Spring is just around the corner and with it the time to transform our balconies and gardens back into blooming oases. Flower boxes offer the perfect opportunity to create a colorful paradise even in the smallest of spaces and at the same time combine different plants according to individual preferences.

Whether sunny or shady, herbs, perennials or annual summer flowers – the design options for flower boxes are almost limitless. With the right planning and combination of plants, you can enjoy varied planting all year round, which is not only pleasing to the eye but also provides a valuable habitat for insects.

Planting flower boxes correctly – basics and preparation

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Before you start planting, the flower boxes must be thoroughly cleaned and checked for damage. Make sure that the drainage holes work properly and fill in a drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel. Then add high-quality potting soil and press it down lightly. Select plants according to their location and light conditions and plan their final size.

The plants are planted according to the tried and tested principle of “thrill, fill and spill”: taller, eye-catching plants are placed in the middle (thrill), medium-sized plants around them (fill) and overhanging plants at the edge (spill). When planting, make sure that the plants are at the same height as in the pot and press the soil down carefully. After watering, a layer of mulch should be applied to retain the moisture.

The best plants for window boxes in spring

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Primroses, pansies and forget-me-nots are perfect heralds of spring for balcony boxes. They can withstand cooler temperatures and their bright colors provide the first joyful blooms. Add bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and crocuses to create a colorful spring greeting. Ranunculus and daisies are also ideal for spring planting.

For lush blooms, the plants should be planted in nutrient-rich potting soil and watered regularly. Withered flowers should be removed so that new buds can form. With the right care and a sunny to partially shaded location, the heralds of spring will continue to bloom until May and bring a lot of joy to balconies and patios with their blaze of color.

Designing summer flower boxes

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Bright geraniums, delicate petunias and fragrant verbenas transform the balcony box into a colorful paradise. The robust plants tolerate both full sun and occasional rain showers and their lush flowers provide a real riot of color during the warm season.

The right care is crucial for a long flowering period: regular watering, especially on hot days, and removing wilted flowers keep the plants vital. Good drainage and high-quality potting soil form the basis for healthy growth, while regular fertilization also supports flower formation.

Autumn planting for balcony boxes

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The autumn season offers a variety of colorful plants for balcony boxes. Chrysanthemums, autumn asters and cyclamen create an atmospheric ambience with their bright flowers. Complemented by decorative grasses and purple bells, they create a harmonious overall picture that defies even cooler temperatures.

Heuchera, autumn heather and hardy pansies are particularly easy to care for and robust. In combination with autumnal accessories such as small pumpkins or twigs, they lend the balcony a cozy atmosphere. The right substrate mixture and regular watering ensure that the plants remain vital well into the winter.

Hardy plants for window boxes

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Hardy plants such as Christmas roses, purple bells and bergenias defy even icy temperatures and bring life to the balcony with their evergreen leaves. Grasses such as sedges or lamp cleaner grass and dwarf conifers are also perfect for creating frost-resistant balcony boxes.

Wintergreen ground cover plants such as ivy, forest stonecrop or periwinkle are particularly easy to care for and can be spread over the boxes and combined with other plants. Add early-flowering bulbs such as snowdrops, crocuses or winter aconites to create a varied arrangement that brings color and structure to the balcony planting from winter to spring.

Flower boxes for sunny locations

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Mediterranean plants such as lavender, rosemary and sage are particularly suitable for sunny locations. They tolerate intense sunlight well and require little water. Petunias, geraniums and verbenas also thrive in sunny spots and provide colorful accents on balconies and patios with their lush blooms.

Proper care is crucial for vital plants in sunny locations. Regular watering in the early morning or late evening prevents evaporation losses. A mulch layer of bark material stores additional moisture. Regularly removing faded plant parts and fertilizing every two weeks will keep the plants vital and blooming throughout the summer.

Shade-loving plants in the flower box

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Many houseplants such as ivy, ferns and monocots also thrive in shady flower boxes on the balcony. They require little direct sunlight and cope well with cooler temperatures. A well-drained substrate and regular but not too frequent watering are important to prevent waterlogging.

Funkias, woodruff and lady’s mantle are particularly robust and easy to care for. They form lush foliage and create a natural look. Flowering shade plants such as begonias or fuchsias, which create beautiful accents with their bright colors, are suitable additions. Regular fertilization during the growth phase supports healthy development.

Edible plants for balcony boxes

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Basil, chives, parsley and thyme are ideal herbs for the balcony box, as they require little space and can be harvested regularly. Cocktail tomatoes, radishes and lettuce also thrive in boxes with sufficient depth and good drainage. These plants provide fresh ingredients right on your doorstep and are easy to care for.

For successful cultivation, the balcony boxes should be placed in a sunny to semi-shady location. The soil must be nutrient-rich and well-drained, and regular watering and occasional fertilization are important for a rich harvest. It is particularly practical to combine different plants in one box, whereby attention should be paid to different growth heights and nutrient requirements.

Design flower boxes as privacy screens

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Flower boxes are ideal as natural privacy screens on balconies and patios. With the right selection of tall plants such as bamboo, grasses or climbing plants, you can create a green screen that keeps out prying eyes and creates a pleasant atmosphere at the same time. Different plant heights and species create a living privacy screen that is constantly changing with the seasons.

Designing a privacy screen with flower boxes requires well thought-out planning. In addition to selecting suitable containers of sufficient size and stability, correct positioning also plays an important role. The boxes should be securely fastened and offer enough space for the roots to develop. With a combination of evergreen and flowering plants, the privacy screen remains attractive all year round and also fulfills its practical purpose.