Conifers in a window box!

[allegretto]

Can I grow conifers in a window box? I want to put them along the edge of our balcony to screen it a bit from the neighbours?

[Sosidges]

Yes but make sure they don't dry out. They are quite shallow rooted and if too dry will start to turn brown. If you are buying new window boxes, I suggest you look for those with an irrigation system.

[allegretto]

Thanks - good tip!

[Ferguson]

How deep is the window box?? Will need to be quite deep to keep any plant 'happy'. And if plants are too tall, they could blow over in strong wind.

Besides conifers, some ornamental grasses can make reasonable 'screens', particularly varieties of Miscanthus, and they should have attractive seed heads. Also black bamboo could be considered, though will be more expensive:

www.gardenia.net/guide/best-japanese-silver-grasses-for-your-garden-miscanthus-sinensis

www.saga.co.uk/magazine/home-garden/gardening/advice-tips/winter-garden/tall-grasses-for-winter#

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miscanthus