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EmailWhen planting window boxes, choosing plants that match your sun exposure is the key to success.
The leaves of shade-lovers will get scorched in the high light levels of a south or west-facing wall; plants that thrive in full sun will grow tall and leggy in a northern exposure.
Often overlooked for window boxes are foolproof flowering bulbs. Whether you do a fall planting of miniature daffodils, snowdrops, or hyacinths for springtime bloom, or you do a late-spring planting of lilies, alliums, or dwarf gladiolus for summertime bloom, be sure to tuck a few bulbs and corms into your window boxes for added impact.
Connoisseurs may choose to add topiary forms as a focal point. Ivy or fig-vine standards ("lollipop trees") or other identifiable shapes can capture the imagination. Climbers can be trained around the window frame for an ensemble effect.
| SHADE LOVERS |
|---|
| (for a shady, cool, north-facing window) |
| Upright |
| astilbe |
| cardinal flower |
| coleus |
| English daisy |
| fern (maidenhair, tassel, Boston, asparagus) |
| garden heliotrope |
| hosta |
| impatiens |
| Johnny-jump-up |
| lamb's ears |
| lemon balm |
| lenten rose |
| mophead hydrangea |
| pansy |
| parsley |
| snapdragon |
| tropical houseplant |
| wax begonia |
| Trailing |
| creeping myrtle |
| fuchsia |
| peppermint |
| sweet autumn clematis |
| variegated English or Algerian ivy |
| wandering jew |
| Climbing |
| sweet autumn clematis |
| trumpet vine |
| SUN LOVERS |
|---|
| (for a sunny, hot, south or west-facing window) |
| Upright |
| artemesia |
| dusty miller |
| lavender |
| marigold |
| miniature rose |
| opal and bush basil |
| ornamental pepper |
| periwinkle |
| rosemary |
| rose-scented geranium |
| salvia |
| Trailing |
| airplane plant |
| 'Blackie' sweet potato vine |
| dwarf soapwort |
| 'Homestead Purple' verbena |
| nasturtium |
| peppermint-scented geranium |
| petunia |
| pink |
| prostrate rosemary |
| setcreasea |
| strawberry |
| sweet marjoram |
| thyme |
| Climbing |
| Carolina jessamine |
| golden hop |
| honeysuckle |
| jasmine |
| miniature climbing rose |
| moon vine |
Comments
I live in north Alabama. What
I live in north Alabama. What flowers and vegetables can I plant in May?
In northern Alabama, you are
In northern Alabama, you are most likely in Zone 7. Check out this listing of flowers, herbs and vegetables that can be grown in your zone: http://www.almanac.com/plants/hardiness-zone/7 Good luck!
Where can I find those Zone
Where can I find those Zone links? I'm in Zone 8a, Terrell Texas.
Hi, Robin, All of our Plant
Hi, Robin, All of our Plant Guides are categorized by Zone. Here are the Plant Guides: http://www.almanac.com/plants/type/vegetable For a shortcut, here's how you'd find the list for Zone 8: http://www.almanac.com/plants/hardiness-zone/8
I live in Greenbelt Maryland.
I live in Greenbelt Maryland. My question is when should I start to put the liquid food in my hummingbird feeder?
Hi, when you start feeding
Hi, when you start feeding depends on where you live and the type of hummingbird. In general, ruby-throated hummingbirds often start their migration in March and April. For Maryland: hummingbirds usually arrive around first week of April though it can vary. In the spring, while you are waiting for the first hummingbird to arrive, just fill up your feeder about 1/3 full or less to avoid wasting the nectar. Hope this helps!
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