What are the flowers boxes in windows called?

The boxes that people put in windows to grow small plants and flowers are commonly known as window boxes or flower boxes. These small garden planters allow people to bring nature indoors by displaying greenery and colorful blossoms in a windowsill. Window boxes date back centuries and remain a popular way to decorate homes today.

What is a Window Box?

A window box is a long, narrow planter box that is specifically designed to hang below a window ledge outside of a home. Window boxes are typically made of wood, metal, plastic, or other weather-resistant materials and have drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape. The boxes come in various lengths to fit different sized windowsills.

Window boxes allow homeowners to cultivate small gardens right outside their windows. People typically plant flowers, herbs, and other ornamental plants in window boxes to add visual interest, color, and curb appeal to their homes. Anything that can be grown in a small container can potentially thrive in a window box.

Common Plants for Window Boxes

Some of the most popular plants for window boxes include:

• Flowers – Geraniums, petunias, pansies, marigolds, zinnias, nasturtiums, impatiens, begonias, fuchsias, and more
• Herbs – Basil, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, parsley, chives, mint
• Ornamental plants – Ferns, ivies, succulents, primroses, million bells, and more

The type of plants best suited for a window box depends on factors like sun exposure, climate, and preferences. Hardy annuals that bloom well throughout the summer are commonly grown. Perennial flowers, herbs, and cascading plants also look beautiful spilling out of window boxes.

History and Origins

Using window boxes and potted containers to cultivate plants goes back centuries. Some sources suggest that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans utilized primitive window boxes to grow aromatic herbs and flowers. However, window boxes seem to have become especially popular in Europe during the Renaissance and Victorian eras.

Europe

In European cities, window boxes appeared in the 1500s and 1600s as rooftop gardens gained popularity. Wealthy homeowners grew flowers in window boxes outside upper floor windows. At street level, window boxes helped city dwellers bring ornamental plants and fresh herbs into city living spaces.

By the 1700s and 1800s, many European homes and businesses featured window boxes planted with colorful cascading flowers. They used window boxes to decorate homes and add personalized touches to architecture. At the time, window boxes were sometimes known as bay windows.

North America

Window boxes appeared in early American colonies in the 1700s as well. Early American window boxes were purely functional, used for growing culinary herbs close at hand. As American cities grew in the 18th and 19th centuries, window boxes became more ornamental and decorative.

Old photographs show American homes from the Victorian era featuring beautifully abundant window boxes overflowing with flowers. They allowed city residents to express themselves through flower choices and arrangements. Window boxes were also economical, allowing everyone from townhome owners to people in crowded tenements to enjoy gardening.

Design and Styles

Window boxes come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles to suit home architecture and design tastes. Here are some popular window box designs that can be purchased or custom made:

Classic Window Boxes

The classic style is a simple, rectangular window box made of wood, metal, or plastic. These are designed to hang below the window ledge or be securely mounted on window brackets. Classic window boxes work well with many home styles.

Bay Window Boxes

For bay windows, curved bay window boxes are available. These semicircular boxes hug the contour of the bay window for a seamless, polished look.

Window Boxes with Brackets

Many window boxes come with metal brackets that allow secure mounting right onto the house or window sill. Brackets keep the window box stable and may feature hooks, straps, or railing systems.

Rail Mount Window Boxes

Rail mount window boxes attach onto a metal railing specifically designed for hanging window boxes. The rails securely bolt below the window sill.

Window Boxes with Shelves

Some clever window boxes incorporate lower shelves below the actual planter box. Homeowners can use the shelves to display potted plants or decorative accessories.

Window Boxes with Trellises

Trellises are sometimes incorporated into window box designs. A trellis above the planter box provides an anchor for vining plants to climb up.

Window Boxes with Planter Pots

For a eclectic look, some window boxes are designed to hold several small potted plants on brackets within the box. This allows for mixing different plant types and colors.

Wall-Mounted Window Boxes

In addition to boxes that hang below windows, some window boxes are designed to mount flat against walls. These narrow wall planters can sit below window sills or be placed anywhere on walls.

Popular Materials for Window Boxes

Window boxes are made from diverse materials. The material determines the overall look, durability, and price point. Here are some typical materials used in constructing window boxes:

• Wood – Basswood, cedar, redwood, pine, cypress, and teak are common woods used for rustic, natural window boxes. Wood is attractive but requires more maintenance.
• Plastics – PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, and recycled resins are low-maintenance plastic options for window boxes.
• Metal – Window boxes come in powder-coated steel, copper, wrought iron, and aluminum for a more contemporary, clean-lined look.
• Concrete – Concrete window boxes offer a modern, industrial vibe and come in various finishes like textured, smooth, or painted.
• Fiberglass – For lightweight durability, fiberglass makes a good window box material and can imitate the look of wood.

The choice comes down to personal preference, housing style, and budget. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding appearance, weather-resistance, and longevity.

Installing Window Boxes

Proper installation is key to ensure window boxes are securely fastened and won’t fall or leak. Here are some tips for installing window boxes:

• Make sure screws go into wall studs for the most secure mount.
• Pre-drill holes for screws to prevent cracking or splitting the window box.
• Use waterproof exterior caulk around all sides of the window box.
• Add a waterproof liner or plastic trays inside the window box.
• Use drip edges above the box to prevent rotting from rain runoff.
• Slope window boxes slightly outward for good drainage.

For rail-mounted window boxes, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If unsure about how to best mount window boxes onto a home, consider hiring a handyman for assistance.

Filling and Maintaining Window Boxes

A beautiful window box garden requires filling boxes properly and providing ongoing care. Here are some tips for maximizing success with window box plants:

Use the Right Soil

Choose a quality potting mix specifically formulated for containers. Avoid heavy garden soils. Blend in a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.

Include Drainage Material

Put an inch or so of gravel, stones, wood chips, etc in the bottom of boxes before adding soil. This improves drainage.

Follow Design Principles

Place taller plants in the center and back. Shorter trailing plants around the outer edges create flowing spill-over effects. Mix flowers and foliage for interest.

Use Self-Watering Boxes or Drip Irrigation

To reduce watering maintenance, use a self-watering window box design. Adding drip irrigation tubing also eases watering chores.

Water Well

Check soil moisture frequently, water thoroughly when the top inch becomes dry. Less frequent deep watering encourages roots to grow downwards.

Fertilize Regularly

Feed plants with a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. This replenishes nutrients that get used up quickly in containers.

Groom Plants

Pinch back long, leggy growth to encourage full, bushy plants. Remove faded flowers and pinch back herbs often to promote new growth.

Watch for Issues

Check for signs of diseases, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. Treat any issues promptly to maintain health.

Year-Round Use of Window Boxes

Window boxes don’t have to be limited to just summer season. Consider these ideas for year-round enjoyment:

• Plant cool weather crops like kale, spinach, and pansies in fall.
• Incorporate branches, pinecones, and holiday decor into winter boxes.
• Display early spring blooms like crocuses, grape hyacinths, and flowering branches.
• Use seasonal bedding plants for non-stop color from spring through fall.

With some creativity and planning, window boxes can provide four seasons of charm.

Alternatives to Traditional Window Boxes

If hanging window boxes aren’t optimal for a home, there are other similar options to consider:

Mounted Wall Planters

Wall-mounted planters can be secured right onto siding or walls below windows. These narrow boxes project out slightly for planting flowers or herbs.

Rail Planters

Rail planters secure onto horizontal rails attached below windows and offer a similar look to window boxes.

Window Sill Planters

Mini planters or pot arrangements can sit right on window sills to bring greenery up close indoors.

Standing Planters

Freestanding pots and planters can be clustered below window areas to mimic the look of traditional window boxes.

Wall Pockets

Wall pockets are decorative pockets or pouches mounted individually onto walls to hold potted plants or cascading flowers.

Fun Ways to Use Window Boxes

Beyond just planting flowers and herbs, window boxes also lend themselves to other creative uses:

• Create a succulent display with mixed low-maintenance succulents.
• Try showcasing miniature hostas, ferns, and primroses for texture.
• Let lettuces, greens, and trailing vegetables grow in window boxes.
• Use window boxes to grow cocktail ingredients like citrus fruits, mint, basil.
• Incorporate decorative accents like garden mirrors, architectural elements, water features, stepping stones, and garden art.
• Coordinate window boxes with lighting, wall colors, and other exterior accents.

Window boxes offer ample opportunity for homeowners to express their unique style.

Benefits of Window Boxes

Window boxes offer many benefits beyond just their charming good looks:

• Let anyone enjoy gardening – Even people without yards can garden in window boxes.
• Bring nature up close – Window boxes surround you with living plants.
• Grow your own fresh herbs and vegetables.
• Add personality to architecture.
• Introduce color, texture, and visual interest.
• Help attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Fragrance from plants like sweet alyssum, petunias, roses, and lavender.
• Provide privacy and block views.
• Easy to maintain and clean up for the winter.

For indoor and outdoor enjoyment, it’s easy to see why window boxes have been beloved for centuries and remain so popular today!

Conclusion

Window boxes are a charming way to decorate with plants and flowers right outside your window. These compact garden planters have a long history across Europe and America, gracing urban dwellings and stately mansions alike. Filled with blossoms, window boxes invite nature into living spaces and allow anyone to enjoy gardening. With myriad designs to choose from, window boxes offer endless possibilities to express personal style on the exterior of a home. For quick gardening gratification close-up, it’s easy to see the enduring appeal of the classic window box.