Elevated planter boxes are a fantastic way to bring greenery to an urban balcony or patio. The key to a stunning display often lies in the trailing plants that spill gracefully over the edges, softening the hard lines of the container and creating a lush, vibrant feel. So, what are the best cascading varieties to choose from?
For reliable color and non-stop blooms, it's hard to beat the classics. Petunias, especially the 'Supertunia' or 'Wave' varieties, are prolific bloomers that come in almost every color imaginable. They love the sun and will cascade several feet over a season. Another sunny spot favorite is the Million Bells (Calibrachoa), which looks like tiny petunias and is covered in a blanket of flowers from spring until frost.
If you have a shadier spot, consider the timeless English Ivy. Its elegant, trailing vines with classic lobed leaves bring a touch of classic sophistication and are incredibly tough. For a similar effect with a different texture, the Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas) offers heart-shaped or deeply-lobed leaves in vibrant shades of lime green, purple, or almost black. It grows vigorously and fills space quickly.
For those seeking edible options, trailing herbs and strawberries are excellent choices. Creeping Thyme will form a fragrant mat that spills over the edge, and its tiny flowers are a bonus for pollinators. Trailing or alpine strawberry plants not only produce sweet, small fruits but also have lovely little white flowers and attractive foliage.
When planting your elevated boxes, remember that these trailing plants are the "spillers" in the "thriller, filler, spiller" design principle. Place them near the edges to allow their stems to drape down freely. With the right selection of trailing plants, your urban planter boxes will become a beautiful, cascading oasis in the sky.