25 Best Trailing Plants For Window Boxes

Window boxes are a great way to add color and texture to your home’s exterior. But which plants should you choose? Luckily, there are a variety of trailing plants that can thrive in window boxes. From petunias to passion flowers, this list of 25 will ensure your window boxes will look beautiful all season long. They’re easy to care for and will provide a stunning display with minimal effort. Let’s get started and find the perfect trailing plants for your window boxes!

trailing plants for window boxes

Petunia

petunias for window boxes

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your window boxes, petunias are a great choice. Petunias are annuals that come in a rainbow of colors, and they thrive in sunny locations with moist, well-draining soil. They produce an abundance of ruffled blooms throughout the summer and can easily be trained to spill over the sides of window boxes.

Petunias are low-maintenance plants that don’t require deadheading, and they can tolerate a little bit of drought. Just make sure to water them regularly and fertilize them every few weeks. They’re also relatively pest-free, so you won’t need to worry about dealing with a bug infestation. With their gorgeous blossoms and easy-care nature, petunias are a great choice for window boxes.

Passion Flower

Passion flowers for window boxes

Spill over your window boxes with the vibrant, exotic blooms of passion flowers for a unique and beautiful display. This fast-growing perennial produces gorgeous, trumpet-shaped blooms with petals that come in purple, blue, and white colors. The flowers are both fragrant and edible, making them a great addition to your garden and dishes.

Passion flower requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil to thrive. It’s also a hardy plant that can easily withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep the plant growing and blooming, be sure to prune it regularly. Passion flower is a great choice for a window box because it can grow up to 10 feet in length and, with its colorful blooms, it will make a beautiful and unique addition to your garden.

Nemesia

Nemesia for window boxes

No matter what size window box you have, you can easily fill it with stunning, cascading blooms of Nemesia. This trailing plant is a great choice for window boxes as it’s easy to maintain and it produces a lot of flowers in an array of vibrant colors. Nemesia is a sun-loving annual that does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It grows quickly and can reach heights of up to 18 inches.

The flowers of Nemesia come in many different shades, including blue, pink, yellow, and white. The blooms have a light, sweet fragrance and attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. To keep the flowers blooming all summer long, deadhead the plants regularly. When planting Nemesia in your window box, be sure to provide it with well-draining soil and keep it watered regularly. With proper care, your window box will be filled with beautiful blooms of Nemesia!

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine for window boxes

Cascading down the sides of your window box, Trumpet Vine offers vibrant trumpets that will add a show-stopping display to your outdoor space. It’s best grown in full sun, and in well-draining, loamy soil. The plant can be pruned to keep it from getting too large and can be trained to grow up trellises and other structures. It’s a good idea to provide a support system for the tendrils to wrap around, like a trellis or netting.

Trumpet Vine is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for window boxes. It’s also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it ideal for those in drier climates. Just be sure to check the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pests. With the right care, Trumpet Vine will provide you with an endless display of vibrant blooms.

Impatiens

Impatiens for window boxes

Are you looking for a flowering plant to add a pop of color to your window boxes? Impatiens are a great choice, as they provide a cascade of bright blooms in a variety of colors. These plants are low-maintenance, easy to care for, and will bring color to your windows all season long. Impatiens prefer moist, well-drained soil and require partial shade or filtered sunlight.

To keep them blooming, be sure to water them regularly and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Pruning is also important to keep them healthy and looking their best. Impatiens are also relatively pest-resistant, but you should still check them regularly for signs of pests or disease. With proper care, your impatiens will be a beautiful addition to your window boxes.

Pothos

Pothos for window boxes

Your window boxes’ potted pothos plants will add a lush, trailing look to your home. Pothos is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a plant that thrives in low-light conditions. Its foliage consists of heart-shaped leaves, which are typically variegated with green, yellow, and white. It’s easy to care for, as it only needs to be watered when the soil is dry and fertilized monthly with a liquid fertilizer.

Pothos is an evergreen plant, so its lush foliage will remain year-round. It’s also a fast-growing plant, so it won’t take long for it to fill out your window box. With its trailing vines, pothos is perfect for hanging baskets and works well when mixed with other trailing plants. It’s important to remember that pothos can be toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep it in a place that is out of reach of pets and small children.

Begonias

begonias for window boxes

Another great trailing plant for window boxes is begonias. These plants come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, making them a perfect choice for creating a vibrant and eye-catching display. Begonias do best in partial shade, so they’re great for adding beauty to areas where it’s difficult to grow other plants. Begonias don’t require much maintenance, but they do need to be watered regularly, as they do not tolerate drought well. If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that will add color and texture to your window box, begonias are a great choice.

Silver Falls Dichondra

Silver Falls Dichondra for window boxes

You’ll love the cascading beauty of Silver Falls Dichondra in your window box. This fast-growing, trailing perennial makes a great choice for window boxes and hanging baskets, adding a lush, cascading texture to your outdoor decor. Silver Falls Dichondra is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care and attention, and it’s drought tolerant, so you won’t need to worry about keeping it watered. It displays silvery-green leaves with a hint of yellow and has clusters of star-shaped white flowers.

Silver Falls Dichondra can be grown in full sun or partial shade and needs well-draining soil that is kept moist. Fertilize it occasionally, and trim the stems to keep it from growing too long. With a little care, Silver Falls Dichondra will add charming beauty to your window boxes for years to come.

Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet Potato Vines for window boxes

Continuing on from the Silver Falls Dichondra, you can also consider Sweet Potato Vine for your window box. This trailing plant produces colorful leaves that can include a variety of shades such as purple, green, and white. It is a hardy species and can tolerate a range of climates, making it an ideal choice for a variety of locations.

Sweet Potato Vine requires full sun and plenty of water and should be fertilized regularly. The plant is easy to care for and can be used in containers, hanging baskets, or window boxes. It is also a relatively low-maintenance plant, so it won’t require a lot of time and effort to keep it looking its best. Sweet Potato Vine is a great choice for a window box, as it will add texture and color while also providing a touch of greenery.

Clematis

Clematis for window boxes

Adding a pop of color to your window box, consider planting a clematis for trailing down the sides. This flower is an excellent choice for adding visual interest and texture. It’s important to choose a variety that is appropriate for your climate and hardiness zone. Clematis come in a range of sizes, from vines that wrap around trellises to small plants that can fit in a pot or window box. They prefer well-drained soil and should only be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

When it comes to pruning, it’s best to wait until the end of the growing season. Clematis can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it’s important to inspect the plant regularly for any signs of infection. With the right care, a clematis can create a beautiful display in your window box for years to come.

English Ivy

English Ivy for window boxes

For a lush, low-maintenance trailing plant, you can’t go wrong with English ivy. It’s an evergreen climber that’s easy to care for and thrives in a wide variety of conditions. English ivy is also an ideal choice for filling in window boxes, as it grows quickly and has a beautiful, cascading effect. Plus, it’s a great choice for those looking for a plant that’s both eye-catching and low-maintenance. It’s also hardy enough to withstand cold temperatures, so it can be kept outdoors year-round.

English ivy is also highly versatile, as it can be trained to grow in various directions and heights, making it a great choice for adding texture and interest to any window box. Just keep in mind that English ivy can be invasive, so it’s important to prune it regularly to keep it under control.

Black Eyed Susan Vine

Black Eyed Susan Vine for window boxes

Another great choice for window boxes is the Black Eyed Susan Vine, an eye-catching trailing plant that is both easy to care for and hardy. It is suitable for a variety of climates and can tolerate a wide range of light levels. It will also bloom profusely when exposed to full sun. A great addition to any garden, this vine is fast-growing and can reach up to 15 feet in length. It produces beautiful yellow and orange flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It is also disease-resistant and drought-tolerant. The Black Eyed Susan Vine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an attractive, low-maintenance plant to add to their window boxes.

Boston Ivy

Boston Ivy for window boxes

Though often overlooked, Boston Ivy is an excellent addition to any window box, providing a trailing, attractive foliage that is both easy to care for and hardy. It is an evergreen climber that can be grown from seed, cuttings, or as a full plant. It has small, heart-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green, which take on a purple hue in the fall. For best results, plant in a well-draining soil and provide regular watering. Pruning will help keep it full and healthy. Planting it near a trellis or wall will provide an ideal support system. Boston Ivy is a great choice for window boxes as it is drought-tolerant, can tolerate some shade, and is pest and disease-resistant.

Trailing Verbena

Trailing Verbena for window boxes

Frequently used in window boxes, trailing verbena has a trailing growth habit and is an easy-to-care-for, attractive addition. With a range of colors including pink, purple, and white, this flowering plant brightens up any outdoor space. Trailing verbena is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning and doesn’t need to be fertilized very often. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great option for window boxes. To keep the plant healthy and give it the best chance of blooming, make sure to water it regularly and deadhead any spent flowers. Trailing verbena is an excellent choice for adding a burst of color to window boxes.

Creeping Jenny Vine

Creeping Jenny Vine for window boxes

If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for trailing plant for your window box, consider adding creeping jenny vine. This fast-growing, low-maintenance plant is an ideal choice for adding a touch of greenery to your outdoor space. The vine’s glossy, green leaves create an attractive, cascading effect that adds a unique visual element to any window box. Plus, creeping jenny vine is very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It’s also highly tolerant of drought and can be planted in full sun or partial shade.

For best results, water regularly and ensure the soil is well drained. Prune back the vine occasionally to encourage new growth. With a bit of care, creeping jenny vine can bring a vibrant, fresh look to your window box.

Lantana

Lantana for window boxes

Another great choice for window boxes is lantana, a hardy, low-maintenance plant that’s ideal for cascading over the edges. Lantana comes in a wide variety of colors and shapes, making it a great choice for adding interest to your window box. The blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds which can be enjoyed from inside or outside your home.

Lantana is also drought tolerant, so it won’t need a lot of water to stay vibrant and healthy. Despite its low-maintenance nature, lantana does need occasional pruning to keep it from becoming unruly. Prune it regularly and it will remain attractive and well-behaved. Lantana is a great choice for adding color and beauty to your window box.

Morning Glory

Morning Glory for window boxes

Many window boxes benefit from the inclusion of beautiful morning glory, a hardy, low-maintenance vine that will cascade gracefully over the edges. It’s an easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in most climates. Morning glories bloom most abundantly in full sun, but they will also tolerate light shade.

These plants come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, white, and purple, making them a great choice for adding color to any window box. The flowers bloom in the morning and will close up in the evening, making them a great addition to any morning routine. They also attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Morning glories are also low-maintenance and require minimal care, such as regular watering and occasional fertilizing. Pruning is usually not necessary, but deadheading wilted flowers can promote new blooms. With a little care, these plants will thrive and add beauty to any window box.

Coral Bells

Coral Bells for window boxes

Second only to morning glories, coral bells are one of the best-trailing plants for window boxes. This perennial plant grows in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small, 6-inch plants to larger, 2-foot varieties. The foliage can be found in shades of green, purple, and silver. When it blooms, coral bells produce clusters of bell-shaped flowers in white, pink, and red.

In addition, they can be planted in containers, or directly into the ground. To ensure the best results, coral bells should be placed in a location that receives partial to full shade and should have well-drained soil. With their colorful foliage and delicate flowers, coral bells will create a beautiful addition to any window box.

String of Hearts

String of Hearts for window boxes

Create an eye-catching display with String of Hearts, a trailing plant perfect for window boxes. This gorgeous plant is native to South Africa and Zimbabwe, and it is also known as the ‘rosary vine’ or ‘chain of hearts’. Its leaves are shaped like small hearts, and it produces small white flowers in the spring and summer months.

To grow this plant, it is best to use a hanging basket or window box with good drainage. String of Hearts should be kept in bright, indirect sunlight and watered regularly. It is an easy-to-care-for plant that can be propagated from cuttings. Pruning is important to keep it from growing too large for its container. With proper care, this trailing plant can provide years of beauty.

Ice Plant

Ice Plant for window boxes

Following on from String of Hearts, another great trailing plant for window boxes is the Ice Plant. Native to South Africa, this groundcover plant has bright green leaves that are thick and fleshy. The flowers, which come in a variety of colors, are daisy-like and create a stunning display.

Ice Plant is incredibly easy to maintain and is drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for novice gardeners. It does well in both full sun and partial shade and requires minimal watering. In fact, Ice Plant does best when kept on the drier side and should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. To keep the plant looking its best, it should be trimmed regularly to encourage full, lush growth.

Moonflower

Moonflower for window boxes

For an eye-catching display, Moonflower is an ideal trailing plant for window boxes. It produces large, fragrant white blossoms that open in the evening and stay open until the sun rises. The Moonflower is easy to care for, requiring minimal watering, and it can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It has a fast growth rate and can become an abundant bloomer with proper care. The blooms attract pollinators such as moths, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Moonflower is also a great choice for containers, as it will cascade down the sides of a window box. Be sure to provide plenty of support for the plant, as its stems can be weak. With proper care, the Moonflower will provide a beautiful display of blooms for many months.

Alyssum

Alyssum for window boxes

You’ll love the dainty, cascading blossoms of Alyssum in your window box. This trailing plant is an ideal choice for window boxes because of its beautiful and resilient nature. Alyssum is an easy-to-care-for plant, with a low maintenance requirement. It blooms in a range of colors, including whites, purples, and pinks. It will also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, depending on the variety you choose. Additionally, Alyssum is known for its powerful fragrance and is especially attractive to bees and butterflies.

To ensure the best growth and flowering, provide Alyssum with full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly during dry spells. Prune back stems to promote bushier, fuller growth and to remove spent flowers. With a little bit of care, Alyssum will provide your window box with a beautiful, cascading display.

Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine for window boxes

Next up is Star Jasmine, a stunning trailing plant that will add a unique touch to your window box. This evergreen is an excellent choice for any window box because of its low maintenance and attractive foliage. It produces fragrant white flowers in the spring and summer, and its glossy, dark green leaves add a vibrant touch of color to the box.

Star Jasmine is also a great choice if you’re looking for a trailing plant that can tolerate both sun and shade. It’s very drought-tolerant, so you won’t need to water it often, and it’s a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. If you’re looking for a trailing plant that will bring beauty and enjoyment to your window box, Star Jasmine is a great choice.

Periwinkle

Periwinkle for window boxes

Continuing on from Star Jasmine, periwinkle is another great option for your window box. This evergreen vine is easy to care for and its deep green foliage creates a beautiful contrast to its delicate white or blue flowers. Periwinkle is a drought-tolerant plant, making it ideal for those who do not have a lot of time to devote to watering their window boxes. It also thrives in full sun or partial shade, so it can be planted just about anywhere.

Periwinkle is a fast-growing plant but be sure to prune it regularly to keep it from becoming too overgrown. This low-maintenance plant is also deer-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about any furry friends getting to your window box.

Pink Mandevilla Vine

Pink Mandevilla Vine for window boxes

Following periwinkle, the next great option for your window box is the Pink Mandevilla vine. This stunning flowering vine is easy to grow and provides beautiful, eye-catching blooms. It thrives in sunny locations and needs lots of bright light to produce an abundance of blooms. The vine requires regular watering and well-draining soil. It can be pruned back in late winter or early spring to promote new growth and should be fertilized every few weeks during the growing season. The pink mandevilla vine is a low-maintenance option that’s perfect for the busy gardener. Its blooms are sure to add a pop of color to any window box.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect window box is easy when you know the best trailing plants to use. Petunias, passion flowers, nemesias, trumpet vines, impatiens, alyssums, star jasmines, periwinkles, and Pink Mandevilla vines are all great options for your window box. With a combination of these plants, you can create an eye-catching display that will add beauty and texture to your outdoor living space.