Low-Maintenance Flower Boxes

If You Have Limited Time to Garden

What to Plant

Succulents thrive on neglect. They love to bask in the sun, and they won't dry out, because their fleshy leaves have a built-in water supply. Choose a visually varied composition of succulents with similar light and moisture requirements. In this box, small purple echevaria rosettes (Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg) echo the shape of their giant green aeonium cousins (Aeonium subplanum). Blue chalksticks (Senecio serpens) and green rattails (Crassula muscosa) create contrast, as does a trailing cape ivy (Senecio macroglossus Variegatus) and a black rose aeonium (Aeonium arboreum Zwartkop).
 
 

When to Water

Infrequently. Check the soil every two weeks, and reach for the watering can when the soil is completely dry.
 
 

How to Maintain

Make sure to use a fast-draining, soilless potting mix designed for succulents and cacti.