The cultivation of flowering or foliage plants on window ledges is a form of gardening to suit most people. Indeed, those living in flats and apartments, those who have no gardens of their own, and especially invalids or people with restricted mobility, who are confined to their rooms, derive an enormous amount of pleasure from window-box-gardening.
There IS some work involved with this type of gardening, but this mainly concerns repotting of older plantings, or indeed of setting up new ones. However, at least there are no shovels or wheel barrows to consider. Also the moisture levels of the pots, or boxes need to be more closely monitored, as they will tend to dry out faster than in a normal garden.
Flowering Window Ledge Plants
Some of the most popular plants for Window Ledges and Balconys are as follows:
Alyssum or Sweet Alice (Lobulara fam.brassicaceae)
Mainly used as an edging plant, around rockeries and such, this plant lends itself wonderfully to hanging baskets and window boxes. In this situation it takes on a trailing aspect and is perfect as a filler. Most common in white, there are also varieties in pink, magenta, lilac and purple. Flowering practically perpetually, readily self-sows; and most varieties have quite a heady perfume.
Aubrietia (fam. Brassicaceae)
A compact plant forming a close carpet of lilac, pink or purple flowers. Remarkably hardy.
Forget-me-not - Myosotis (fam.Boraginaceae)
With pleasant green leaves and a profusion of dainty blue, pink,or white flowers, the Forget-Me-Not is just as its name implies. Such a pretty little plant. Although it will grow practically anywhere, semi-shade is preferred. Another one that self-sows readily.
Primula (fam. Primulaceae)
Primulas are dainty little things and do not like the heat very much, therefore should be used for window boxes that have a fair amount of shade. These plants make a bright display, looking somewhat like miniature candelabras and comes in a variety of colours.
Lobelia (fam.Lobeliaceae)
Most common colour is an intense blue, with bronzy foliage. Lobelia also comes in a variety of colours ranging from red to white. Easy to look after, tends to have a trailing habit in baskets and boxes.Looks fantastic mixed in with Alyssum. Likes most situations.
Viola - Pansy (fam. Violaeae)
Probably the oldest variety, is also know as Johnny-Jump-Up or Heartsease; this variety, a small flower, in particular has purple ears and a yellow face. Also edible, once used as the name suggests, as a calmative. These days, the modern varieties, called pansies, are large affairs with an indescribable variation of colour combinations. Quite hardy, most varieties prefer full sun. A must-have addition.
Petunia (fam. Solanaceae)
Petunias like it hot, make no mistake; and are quite hardy. Among the most popular of flowering annuals in the world. The range of colours and varieties are legion, from compact varieties to cascading types, appropriately named 'Million Bells'. Another must-have addition.
Begonia - Bedding Begonias (fam. Begoniaceae) Socotrana
For continuity of flowering and ease of cultivation, few come close to Begonias. Socotrana, a winter variety, not only has pretty flowers, but has the added bonus of attractive glossy foliage. The plants grow about 6 inches tall and produce masses of flowers of various shades of red orpink. Surprisingly hardy.
Pelargonium - Commonly known as Geraniums (fam. Geraniaceae)
By far, for overall hardiness and flowering persistence, would have to be the Geranium. This is a difficult plant to kill. Thrives on neglect. The general rule-of-thumb for Geraniums , is: 'If you can kill a geranium - give up gardening!'
The different varieties of plants adaptable to growing in baskets and window-boxes, is fairly endless. The general rule for such container plantings is, don't be overambitious - keep to relatively compact plants. Most retail Nurseries have specific sections, devoted to basket and or rockery plants, and ofcourse - Plants for Window Ledge Gardening.
