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Add some autumn charm to your home with these beautiful fall window box ideas.
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Fall Window Boxes
Adding fall window boxes to your home is a perfect way to elevate your home’s exterior this season. Whether you’re working with sunny or shady conditions, prefer real or artificial plants, or want to add a festive touch with pumpkins and other autumn accents, this post has you covered. Keep reading to see the best ideas for fall window boxes and get the tips you need to create beautiful autumn window boxes of your own.
How to choose the best plants for fall window boxes
When planning your autumn window boxes, the first consideration should be the plants. Depending upon the location of your window box, different plants will thrive. Therefore, it’s important to select the right ones based on whether your window boxes are in full sun or shade.
Sun-loving fall plants
For window boxes that receive plenty of sunlight, consider using plants like mums, pansies, and ornamental kale. These plants for fall window boxes are not only hardy but also provide vibrant colors that echo the rich hues of autumn. Mums, in particular, are a classic choice for fall flowers, offering a wide range of colors from deep purples to bright yellows. Pansies add a pop of color and are resilient in cooler temperatures, while ornamental kale introduces interesting textures with its ruffled leaves.
Remember: mums are perennials, so don’t throw them out after they have finished flowering! Mums are also easy to propagate, so you can grow more from cuttings for the following year.
Shade-tolerant fall plants
If your window boxes are in a shadier location, opt for plants that can thrive with less sunlight. Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a great choice. It comes in a variety of leaf colors, ranging from deep burgundy to soft amber. Ivy and ferns can also add lush greenery to your fall window boxes, providing a beautiful contrast against vibrantly colored fall flowers.
Real vs. artificial plants for autumn window boxes
Another important decision is whether to use real or artificial plants in your autumn window boxes. Both options have their advantages, and the choice depends on your preference for maintenance and longevity.
Pros and cons of using real plants
Using real plants in your fall window boxes can bring an authentic touch of autumn to your home’s aesthetic. The changing colors and natural textures of real plants, create a living display that evolves with the season. However, real plants require regular watering, pruning, and care, especially as temperatures begin to drop.
Pros and cons of using artificial plants:
If you prefer a low-maintenance option, artificial plants can be a great alternative. High-quality faux plants mimic the appearance of real ones and can be used year after year. They are particularly useful if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions that might damage real plants. Additionally, artificial plants allow you to experiment with more delicate fall flowers that might not survive in your climate.
Adding fall accents to your window boxes
To truly capture the spirit of the season, consider incorporating pumpkins and other autumnal accents into your fall window boxes. Pumpkins, gourds, and small squash varieties are classic choices. Tuck these into your window boxes alongside your plants, arranging them in a way that balances the plants with the festive décor.
Pumpkins & gourds
For fall window boxes with pumpkins, choose small to medium-sized varieties that won’t overpower the plants. Miniature pumpkins or decorative gourds can be nestled among the foliage to add texture and color. White pumpkins, in particular, can provide a striking contrast against the vibrant fall flowers, enhancing the aesthetic of your autumn decor.
Dried florals & natural elements
Adding dried flowers, wheat stalks, or corn husks can further enhance the autumnal vibe. These elements bring a rustic touch to your window boxes, complementing the natural beauty of the plants. You can also incorporate other natural accents like berries, acorns, or leaves to add variety to your display.
Arranging your fall window boxes for maximum impact
When arranging your fall window boxes, think about the overall look you want to achieve. Consider the height, color, and texture of each element, creating layers that add visual interest.
Layering plants
Place taller plants, such as ornamental grasses or mums, towards the back of the box, where they can stand out without blocking the view of smaller plants. In front, add trailing plants like ivy or creeping Jenny to spill over the edges, softening the lines of the window box and adding movement.
Balancing elements
When incorporating pumpkins and other decorative elements, be mindful of balance. Group smaller pumpkins together or place a single larger pumpkin in a prominent spot. However, make sure these accents don’t overwhelm the plants.
I hope these tips for creating beautiful fall window boxes will help you add a festive touch to your home’s aesthetic! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other seasonal decor ideas, which are linked below.
Shop Fall Window Box Supplies
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