What to Plant with Boxwoods: The Best Companion Plants

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Boxwoods are popular evergreen shrubs known for their versatility, dense foliage, and ability to be shaped into formal hedges or topiaries. Companion planting with boxwoods can enhance their aesthetic appeal, support garden health, and create a balanced landscape. Here’s a detailed guide on what to plant with boxwoods to achieve a harmonious and thriving garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Boxwoods

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Combining boxwoods with complementary plants can create a visually appealing garden design.
2. Supportive Growth: Some companion plants can provide support, improve soil health, and help retain moisture.
3. Pest Control: Certain plants can deter pests that might affect boxwoods.

Best Companion Plants for Boxwoods

1. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.)

   • Benefits: Both plants thrive in similar growing conditions.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The large, colorful blooms of hydrangeas provide a striking contrast to the dense, green foliage of boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Hostas (Hosta spp.)

   • Benefits: Provides ground cover, helps retain moisture, and suppresses weeds.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The broad, lush leaves of hostas create a beautiful texture contrast with boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in partial to full shade and well-drained soil.

3. Lavender (Lavandula)

   • Benefits: Attracts pollinators and has pest-repellent properties.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The purple hues of lavender flowers blend beautifully with the green foliage of boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

4. Roses (Rosa)

   • Benefits: Both plants thrive in similar growing conditions.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant colors of rose blooms add a splash of color against the green backdrop of boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

5. Peonies (Paeonia)

   • Benefits: Similar growing requirements and bloom at the same time.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The large, bold peony flowers provide a stunning contrast to the tidy, compact form of boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

6. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

   • Benefits: Provides ground cover and adds color to the garden.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The colorful foliage of heuchera complements the green foliage of boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil.

7. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

   • Benefits: Both plants have similar growing requirements and can share space well.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant daylily blooms add a pop of color and contrast to the formal structure of boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

8. Ferns (Various Species)

   • Benefits: Provides ground cover, helps retain moisture, and adds texture.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The delicate, feathery fronds of ferns create a soft, contrasting texture with the dense foliage of boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.

9. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

   • Benefits: Attracts pollinators and repels pests.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The spiky flowers of salvia provide a striking vertical contrast to the rounded form of boxwoods.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

10. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)

    • Benefits: Provides ground cover and adds texture and color to the garden.
    • Aesthetic Appeal: The feathery plumes of astilbe flowers add a soft, airy contrast to the dense, structured form of boxwoods.
    • Growing Conditions: Prefers partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

1. Consider Plant Spacing:

   • Ensure enough space between plants to allow for proper air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

2. Match Growing Conditions:

   • Pair boxwoods with plants that have similar sunlight, soil, and water requirements for optimal growth.

3. Plan for Bloom Times:

   • Choose companion plants with staggered bloom times to ensure continuous color and interest throughout the growing season.

4. Monitor for Pests and Diseases:

   • Regularly check your plants for signs of pests and diseases. Early detection and intervention can prevent severe infestations.

5. Maintain Soil Health:

   • Add organic matter to the soil, such as compost, to improve fertility and structure. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

By carefully selecting and planting companions with your boxwoods, you can create a vibrant, healthy, and visually stunning garden. Happy gardening!