute water evenly. Ensure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Soil Selection
Choosing the right soil type is key for healthy flowers. Quality potting mix is recommended for planter boxes.
- Drainage: Ensure the soil has good drainage. Look for mixes that include perlite or vermiculite.
- Nutrients: Select soil with slow-release fertilizers. This provides essential nutrients over time.
- pH Level: Most flowering plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0.
Testing the soil before planting can help determine if it’s suitable. Proper soil selection contributes to strong plant growth and beautiful blooms.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.