Not Creeping Jenny Nor Ivy: Fill Window Boxes With A Cascading Ground Cover

Window boxes are a wonderful way to create a cozy, cottagey look for your home, and the possibilities of what to put into them are endless. There are so many flowers that will thrive in window boxes, and when choosing which to add to yours, it is helpful to consider adding cascading "spiller" plants alongside those taller, flowering "thriller" plants. This allows you to fill the window box and create different levels to your display. When it comes to "spiller" plants, you may be tempted to bring in creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) or English ivy (Hedera helix). They are easy to care for and look great; however, these plants are invasive species, and even though containing them to a window box will reduce their risk, it may be best to avoid them and opt for something that is less problematic. A fantastic plant that is perfect to add to window boxes is Dichondra argentea. The 'Silver Falls' cultivar makes a stunning addition due to its unique color and naturally trailing habit.

Dichondra argentea is often used as a drought-resistant ground cover plant, but it works well in window boxes due to its beautiful foliage and cascading nature. Native to West Texas, it is hardy in USDA Zones 10 to 12. However, many people outside these zones opt to use it as an annual due to its rapid growth. Dichondra argentea can grow 3 to 6 feet in a season, making it a reliable window box spiller annual. Its beautiful foliage contrasts well with many popular window box options. Its small, oval leaves are slightly metallic looking, sitting densely along silvery stems to create texture and contrast.

The silver hues of Dichondra argentea and the popular 'Silver Falls' cultivar are great for placing alongside brighter blooms and deeper hues of green to create contrast. Blue, purple, and pink flowers often look great against silver foliage, so consider these colors when picking plants for eye-catching window displays. Petunias and pansies are both classic window box blooms, and they often come in these bright shades that work well with Dichondra argentea. 

You can grow Dichondra argentea from seed or buy smaller plants from nurseries. It prefers well-drained soils, so make sure you are considering this when planting up your window boxes. Plant it at the front, with your flowers behind it, ensuring that everything has enough space to grow to its mature size. To help your Dichondra argentea keep its beautiful color, place your window box in full sun. However, it can still thrive in partial shade. As it is pretty low-maintenance, there is not much you need to do to keep it happy. Watch out for wilting and water if you see this starting to occur. As container plants tend to need more water than those in the ground, it is always best to check the soil regularly.

If you live in a location where Dichondra argentea isn't hardy, you may want to bring your window box into a sheltered, bright location for the winter (if that is possible). If not, enjoy your Dichondra argentea for the season and get some new ones when spring comes around again!