Imagine strolling through a well-manicured garden, its pathways lined with neatly trimmed hedges exuding an air of timeless elegance. For a tidy landscape, there is nothing – and I mean nothing – like the formal charm of the Boxwood. I admit, I am obsessed with boxwoods.
If you are looking to add some charm to your landscape, consider incorporating boxwoods into your landscape design. There are so many beautiful pathway designs and all of them pair well with boxwoods.
Boxwoods made for an ideal backdrop for any colorful shrubs or flowers planted in front of boxwoods.
If you already have boxwoods planted and are looking for the ideal companion plants, we have you covered. There are many great choices of plants that work well in front of the green boxwood shrub.
The Best Companion Plants That Work In Front Of Boxwoods
Perennial Plant Choices To Plant In Front Of Boxwoods
1. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is technically a perennial in most areas. It grows low and over sizeable areas, making it ideal for cover planting and matt landscaping, and it will look fantastic grown beneath boxwoods.
The abundance of flowers may entirely blanket the ground to create a wealth of color and contrast. Grows 3-10 inches tall and flowers in Spring and fall.
2. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a classic companion for boxwoods. Depending on the type of boxwoods you have planted, planting hydrangeas in front or behind boxwoods is the class Hampton look I adore.
I love hydrangea shrubs because they are relatively low-maintenance. Their vibrant flowers come in an array of colors (white, pink, purple, and blue) that contrast beautifully with evergreen boxwoods. Pick a smaller variety, like smooth hydrangeas, to maintain balance in your landscape.
Shopping for hydrangeas, get the scoop on every popular hydrangea right here.
When selecting hydrangeas to complement your boxwoods, consider the wide range of varieties available. Opt for a variety that will grow to a height shorter than your boxwoods, ensuring a harmonious balance in your garden.
If you are looking for a hydrangea that looks fabulous behind a boxwood hedge, check out one of my favorites: The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea Shrub.
- Water: Give your hydrangeas 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week.
- Sun: Plant your hydrangeas in a partially shaded location.
- Soil: Hydrangeas can adapt to poor soil conditions, but they thrive in rich, acidic soils.
3. Liriope Muscari
Showy lilac-blue flower spikes on violet-flushed stems, which rise from the dense, tufted clumps of leathery, dark green foliage. Liriope plants do best in a part shade location, though they also will tolerate full sun well and will even survive in almost full shade. In warmer climates, these plants appreciate some afternoon shade.
4. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
This plant is cherished for its captivating foliage rather than its blooms. The exquisite, ruffled leaves create a striking contrast with the delicate, rounded leaves of boxwood, imbuing your garden with a sense of tranquility and harmony. Standing at a height of 8 to 12 inches, these plants exude an air of elegance, enhancing the beauty of your garden design.
5. Astilbe
There are many Astilbe (False Spirea) cultivars with spiky blooms in white, pink, red, and purple. Some varieties bloom earlier than others, allowing you to create an astilbe garden that will last throughout the summer. Cultivars range in height from 8 to 20 inches.
6. Angel Wing aka Senecio
My neighbor planted these in her yard and I loved them so much I added them to mine. The textured bright white/gray foliage pairs well with the dense green boxwood.
A striking new foliage plant with large, silvery white leaves which have a soft, downy texture. Will make an eye-catching feature for a border or patio pot where it will thrive in a hot, sunny spot. It quickly forms a good-sized clump and will become tolerant of drought once established.
7. Periwinkle
Enhance the beauty of your boxwoods with a vibrant carpet of periwinkle. Also known as vincas, these heat-tolerant plants boast stunning pinwheel-like flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, or white.
This perennial is an evergreen ground cover growing low to the ground at 3-6 inches. Periwinkle adds a burst of color to your monochromatic landscape by planting periwinkles in front of your boxwoods. Remember to water them regularly, allowing the topsoil to dry before the next watering.
When planting, place your periwinkles in a partially shaded to full shade area to prevent their leaves from yellowing under intense sunlight. Let periwinkles grace your garden with their vibrant blooms and bring life to your landscape.
Check out the list of the top 16 stunning shade garden perennials.
8. Hosta
Pair your boxwood shrubs with shade-loving hostas for a harmonious garden. Unlike boxwoods that can overshadow and harm other plants, hostas thrive in shady areas! With leaves in green, gold, and blue shades, hostas can adapt to different light levels, becoming lighter with increased sunlight.
Plant your hostas in the spring, spacing them 1-4 feet apart to provide ample room for growth. Keep their watering routine in check by providing 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, ensuring deep and infrequent watering. For optimal soil conditions, opt for rich, well-draining soil with added compost or aged manure to enhance its organic content. Hostas prefer dappled shade but can tolerate deep shade with less than 4 hours of sun exposure per day. Create a balanced and vibrant garden by combining boxwoods and hostas in your landscape.
9. Japanese Forest Grass
One of my favorites! These flowy ornamental plants look gorgeous planted in front of boxwoods. The grasses are slow-growing and require little extra care once established. The plants are semi-evergreen (depending on where you live; some may die back over winter) and show best in a partial shade. Hakonechloa Macra Gold is bright green and stunning.
Boxwoods can be used for structure, focal points, hedges, and topiaries in both formal and whimsical layouts.
10. Azaleas
Dwarf azaleas are a low-maintenance subspecies of traditional azaleas (part of the Rhododendron family). This subspecies is shorter than traditional azaleas, reaching heights of around three feet, making them perfect for small gardens.
Here are some of the most popular dwarf azalea varieties to add color to your garden:
- ‘Autumn Angel’: These flowering shrubs feature stunning white blooms that glow to life in the morning light. ‘Autumn Angel’ has light green leaves and flowers from spring to fall.
- ‘Autumn Cheer’: This cultivar blooms light pink blossoms from spring to fall and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.
- ‘Autumn Fire’: These dwarf azalea shrubs have fiery red flowers with semi-doubled petals. Its deep green foliage turns purple during the winter.
- ‘Autumn Lilac’: This cold-hardy cultivar blooms with lavender flowers flecked with darker purple spots. They grow to a mature height of feet tall with a three-and-a-half-foot-wide spread.
- ‘Gumpo White’: This cultivar blooms to a height of two feet tall. It has bright white flowers speckled with red spots, giving your garden additional color interest.
- Rhododendron ‘Patty Bee‘These little bitty rhododendrons have small leaves and will grow 2 – 3 ft. wide but only one ft. tall. The leaves are very small, as are the flowers are a soft yellow. Even when not on bloom these mini rhododendrons are sweet as can be.
11. Lavender
To create a serene ambiance by planting English lavender in front of your boxwoods. English lavender is a fantastic choice because it doesn’t need as much sunlight as other lavender varieties. With its ideal size (2-3 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide), it complements boxwoods perfectly. Plus, its aromatic purple flowers emit a calming fragrance. For a warm and inviting entrance, consider planting them near your front door or along your walkway.
Types Of Annual Flowers To Plantt With Boxwoods
12. Little Princess Spirea
Enhance your garden with the charming Little Princess Spirea (Spirea japonica ‘Little Princess’). This delicate beauty complements boxwood perfectly and reaches a height of 3 feet. For an abundance of blooms, simply snip off the fading pink flowers. Watch as this lovely spirea adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Plant in the sun.
Photo from goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com
13. Impatiens
Impatiens are one of my favorite annuals to plant in the shade. These bright and cheerful annuals that can light up any dark and shady part of your yard with their colorful flowers. Because of that, they’re among the most popular bedding annuals around. Ranging in color, these classic shade-lovers are sure to add appeal and beauty to flower beds.
14. Petunias
There are hundreds of varieties of petunias on the market. They come in all colors and ideal for the gardener for use in a range of garden designs. Double and single blooms offer a selection of solid and multi-colored flowers.
Reasons to Plant Boxwoods In Your Garden Landscape
Timeless Aesthetic Appeal:Boxwoods are synonymous with timeless beauty and elegance. With their dense and compact foliage, they bring a sense of order and formality to any garden design. Whether you opt for classic straight hedges or intricate topiary shapes, boxwoods add a touch of sophistication that never goes out of style.
There are over 20 popular types of boxwood shrubs for landscape design.
Vibrant Backdrop
Their lush green leaves provide a vibrant backdrop for colorful blooms and create a visually pleasing contrast against other garden elements. Boxwoods, with their timeless elegance, versatility, year-round charm, and low maintenance nature, have rightfully earned their place as the ideal evergreen shrubs. They add a touch of sophistication to any landscape while providing a solid foundation for creative design possibilities.
Versatility
One of the greatest advantages of boxwoods is their versatility in garden design. They can be used to create defined borders, edge pathways, or establish structural elements in your landscape.
Boxwoods work well in both formal and informal garden styles, seamlessly blending with various architectural features. They serve as a unifying element that ties together different garden areas and adds a sense of cohesion to the overall design.
With their evergreen nature, boxwoods offer year-round interest in your garden. They maintain their vibrant green foliage throughout the seasons, ensuring a consistent backdrop for other plants.
Anchor Design Providing Structure
Boxwoods become an anchor in your garden design, providing structure and color even during the winter months when other plants may be dormant. This attribute is immensely valuable for crafting a garden that looks attractive and well-maintained year-round.
Low Maintenance
Boxwoods are known for their low maintenance requirements, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners. Once established, they are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and regular watering. Boxwoods are also durable and adaptable to different growing conditions, including sun or shade, as well as various soil types. Their resilience and longevity make them a reliable investment in your garden design.
Privacy Screen
When strategically planted, boxwoods can act as a natural privacy screen, creating a secluded and tranquil atmosphere in your garden. Their dense foliage forms a barrier that shields your outdoor space from prying eyes, providing a sense of privacy and peace. Boxwoods can absorb sound, helping to reduce noise pollution and creating a more serene environment.
Evergreen
Rich green foliage throughout all seasons. Boxwoods bring enduring beauty to any green sanctuary, whether formal or cozy, contemporary or classic.. Embrace the charm of boxwoods and let them transform your garden into a masterpiece that will stand the test of time.
Eight Types Of Boxwoods
Boxwoods are versatile and attractive shrubs that come in various shapes, leaf colors, and sizes. However, to ensure their thriving growth, it’s important to provide them with the right conditions. Here’s a breakdown of different boxwood varieties and their care requirements:
1. Dwarf English Boxwood
Ideal for spaces with morning sun, filtered light, or indirect light.Prized for dense, dark green leaves and compact growth habit.Requires consistent irrigation and a thick layer of organic mulch to protect shallow roots.Perfect for foundation beds, hedges, borders, and container planting.
2. Korean Boxwood
Tolerates and thrives in full sun.Slow-growing and compact, with small rounded leaves.Responds well to pruning.
3. Buxus Microphylls ‘Winter Green’
The “Winter Green” is a reliable Midlands variety, great for foundation beds with full sun exposure.
4. American Boxwood
Classic and popular choice, with a long history in the South.Dark green leaves, narrower than Korean varieties.Thrives in part shade, preferring morning sun and protection from afternoon heat. Requires drainage, consistent moisture, and specific fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs.
5. Wintergreen Boxwood
The Winter Gem is an ideal shrub for a formal garden. It takes to shearing and pruning well and can be a landscaping artist’s delight. It tolerates a wide range of sites and uses. New foliage emerges a lime-green color and transitions to a deep, glossy green. It turns a bronze color when exposed to direct winter sun, but it will quickly disappear in spring as temperatures increase and as fresh growth sprouts.
6. Common Boxwood
Common Boxwood, also known as American Buxus, has over 400 cultivars with a wide range of size, form, and variation in leaf color and shape. Some cultivars can actually grow quite large, so it’s important to note the cultivar’s maximum growth if using the plant in smaller locations.
A full-bodied boxwood well-suited for dense, low hedges. Foliage keeps its rich green color throughout winter. Develops a vigorous, rounded form if not pruned. A wonderful evergreen that will provide year-round, cold-hardy color and structure in the garden.
7. Green Velvet Boxwood
A full-bodied boxwood well-suited for dense, low hedges. Foliage keeps its rich green color throughout winter. Develops a vigorous, rounded form if not pruned. A wonderful evergreen that will provide year-round, cold-hardy color and structure in the garden.Grows 3-4 feet tall in full sun or part sun.
8. Green Mountain Boxwood
Vibrant and versatile, this evergreen shrub boasts bright green foliage that stays beautiful all winter. With its naturally cone-shaped habit, it’s perfect for topiary or as a stunning accent in containers or formal gardens.
When plan to create a captivating landscape with mass plantings, shaping a free-form or sculpted hedge. Enjoy full or partial sun exposure, and water when the top 3 inches of soil are dry. While its blooms may be inconspicuous, the foliage is the true prize. In its natural form, it grows to 5 ft. Tall and 3 ft. Wide.
Dwarf Boxwood Varieties:
Use them as natural groundcover, create low borders, or shape them into beautiful hedges and containers.
North Star Boxwood stands out at 2 to 2.5 feet tall.
Baby Gem Boxwood adds a perfect accent at 3 feet tall and wide.
Wedding Ring Boxwood with its glossy foliage and lime-colored edges. Looking for compact charm?
Green Pillow is your go-to, reaching just over a foot in height. These delightful dwarf varieties thrive in zones 5 through 8, bringing beauty and character to your outdoor space.
