Desirable window box planting partners are those contrasts which seem 'just right.' An example of these might be red-tinged foliage plants that tie in well with autumn's hued flowers. Here, I'm thinking of Red or Rust Coleus, and Bronze or Purple Heuchera to complement the season's flowers.   And if you have the space for it, a container-grown, Japanese Maple somewhere outside your window.


Best Flowers for Window Boxes Maintaining Interest

Many long-flowering summer plants continue well into autumn, providing warm, wonderful and exciting colour. Asters and Kaffir lillies (Schizostylist) bridge the gap from summer into autumn. Then, as these start to fade, introduce ice plants(Sedum), heathers and autumn-flowering bulbs such as nerines and sternbergias for the middle of this season. Chrysanthemums will continue to show until the cold of winter finally arrives. And Autumn crocuses can flower right through the season.

Michaelmas daisies and chysanthemums are prone to grey mould (Botyritus) and powdery mildew.  This can disfigure them. Remove same and destroy the affected areas. If the problem persists, spray with a fungicide, or remove the plants completely.

Berries attract birds.  Many birds rely on them for their autumn food. They gorge on them. But though you may resent their gluttony, view it as "a spectacle olf joy" from inside your window. This is their food. Don't begrudge them. And, of course, the more berry plants you have, the longer brightly coloured fruits will last for both you and your visiting friends (birds) to appreciate.

For larger containers, low-spreading Cotoneasters can be a real boon with their fiery-red berries.

Maintaining interest Window Boxes

Winter-flowering pansies often endure right through winter. Varieties of Cyclamen Persicum also bloom throughout the winter months. While C. coum continues into spring. Others that flower towards the end of the season are the multi-coloured Polyanthus, Yellow Winter Aconites, Snowdrops, Iris, and Erica carnea, in shades of pink and white. All look good.

If you're using individual pots in your window boxes, plant up with winter-flowering pansies. They'e available in a bright array of bold colours,polyanthus or cyclamen coum in shades of red, pink or white.

You can also plant helleboresHelleborus niger (the Christmas rose) ans H. orientalis and produce their delicate white, pink or purple flowers in winter or early spring. Also, when they've finished flowering, you can remove them from their pots and plant them in the open garden.

Danger Zones

Cold, wind, and rain are combined perils in winter. Any terracotta containers you have must be 'frost proof' if you live in a frost zone, otherwise they will absorb moisture which will freeze causing frost damage. If strong winds are expected, you may need to protect taller plants from breakage. Also, self-watering containers should be drained before winter to prevent frost damage. Sucking up icy cold water then having it freeze - how'd you like to have your feet in that lot!

Here are some videos that can help you decide about the styles for flowers or for choosing flowers for window boxes.

• Choosing Fall Flowers for Container
• Hanging Baskets Flowers and Windows
• I love My Summer: Window Box Contest
• How to Make a Window Box Arrangement
  

There are more information here, just click on the links and enjoy helpful tips from experienced gardeners.

• Flower Window Boxes and Styling A House
• The Best Flowers For Window Boxes
• How to Choose Flowers For Window Boxes
• Flower Garden Ideas For Containers and Window Boxes