A home with windows framed with plants and flowers looks both elegant and welcoming. Windows are a prime part of the home when it comes to plants, as they are bright and can give a perfect balance to many rooms. 

When planning what to plant in your windows, consider varieties that will add texture, colour, and even fragrances to your rooms. Because the planters are visible from the street, try to choose the most striking, sensational-looking plants in hues that will complement your home’s exterior. 

Think about adding a little charm to your windows with some of these summer blooms.

Petunias:

These plants are considered the summer’s rock, as they continuously pump out vibrant blooms even in the season’s harshest heat. They come in shades of white, red, pink, and purple, and there are also striped, speckled, and fringed varieties. 

Snapdragons:

With flashy, tall spikes covered in lavish blooms, snapdragons are an eye-catching addition to any window box. Summer snapdragons grow 12 to 18 inches tall, while common snapdragons can grow anywhere from four inches to three feet high. 

African Violets:

They are delicate-looking plants. They can survive in low light, but to ensure that they bloom put them in a window that gets indirect to bright light. They also prefer to be bottom-watered, so pour water into the collection tray for the plant to suck up into the soil. Don’t water their leaves or flowers. Let the soil dry out a couple of inches deep before watering again. 

Echeverias:

These plants are known to be relatively easy to care for as long as you don’t overwater them. They’re also small enough to balance delicately on even the smallest window sill. Echeverias need bright light and minimal watering. Do not overwater or your plant will rot, especially in a pot with no drainage. Let the soil dry out completely in between watering. Keep an eye out for sunburned leaves if your plant is getting southern or eastern exposure to the sun.

Impatiens:

To achieve gorgeous colour in a deeply shaded window pot, give impatiens a try. They’re easy to maintain, grow well in containers, and come in a wide range of colours including pink, red, purple, orange, and yellow. 

Fuchsias:

The colourful flowers of a fuchsia make it a welcome addition to any window planter. Most varieties of fuchsia love the shade, so as long as you avoid hanging them in full sun the plant will reward you with extravagant purple and pink blossoms all season long. 

* A version of this article appears in print in the 25 May, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly