What to Plant with Boxwood: 10 Best Companion Plants

Boxwood is a versatile shrub that can be used in a variety of landscape settings. It is evergreen, which means it provides year-round interest, and it can be pruned into a variety of shapes. But what to plant with boxwood?

Boxwood is often used as a foundation planting, which means it is planted around the perimeter of a property to create a border. It can also be used as a hedge or screen, or as an accent plant in a garden. When choosing plants to plant with boxwood, it is important to consider the mature size of the boxwood and the desired effect.

In this article, we will discuss the best plants to plant with boxwood, based on the following criteria:

• Mature size: The plants you choose should be compatible with the mature size of the boxwood. For example, if you are planting a large boxwood, you will want to choose plants that will not outgrow it.
• Sunlight requirements: Boxwood can tolerate a wide range of sunlight conditions, but some plants will do better in full sun than others.
• Water requirements: Boxwood is drought-tolerant, but some plants will require more water than others.
• Fertilization requirements: Boxwood does not require a lot of fertilizer, but some plants will benefit from additional fertilizer.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best plants to plant with boxwood to create a beautiful and harmonious landscape.

Plant	Benefits	Tips
Astilbe	Adds height and color to the border Blooms in late summer and fall Tolerates shade	Plant astilbe in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Divide astilbe every few years to keep it looking its best.
Coral bells	Adds color and texture to the border Blooms in early summer Tolerates shade	Plant coral bells in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Divide coral bells every few years to keep it looking its best.
Hostas	Adds height and interest to the border Blooms in late spring and summer Tolerates shade	Plant hostas in a shady spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Divide hostas every few years to keep it looking its best.
Lavender	Adds fragrance and color to the border Blooms in early summer Tolerates drought	Plant lavender in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells. Deadhead lavender regularly to encourage new blooms.
Sedums	Adds texture and color to the border Blooms in late summer and fall Tolerates drought	Plant sedums in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells. Divide sedums every few years to keep it looking its best.

Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are a popular choice for gardeners because they are evergreen, low-maintenance, and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. However, boxwoods can also be a bit boring on their own. By planting them with complementary plants, you can create a more interesting and attractive landscape.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best plants to pair with boxwoods. We will cover complementary plants by growth habit, color, and function. We will also discuss the spatial relationships between boxwoods and other plants.

Complementary Plants by Growth Habit

When choosing plants to pair with boxwoods, it is important to consider the growth habit of each plant. Boxwoods are typically slow-growing, upright shrubs. They can be pruned to create a variety of shapes, but they will always retain their upright form.

Some good plants to pair with boxwoods include:

• Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): Azaleas are deciduous shrubs that produce showy flowers in a variety of colors. They are a good choice for adding color and interest to a landscape.
• Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): Hydrangeas are deciduous or evergreen shrubs that produce large, showy flowers. They are a good choice for adding height and structure to a landscape.
• Roses (Rosa spp.): Roses are a classic choice for gardens. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Roses are a good choice for adding fragrance and beauty to a landscape.

Complementary Plants by Color

Another way to complement boxwoods is to choose plants with contrasting colors. Boxwoods are typically green, so you can use plants with different colors to create a more visually interesting landscape.

Some good plants to pair with boxwoods include:

• Purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea): Purple coneflowers are perennial flowers that produce showy, daisy-like blooms. They are a good choice for adding color and interest to a landscape.
• Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Lavender is a perennial herb that produces fragrant, purple flowers. It is a good choice for adding fragrance and color to a landscape.
• Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.): Chrysanthemums are perennial flowers that produce daisy-like blooms in a variety of colors. They are a good choice for adding color and interest to a landscape.

Complementary Plants by Function

In addition to considering the growth habit and color of plants, you should also consider their function. Some plants are better at attracting pollinators or beneficial insects than others.

Some good plants to pair with boxwoods include:

• Butterfly bushes (Buddleia spp.): Butterfly bushes are deciduous shrubs that produce clusters of fragrant flowers. They are a good choice for attracting butterflies and other pollinators to your garden.
• Bee balm (Monarda spp.): Bee balm is a perennial herb that produces showy, tubular flowers. It is a good choice for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden.
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is a perennial herb that produces clusters of small, white flowers. It is a good choice for attracting beneficial insects to your garden.

Spatial Relationships

When planting boxwoods with other plants, it is also important to consider the spatial relationships between the plants. Boxwoods can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape, including:

• Planting boxwoods in groups or borders: Boxwoods can be planted in groups or borders to create a formal or informal look. When planting boxwoods in groups, it is important to space them evenly so that they create a cohesive look.
• Using boxwoods as foundation plantings: Boxwoods can be used as foundation plantings to provide structure and definition to a landscape. When using boxwoods as foundation plantings, it is important to plant them close to the house so that they create a strong visual connection between the house and the landscape.
• Combining boxwoods with other types of shrubs and trees: Boxwoods can be combined with other types of shrubs and trees to create a more diverse and interesting landscape. When combining boxwoods with other plants, it is important to choose plants that have similar water and soil requirements.

Boxwoods are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. By planting them with complementary plants, you can create a more interesting and attractive landscape. When choosing plants to pair with boxwoods, consider the growth habit, color, function, and spatial relationships of each plant.

Here are some additional tips for planting boxwoods with other plants:

• Choose plants that will not compete with the boxwoods for water or nutrients.
• Plant the plants at the same depth as they were growing in their pots.
• Water the plants regularly after planting, especially during dry periods

What To Plant With Boxwood?

Boxwoods are a versatile and popular landscaping plant that can be used in a variety of settings. They are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including shade, drought, and poor soil. Boxwoods also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs.

When choosing plants to plant with boxwood, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Sunlight: Boxwoods can tolerate a wide range of sunlight conditions, but they will grow best in full sun. If you are planting boxwoods in a shady area, choose a variety that is specifically designed for shade.
• Water: Boxwoods are drought-tolerant plants, but they will need more water during periods of drought. Make sure to water your boxwoods deeply and regularly, especially during the summer months.
• Soil: Boxwoods can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but they prefer well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay soil, you may need to amend it with sand or compost to improve drainage.
• Size: Boxwoods come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your space. If you are planting boxwoods in a small space, choose a dwarf variety.

Here are some good companion plants for boxwood:

• Azaleas: Azaleas are a beautiful flowering shrub that blooms in the spring. They are tolerant of shade and can help to add color to your landscape.
• Hostas: Hostas are a type of perennial that comes in a variety of colors and leaf shapes. They are shade-tolerant and can help to provide groundcover around your boxwoods.
• Daylilies: Daylilies are a type of perennial that blooms in the summer. They are drought-tolerant and can add a splash of color to your landscape.
• Irises: Irises are a type of perennial that blooms in the spring. They are tolerant of a wide range of conditions and can help to add interest to your landscape.
• Shrub roses: Shrub roses are a type of rose that is bred for its landscape qualities. They are tolerant of a wide range of conditions and can add beauty and fragrance to your landscape.

When planting boxwoods with other plants, it is important to consider the size and growth rate of each plant. Make sure that the plants will not compete for resources, and that they will complement each other’s appearance.

Maintenance Considerations

Boxwoods are relatively low-maintenance plants, but there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and looking their best.

• Watering: Boxwoods need regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Make sure to water your boxwoods deeply and thoroughly, and water them more often during the hot summer months.
• Fertilizing: Boxwoods do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer that is specifically formulated for evergreens.
• Pruning: Boxwoods can be pruned to maintain their shape or to control their size. Prune your boxwoods in the spring or early summer, before new growth begins.
• Protecting from pests and diseases: Boxwoods can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including boxwood blight, boxwood psyllid, and boxwood leafminer. To protect your boxwoods from pests and diseases, you can:
• Prune infected branches and leaves.
• Apply a fungicide or insecticide according to the label directions.
• Water your boxwoods regularly to help prevent pests and diseases.
• Avoid planting boxwoods in areas where they are susceptible to pests and diseases.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing problems with your boxwoods, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

• Problems with boxwood growth: If your boxwoods are not growing well, there are a few possible causes. First, check the soil moisture. Boxwoods need regular watering, but they can also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Second, check the sunlight conditions. Boxwoods need full sun to partial shade, but they can become leggy and unhealthy if they are not getting enough sunlight. Third, check the fertilizer. Boxwoods do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring and summer.
• Problems with boxwood pests and diseases: If your boxwoods are infested with pests or diseases, there are a few things you can do to treat the problem. First, identify the pest or disease. There are a number of different pests and diseases that can

  What to Plant With Boxwood?

Boxwood is a versatile evergreen shrub that can be used in a variety of landscape settings. It is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. When choosing plants to accompany boxwood, it is important to consider the size, shape, and growth rate of the plants.

Q: What are some good companion plants for boxwood?

A: Some good companion plants for boxwood include:

• Azaleas
• Camellias
• Rhododendrons
• Hydrangeas
• Viburnums
• Ferns
• Hostas
• Iris
• Daylilies
• Peonies

Q: What should I consider when planting boxwood with other plants?

A: When planting boxwood with other plants, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Size: Boxwood can grow to be a large shrub, so it is important to choose companion plants that will not be overshadowed.
• Shape: Boxwood has a rounded, formal shape, so it is best to choose companion plants that have a similar shape.
• Growth rate: Boxwood grows slowly, so it is best to choose companion plants that have a similar growth rate.
• Soil conditions: Boxwood is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. However, it is best to choose companion plants that have similar soil requirements.

Q: How can I make my boxwood and companion plants look their best?

A: There are a few things you can do to make your boxwood and companion plants look their best:

• Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape.
• Protect from pests and diseases.
• Rotate plants every few years to prevent them from becoming overcrowded.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting landscape that features boxwood and its companion plants.

boxwoods are a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden. They can be used to create formal hedges, informal borders, or even as stand-alone specimens. When choosing plants to pair with boxwoods, it is important to consider the size, shape, and growth rate of the plants. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting garden that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

• Boxwoods are a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a variety of conditions.
• They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your garden.
• Boxwoods can be used to create formal hedges, informal borders, or even as stand-alone specimens.
• When choosing plants to pair with boxwoods, it is important to consider the size, shape, and growth rate of the plants.
• By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting garden that will be enjoyed for years to come.