A Hint of Yesterday Window Box
4 Forget-me-nots to be placed along the back of the window box, (leaving the center section open). This dainty biennial that blooms in cool, moist weather with sun or partial shade rarely reaches over 12 inches in height. In zones 8-10 seeds can be sown in the fall where plants will bloom in the spring. When planting in spring, plant as soon as ground can be worked. Forget-me-nots will reseed, but in cooler climates will not bloom until late spring or early summer. Seeds germinate in 8-14 days at 50-70 degrees F. Be sure to cover seeds, they need the dark to germinate.
Plant masses for best results. Great for rock gardens, borders and as a edging.
1 Wallflower to be planted in back center of window box. This sweet smelling, spring and summer yellow or orange blossoms send a pleasant fragrance wafting around it's area. This plant is a perennial in mild winter areas. Related to the mustard plant it is sweetly fragrant. Growing 1-2 1/2 ft. tall, many branched and topped by showy terminal spikes in a variety of colors. Some variety's are double.
Best in average, moist soil with sun or partial shade in area's where night time temperatures are below 65 degrees F.Propagate by seed in July or August. Pinch out the tip of the tap root to encourage a bushy root system.
Wall flowers will bloom all winter in a cool room in sunlight. They also make good cut flowers.1 English Daisy to be planted in front center, close to the front wall of the window box. Pink, red and white flowers on 6 inch stems from a soette of basal leaves. Blooming in spring and summer, in cooler and coastal climates they can bloom all year. Grow in full sun or light shade in moist soil enriched with organic matter. Plant as soon as ground can be worked, or plant in fall for earliest blooms in warm weather. ( except in zones 3-5 where they are not hardy unless protected by a cold frame.)
Propagate by division or seed: seeds germinate in 10-15 days at 70 degrees F.2 "Silver Carpet" Lambs ears planted next to English Daisy where it will eventually send stems cascading over the sides. These plants with their grey/white wooly leaves that feel like lambs skin have 4 inch long leaves and sturdy stems. Plants grow about 6 inches tall.
These drought resistant plants require full sun and good well drained soil.
Propagate by division in spring or by seed.
Can be used as a ground cover, edge of sunny border or in a rock garden.
2 Ivy leaved Geraniums to be planted 1 at each end of window box. This plant will cascade over the sides of the window box with large glossy leaves, pendulous stems and brilliant flower clusters that bloom all summer.
Grow best in cool, coastal or mountain climates with lots of sun. In other locations they may need partial shade. In containers they relish full sun if temperatures are not above 85 degrees F. for long stretches. If this occurs, give them northern or eastern exposure where they can be protected from hot noon day and afternoon sun. DO NOT LET THEM DRY OUT!!
Put outside after last danger of frost has passed and soil is warm.
Propagate by cuttings or by seed. Take cuttings from stock plants 10-12 weeks before planting outside. Pinch tips once to encourage branching.
BEWARE! Squirrels like this plant!