what to plant in nw facing window boxes

[greenlegs]

what can i plant at this time of year in nw facing window boxes
low maintenance, not too flowery
very grateful for any suggestions

[inmysparetime]

Houseleeks or Sedum withstand pretty much anything, even neglect, and look quite pretty even now.

[greenlegs]

thanks very much - sedum would be perfect

[greenlegs]

actually, just looking around online nurseries and think ferns might be a bit more fun.

I did a google image search and saw this

does anyone know if it would be mad put put ferns outside now, just before the winter? (in london btw)

I realise they'll need a fair bit of watering

[inmysparetime]

It'll be a hard winter this year, I'd hold off till spring so it's had time to establish roots before the frost. You could cover it with fleece, but it'll look a bit ugly all winter anyway.

[JaneBirkin]

I've had pansies do Ok in NW but you don't want flowery, so avoid those

Ferns as you say will be alright BUT definitely need LOADS of watering because they are like little sponges. I've lost a few through lack of water. The box doesn't give them much chance to dig deep iyswim.

I'd have something else that is a bit less needy. Can't think what though, sorry.

[greenlegs]

yeah i'm looking at sedums and house leaks again. I have only found really tall or really short ones so far. one that would spill over and trail would be nice

[puddinghead]

For this time of year and to keep interest over the winter, what about some evergreen stuff such as ivies to trail, Euonymous, Gaultheria (berries), with primroses interspersed? Skimmias?