Oxalis, begonia and lobelia window box

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 17 July 2019 at 3:17 pm

Find out how to plant up an attractive, shade-tolerant display of oxalis, begonia and lobelia.

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Versatile needn’t mean humdrum, as this window box collection proves. Begonia sutherlandii is classier than its hanging-basket cousins, with its tangerine flowers and matching veining to the leaves, while the contrasting leaves of the purple shamrock close like resting butterflies at dusk and open up in sunshine, throwing out lilac flowers on delicate wiry stems.

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Place the container on a window ledge in part shade or use to grace a cool flight of steps. Remove the yellow lysimachia flowers when they appear – if you dislike the colour clash – and water well when it’s warm.

You Will Need

Oxalis triangularis (2)
Begonia sutherlandii (3)
Lysimachia ‘Midnight Sun’ (3)
Purple lobelia (3)
Crocks
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Window box

Step 1

Drill drainage holes in the container, if necessary, and add a layer of crocks to cover them.

Step 2

Fill the container two-thirds with compost.

Step 3

Arrange the plants in the container, leaving plenty of space for growth. Firm them in well and add more compost to fill any gaps.

Step 4

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Water the container thoroughly and allow to drain, before moving to its final position.

Kevin Smith says...
Mix slow-release fertiliser granules into the compost when planting – this will gradually release nutrients throughout the growing season meaning the display will always look lush and healthy.