Trust me, window boxes can thrive even in shade – and this is my go-to plant recipe for adding zest and light to a gloomy ledge

Modern window boxes with green foliage plants and silver dusty miller, against red brick and dark green shutters.

I tend to think window boxes are somewhat underrated when it comes to planting options around your home – and especially as a solution to a shaded area. They are too often ignored, left to dry out and wilt, or simply contain the wrong combinations of plants, meaning they end up looking lacklustre, dated or neglected.

But this doesn't have to be the case. With the right container plants for shade in a stylish container, you can brighten up even the darkest of ledges or patio corners in your yard with a window box design – and (dare I say it) there needn't be a petunia in sight.