Hello fellow green thumbs! If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for the perfect partners for your beloved boxwoods. These evergreen beauties deserve the best companions to keep them company, and luckily, there are plenty of stunning plants that fit the bill. From textures to colors, the right companions can make your garden sing with harmony. Join me as we explore a delightful selection of plants that are sure to complement your boxwoods (and some that won’t) and keep your garden looking lush and lively.
1. Lavender
Fragrance lovers, this one’s for you! Lavender’s soothing aroma and silvery foliage make it a delightful partner for your boxwoods. The purple blooms not only add a pop of color but also invite pollinators. With lavender, you’re not just getting a plant; you’re gaining a sensory experience.
This plant thrives in sunny spots, so make sure your boxwoods are in a bright location. Lavender’s low-maintenance nature means more time sipping lemonade and less time gardening.
For a Mediterranean flair, plant lavender alongside your boxwoods and watch as your garden transforms into a fragrant oasis.
2. Hosta
In the realm of foliage, hostas are royalty. With their large, lush leaves, they create a stunning contrast to the neatness of boxwoods. Hostas love shade, so they’re perfect for the shadowy corners of your garden.
The variety in leaf color and texture makes each hosta unique, ensuring your garden never feels monotonous. Hostas also play nicely with other shade-loving plants.
Water these beauties regularly and watch them thrive. Your boxwoods will appreciate the company of such regal plants, and together, they’ll turn any garden into a verdant paradise.
3. Heuchera
Who says foliage can’t be fabulous? Enter heuchera, with leaves that range from deep purple to bright lime. This plant is a foliage lover’s dream, offering year-round interest next to the steadfast boxwood.
Heuchera thrives in well-drained soil, so be sure to plant it where it won’t get waterlogged. Its vibrant leaves provide color even when flowers fade.
Experiment with different heuchera varieties to find the perfect match for your garden. With heuchera and boxwoods, your garden will never have a dull moment. Let the color parade begin!
4. Japanese Maple
A touch of the exotic can transform a garden, and Japanese maples do just that. Their delicate, lacy leaves bring elegance and a splash of color that pairs beautifully with the formality of boxwoods.
These maples thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. Their seasonal color changes keep the garden dynamic and ever-changing.
Japanese maples come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your space perfectly. With their graceful presence, these trees will make your boxwoods shine like never before.
5. Liriope
Liriope, often known as lilyturf, thrives beside boxwoods with its lush, grassy leaves and spikes of blue or purple flowers. This perennial ground cover not only contrasts beautifully with the structured form of boxwoods but also offers a lush carpet that reduces weed growth.
Liriope is tolerant of various soil types and light conditions, making it a versatile companion. Its resilience to drought ensures that it doesn’t compete excessively for water resources, allowing boxwoods to thrive alongside.
For gardeners aiming for a low-maintenance landscape, Liriope’s ability to thrive with minimal care makes it an ideal choice.
6. Rosemary
For those who love cooking and gardening, rosemary is a must-have. Its aromatic leaves bring both flavor to your kitchen and elegance to your garden. Rosemary’s needle-like foliage complements the soft, rounded form of boxwoods.
This sun-loving herb thrives in well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Plus, it’s a magnet for bees!
Plant rosemary alongside your boxwoods for a garden that smells as good as it looks. It’s a feast for the senses and a boon for your culinary adventures.
7. Allium
When it comes to adding drama, alliums take center stage. Their tall, architectural flowers rise above boxwoods, creating a stunning visual display. The spherical blooms add a touch of whimsy and elegance.
Alliums prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil. They bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a burst of color when most spring flowers have faded.
These plants are also deer-resistant, so you can enjoy their blooms without worry. Pair them with boxwoods for a garden that’s both structured and whimsical. It’s a match made in horticultural heaven!
8. Foxglove
Dreaming of an English cottage garden? Foxgloves can make that dream a reality. Their tall spikes of tubular flowers create a romantic backdrop for boxwoods, adding height and drama.
These biennials prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Their blooms attract hummingbirds, adding life to your garden.
With foxgloves, your garden will feel like a scene from a storybook. Just remember, they’re toxic if ingested, so plant responsibly. Together with boxwoods, they’ll create a garden full of enchantment and charm.
9. Ferns
For those who love lush greenery, ferns are a fantastic choice. Their feathery fronds bring texture and movement, perfectly complementing the structured form of boxwoods.
Ferns thrive in shaded areas and moist soil, making them ideal companions for boxwoods in less sunny spots. They add a touch of wilderness and mystery.
Mix different types of ferns for a variety of textures and shades. Your garden will feel like a serene woodland retreat, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
10. Yarrow
Sunshine in a plant, yarrow brings brightness to any garden. Its clusters of yellow flowers add cheerful contrast to the dark green of boxwoods.
Yarrow thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for gardeners seeking an easy-care landscape.
This plant can spread, so give it room to grow. With yarrow and boxwoods, your garden will be a vibrant and lively masterpiece, full of color and life.
11. Astilbe
For a touch of softness, astilbe is your go-to plant. Its feathery plumes bring an airy elegance that pairs beautifully with the structured form of boxwoods.
Astilbe thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Its blooms add volume and texture, creating a lush, layered look.
Combine it with boxwoods for a garden that’s as captivating as it is easy to care for. It’s a delightful duet of form and fluff.
12. Sedum
Looking for a hardy, sun-loving companion? Sedum is the plant for you. With its succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers, it’s a striking partner for boxwoods.
Sedum thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and is wonderfully drought-tolerant. It adds texture and interest, especially in rock gardens.
Mix different sedum varieties for a colorful display. Youe garden will be a resilient beauty, ready to brave any weather while looking fabulous.
13. Daylilies
For a splash of color that keeps on giving, daylilies are unbeatable. Their bright blooms bring a burst of color that enlivens the deep green of boxwoods.
Daylilies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They’re low-maintenance and bloom repeatedly, ensuring your garden stays vibrant.
With a wide range of colors, there’s a daylily for every garden palette. Combine them with boxwoods for a garden that’s as cheerful as it is charming. It’s a winning combination that’s sure to impress.
14. Ajuga
Ground cover with oomph, ajuga provides a carpet of color in the garden. Its purple-blue flowers contrast beautifully with the green of boxwoods.
Ajuga thrives in partial shade and moist soil. It’s easy to grow and spreads quickly, making it a great choice for covering bare spots.
Pair it with boxwoods for a dynamic duo that’s hard to beat. It’s the secret to a full, vibrant garden.
15. Peonies
For a touch of luxury, peonies are unmatched. Their large, lush blooms add a romantic flair that complements the structure of boxwoods.
Peonies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They bloom in late spring, providing a burst of color and fragrance.
Peonies and boxwoods create a classic garden look that’s truly captivating. It’s a pairing that promises elegance and charm.
16. Camellias
If winter blooms sound like a dream, camellias are here to make it a reality. Their colorful flowers bring life to the garden when most plants are resting.
Camellias flourish in partial shade and well-drained soil. They offer year-round interest with their glossy leaves and vibrant blooms.
Combined with boxwoods, camellias create a garden that’s as beautiful in winter as it is in spring. It’s a match that ensures color and elegance throughout the year.
17. Hydrangeas
For a show-stopping display, hydrangeas are unbeatable. Their large, colorful blooms provide a dramatic backdrop for the structured form of boxwoods.
Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Their blooms change color based on soil pH, adding an element of surprise.
With hydrangeas, your garden will be a canvas of color and texture. Pair them with boxwoods for a garden that’s sure to turn heads. It’s a partnership that’s both beautiful and bold.
18. Bergenia
Known for their hardiness, bergenias are fantastic companions for boxwoods. Their large, glossy leaves and pink flowers provide contrast and color.
Bergenias thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. They’re low-maintenance and add year-round interest with their evergreen foliage.
Bergenias and boxwoods are a duet that’s as resilient as it is lovely. It’s a garden combination that’s sure to impress.
19. Thyme
Fragrance and flavor come together with thyme. This aromatic herb provides a delightful scent and ground cover that complements the neat form of boxwoods.
Thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s low-maintenance and attracts pollinators, making your garden a buzzing haven.
Your garden will have a fragrant foundation that’s both practical and pretty. Combine it with boxwoods for a garden that’s a feast for the senses.
20. Clematis
When it comes to adding vertical interest, clematis is a superstar. Its climbing habit and beautiful blooms add height and color behind boxwoods.
Clematis thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s a great way to add structure without sacrificing beauty.
With a variety of colors and forms, clematis offers versatility and charm. It’s a combination that’s as captivating as it is colorful.
21. Black Walnut Isn’t a Good Option
Black Walnut trees, known for their imposing presence, secrete juglone, a chemical harmful to many plants, including boxwood. This secretion occurs both from the roots and fallen leaves, creating an inhospitable environment.
The juglone toxicity disrupts boxwood’s growth, often leading to wilting or yellowing leaves. If you’re planning a garden with both species, ensure a buffer zone to prevent proximity issues.
22. Russian Sage Won’t Thrive Along Boxwood
Russian Sage flourishes in dry, well-drained soils, preferring sunny spots to shade. Meanwhile, boxwood thrives in slightly different conditions, needing consistent moisture and partial shade.
Planting these two together can lead to competition for resources, impacting their growth. Russian Sage’s drought tolerance conflicts with boxwood’s water needs, creating maintenance challenges.
Consider positioning Russian Sage in more arid, sun-drenched areas of your garden. This strategic placement helps both plants access environments that suit their specific needs, promoting healthier growth.
23. Mint Spreads Too Aggressively
Mint is notorious for its vigorous spreading habit, often overpowering neighboring plants, including boxwood. Its rapid growth underground through runner roots can quickly invade boxwood’s space.
This aggressive expansion leads to competition for nutrients and water, potentially stunting the growth of nearby plants. Implementing barriers or planting mint in containers can curtail its invasive tendencies.
By managing mint’s spread, you can prevent it from disrupting the growth and health of your boxwood, keeping your garden balanced and flourishing.
24. Rhododendrons Have Conflicting Soil Needs
Rhododendrons and boxwood have contrasting soil requirements, complicating their coexistence. While rhododendrons thrive in acidic soils, boxwood prefers more neutral pH levels. This difference creates challenges in nutrient availability.
Planting these together may necessitate constant soil adjustments, proving unsustainable over time.
Instead, consider grouping rhododendrons with other acid-loving plants. Position boxwood shrubs in areas with more suitable soil conditions, ensuring both plant types can thrive in their ideal environments.
25. Cacti and Succulents Require Different Conditions
Cacti and succulents, adapted to arid environments, contrast sharply with boxwood’s moisture preferences. These plants require minimal water, thriving in sandy or rocky soils.
Boxwood’s need for consistent moisture makes it incompatible with the dry conditions favored by these desert plants.
To accommodate both, create distinct garden zones, placing cacti and succulents in areas with excellent drainage, while reserving moister, partially shaded spots for boxwood. This separation fosters the health of each plant group, aligning their care with their natural needs.