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30 Great Companion Plants For Boxwoods

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There are 30 companion plants for boxwoods in this article including Alliums, shrubs, and flowers, and even some herbs.

But what are the Boxwoods? They are a popular shrub whose Companion plant can be cultivated indoors and outdoors. Boxwoods function as a barrier against dangerous pests when planted with vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and beans while also attracting beneficial insects that help decrease pest populations.

Similarly, Boxwoods may contribute to a visually appealing and practical garden design when combined with attractive grasses and climbing plants. Planting Boxwoods among other shrubs such as hydrangeas and azaleas may also result in a visually appealing garden bed that is guaranteed to wow. Boxwoods also provide year-round evergreen foliage, making them ideal for adding structure and beauty to any landscape.

In this article, we will look into the Good Companion plants and Bad Companion plants for Boxwoods and what they do to it when planted with it.

Good Companion Plants for Boxwood

Alliums

1. Allium Millenium

Allium millenium close-up.
Allium millenium close-up.

Planting Allium Millenium and Boxwood together is a great combination that provides several advantages to the garden. These plants give magnificent vertical appeal and rich texture to garden beds and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

 Allium  Millenium is deer and rabbit resistant with its big purple blooms that bloom in midsummer, making it an excellent partner for boxwood in terms of pest protection. Finding a sunny and well-draining position for the garden bed is advisable to achieve maximum success when growing these two crops together.

Both plants are low-maintenance and require little watering, making them excellent for gardeners who are short on time. Consider growing Allium Millenium in clusters of three to five plants for maximum impact to enhance the attractiveness of this combo.

2. Purple Sensation

Purple sensation with green leaves in the background.
Purple sensation with green leaves in the background.

Purple Sensation in a garden bed with boxwood provides a plethora of advantages. Its rich purple blossoms provide a striking contrast to the vivid green hues of boxwood and attract helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies to the region. Purple Sensation is an Allium type that is easy to cultivate, requires minimal care, and is deer and rabbit resistant, making it an excellent companion plant for boxwood.

These two plants also have comparable soil and sunshine requirements, making them simple to cultivate in a garden bed together. Plant Purple Sensation in clusters of three to five plants for the best results, giving a beautiful display of colour and texture that will endure for several weeks in the summer. With their complementing characteristics, Purple Sensation and Boxwood are a sure bet for any garden bed.

3. Allium Globemaster

Allium globemaster growing in the field.
Allium globemaster growing in the field.

Allium Globemaster is an excellent Boxwood companion plant, giving a variety of advantages that will improve the attractiveness of any garden bed. With its enormous, spherical, lavender-blue blossoms, this magnificent decorative onion offers a splash of colour to the yard while attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Allium Globemaster is a low-maintenance plant that requires little water, making it an excellent partner for boxwood. These two crops grow well under comparable conditions, preferring well-drained soils and full sun to moderate shade.

Planting Allium Globemaster with Boxwood in clusters of three to five plants spaced approximately 18 inches apart will ensure maximum success. This will help them to flourish and establish a strong root system. With the correct growth circumstances, these two plants will provide a lovely, vivid garden bed that will please any gardener.

Flowers

4. Salvia

Field of Blue Salvia ( Salvia farinacea)
Field of Blue Salvia ( Salvia farinacea)

Combining Salvia with Boxwood is a fantastic idea for adding colour and interest to garden beds. Salvia’s magnificent blossoms, which come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and blue, make a lovely contrast against the rich green foliage of boxwood.

Salvia also draws pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden, which can benefit both plants. Because these two crops require comparable growth conditions, such as full light and well-draining soil, they make a simple partnership to manage.

To get the most out of this combination, plant Salvia in groups of three or five to make a dramatic and eye-catching statement. As with any garden, keep an eye out for symptoms of pests or diseases and handle them as soon as possible to protect the health and vitality of both plants.

5. Geranium

Geranium close-up growing in a garden.
Geranium close-up growing in a garden

Planting Geraniums with Boxwood is a garden match made in heaven! These two plants work wonderfully together to create a lovely, low-maintenance garden bed. Geraniums are well-known for their beautiful flowers, which come in pink, purple, and white. These blossoms attract helpful insects like bees and butterflies to the garden, which is advantageous to boxwood since these insects pollinate the shrub.

Geraniums are also suitable for planting with boxwood in garden beds since they are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. However, it is crucial to remember that Geraniums require adequate drainage, so put them in a well-drained site.

Provide proper watering and fertilizing when growing these two crops together to achieve maximum success. Mixing Geraniums with Boxwood may create a lovely and healthy garden bed that will last for years.

6. Lavender

Lavender growing in the field
Lavender growing in the field

Lavender’s lovely smell makes it a perfect partner for boxwood, along with its capacity to repel pests. Lavender not only adds a nice smell to the yard but also helps keep mosquitoes, flies, and other pests away from boxwood. Furthermore, the lavender’s silver-green foliage matches boxwood’s glossy leaves, bringing texture and color to the garden bed.

It is ideal for planting these two crops together in a sunny and well-drained spot, as both plants thrive in full light and well-drained soil. Additionally, pruning lavender on a regular basis is necessary to foster bushy growth and extend the plant’s longevity. Gardeners may create a visually appealing and insect-resistant garden bed that will thrive for years by mixing Lavender and Boxwood.

7. Coneflower

Purple coneflower close-up growing in the field.
Purple coneflower close-up growing in the field.

Coneflower and boxwood are a winning combination that adds charm and beauty to any garden bed. The vivid and colourful petals of the coneflower attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, ensuring that your garden is alive and well. These drought-tolerant flowers are simple to cultivate and maintain, making them an ideal partner for boxwood, which also requires little maintenance.

Coneflowers offer texture and complexity to your landscape and match beautifully with the glossy green leaves of boxwood. Select a spot with lots of sunlight and well-draining soil to achieve maximum success when growing these two crops together.

Additionally, plant your coneflowers in a staggered fashion for a more natural effect, enabling them to grow freely around your boxwood. This will result in a visually magnificent show that will make any garden enthusiast jealous.

8. Coreopsis

yellow flowers of coreopsis grandiflora or large flowered tickseed
Yellow flowers of coreopsis grandiflora or large flowered tickseed

Planting Coreopsis is a fantastic way to add a lively and colourful accent to your Boxwood landscape. These low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants have brilliant, joyful flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Coreopsis complements boxwood well, giving texture and color to garden beds and borders.

One distinct advantage of combining these two crops is that they are both low-maintenance and require little watering, making them perfect for time-pressed gardeners. However, keep in mind that Coreopsis thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, so place the garden bed in a sunny position with adequate drainage. Coreopsis should be planted in groups of three or more for optimum aesthetic effect. Planting Coreopsis with Boxwood will undoubtedly be a great combination that will provide delight and beauty to your garden if you keep these recommendations in mind.

9. Black-eyed Susan

Black eyed susan close-up.
Black eyed susan close-up.

Planting Black-eyed Susan with Boxwood is an outstanding combination for blasting sunlight to your yard. The vibrant colors of Black-eyed Susan contrast well with the lush green leaves of boxwood, providing depth and texture to garden beds and borders. These plants are also extremely hardy, having the capacity to resist harsh weather conditions and even drought, making them great Boxwood companions.

Furthermore, Black-eyed Susan attracts helpful insects such as bees and butterflies, which aid in pollination and garden protection. To maximize success when planting these two crops together, find a sunny, well-draining area for the garden bed and spacing the plants 12 to 18 inches apart.

Deadheading wasted flowers promotes subsequent blooming and a healthy growth cycle. Planting Black-eyed Susan with Boxwood is a definite method to produce a garden that is brimming with colour and life, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out.

10. Daylily

Daylily in bloom close-up.
Daylily in bloom close-up.

Planting Daylilies beside Boxwood guarantees a visually appealing and functional garden bed. These two crops complement each other well, with Daylilies contributing vivid color and boxwood providing rich texture and structure.

Daylilies are also noted for their toughness, making them an ideal partner for boxwood, which may benefit from their vigor and tenacity. Daylilies also attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to help local ecosystems.

Use a well-draining area with full or partial light to maximize success when growing these two crops together. Because daylilies demand moderate watering, keeping the soil damp but not wet is critical. Plant the Daylilies in clusters of three to five plants and stagger them around the boxwood for optimum impact.

11. Russian Sage

Russian sage growing in the field.
Russian sage growing in the field.

Combining Boxwood with Russian Sage is a beautiful garden design decision that may provide several benefits. Russian Sage is a herbaceous perennial with silvery-grey leaves and beautiful purple flowers that bloom in midsummer, giving the garden bed a softness and airiness.

These two plants complement each other wonderfully when combined, producing a dramatic contrast of texture and color. Russian Sage is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a great partner for boxwood.

However, Russian Sage must be planted in well-drained soil since it is susceptible to root rot in damp soil conditions. Plant Russian Sage and Boxwood in full sun for best results, and consider applying a layer of mulch to help keep moisture in the soil. With sufficient care and attention, this combination may improve the appearance and feel of any garden.

12. Dianthus

Dianthus close-up with green leaves in the background.
Dianthus close-up with green leaves in the background.

Planting Dianthus beside Boxwood in your landscape may provide several benefits. These colorful, aromatic blossoms provide an eye-catching and dynamic visual show when contrasted with boxwood’s thick, green foliage. Dianthus is also recognized for attracting helpful insects to the garden, such as bees and butterflies, which aids in pollination and maintains a flourishing ecology.

This combination also has the distinct benefit of being a low-growing perennial, making Dianthus an excellent choice for planting around the base of Boxwood shrubs. Choose a well-draining area with excellent sunshine exposure for your garden bed for maximum performance.

Dianthus is a low-maintenance plant that requires little water and benefits from deadheading to keep it flowering. Overall, this combination provides the ideal blend of colour, texture, and function to enhance the beauty and health of your garden.

13. Campanula

Campanula close-up.
Campanula close-up.

The combination of Campanula and Boxwood provides a plethora of benefits to the garden. Campanula gives the garden bed a stunning burst of color and texture with its bell-shaped blooms in blue, purple, and pink. These plants are also resistant to deer, making them an ideal partner for boxwood.

Furthermore, Campanula draws pollinators to the garden, such as bees and butterflies, which benefits the health of other plants in the region. It is recommended to grow Campanula with Boxwood in a place with well-draining soil and moderate to full sun exposure.

Campanula is low-maintenance, although frequent watering is required for maximum growth and development. Consider growing Campanula in clusters for a dramatic impact to emphasize the attractiveness of this combination. With Campanula and Boxwood in your yard, you’ll have a lovely and healthy garden bed that is also helpful.

Herbs

14. Rosemary

Rosemary bush growing in garden
Rosemary bush growing in garden

Planting Rosemary beside Boxwood is a gardening match made in heaven. These plants not only give a lovely contrast in texture and colour, but they also have various garden advantages.

With its scented leaves and lovely blossoms, Rosemary is a natural insect repellent that helps keep pests away from boxwood. It also draws bees and other pollinators to the garden, promoting the environment’s health.

When planting Rosemary and Boxwood together, it is critical to pick a sunny, well-draining area with nutrient-rich soil. Because these plants flourish in dry soil, it is critical not to overwater them.

Regularly pruning Rosemary ensures healthy growth while supplying fresh herbs for culinary applications. Rosemary may also be utilized as an evergreen hedge, creating a beautiful backdrop for boxwood and other companion plants.

In brief, Rosemary and Boxwood are a beautiful and fragrant combination that provides beauty, aroma, and natural insect defense to any garden.

15. Thyme

Top view of Thyme plants growing with sun shining down
Top view of Thyme plants growing with sun shining down

Planting Thyme with Boxwood in your garden is a prudent decision that will improve the landscape in a variety of ways. Thyme is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant herb that provides a sweet scent while deterring pests. Thyme, when planted with boxwood, can assist in keeping hazardous insects at bay, keeping your plants healthy and thriving.

Thyme is also an excellent choice for gardeners who want to attract helpful insects such as bees and butterflies. Both Boxwood and Thyme require minimal water and are quite easy to manage, making them ideal for gardeners of all ability levels.

Plant Thyme in well-draining soil that receives lots of sunlight for best results, and allow your plants plenty of room to develop. Following these easy guidelines, you may get the numerous benefits of planting Thyme and Boxwood together in your yard.

16. Sage

Sage close-up.
Sage close-up.

Planting Sage beside Boxwood is a great way to create an aesthetically appealing garden bed while reaping various advantages.

When combined with Boxwood, Sage’s aromatic leaves, and blossoms attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This powerful combination repels mosquitoes and other garden pests, making it an excellent partner for pest-prone Boxwood.

Sage is also an easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant plant that takes little care, making it a wonderful complement to boxwood, which also requires little care. Growing these two crops together in a sunny place with well-draining soil is ideal.

Keeping the sage trimmed is also important to encourage bushier growth and avoid lanky stems. Consider planting the sage in a cluster at the base of the boxwood to create a stunning focal point in the garden bed to improve the elegance of this combo.

17. Oregano

Oregano growing in the field.
Oregano growing in the field.

Planting Oregano with Boxwood is an excellent method to create a fragrant and visually appealing garden. The low-growing herb offers the garden a fragrant and flavorful burst, while the boxwood provides a lush green backdrop that compliments the herb’s delicate blossoms. Oregano has therapeutic benefits and can attract helpful insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden.

The plant is also a natural insect repellent, which helps to keep pests away. It is ideal for growing Oregano and Boxwood together in a well-drained site with full sun exposure and correct soil pH levels.

In terms of upkeep, oregano is a low-maintenance plant that requires little watering and thrives in poor soil conditions. Plant Oregano in clusters for maximum success and to create a rich and bright garden bed.

Ornamental grasses

Ornamental grass close-up.
Ornamental grass close-up.

Planting ornamental grasses with boxwood, such as Blue Fescue, Feather Reed Grass, Japanese Forest Grass, and Little Bluestem, is an excellent combination that provides several benefits to the garden.

These grasses create a dynamic environment that is both visually appealing and startling by providing a beautiful contrast to the solid grain of boxwood.

Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them an ideal companion for boxwood, which is also low-maintenance.

Furthermore, the light and airy texture of ornamental grasses contrasts beautifully with boxwood’s formal and substantial structure. However, it is important to remember that ornamental grasses require ample sunshine and proper drainage, which can be difficult in some garden locations.

Plant the grasses in groupings of three or five to create a unified appearance, with boxwood acting as a natural boundary. Overall, the mix of ornamental grasses and boxwood provides a beautiful and well-balanced garden that will not disappoint.

Shrubs

18. Barberry

Barberry close-up.
Barberry close-up.

Few pairings of plants are more aesthetically striking than Boxwood and Barberry. Barberry’s vivid foliage, which varies from deep red to golden yellow, complements boxwood’s evergreen foliage well. However, the advantages of growing Barberry go beyond looks. These plants are extremely versatile and thrive in various soil types and situations.

Barberry is also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for time-pressed gardeners. However, it should be noted that Barberry has thorny stems, which can make trimming and upkeep difficult. With proper care and attention, this combination can offer texture, color, and interest to any garden bed. Plant Barberry and Boxwood in well-draining soil, and clip Barberry on a regular basis to keep its thorny stems in control.

19. Spirea

Spirea growing in the field.
Spirea growing in the field.

Boxwood and Spirea are a marriage made in gardening heaven. Spirea gives a splash of color to garden beds and borders, complementing the traditional greens of boxwood with its bright blossoms in pink, purple, and white. This combination also draws beneficial insects to the garden, such as bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy ecology.

Spirea is a tough plant that grows well in full sun to partial shade, making it an ideal companion for boxwood, which grows in similar circumstances. Plant Spirea in well-draining soil and water it regularly, especially during dry months, to guarantee maximum performance.

This low-maintenance combo is ideal for gardeners who want to add a splash of colour to their landscape without putting in a lot of effort. Boxwood and Spirea will bloom brilliantly together year after year if properly cared for.

20. Holly

Holly close-up growing in a garden.
Holly close-up growing in a garden.

When it comes to garden plant pairings, Holly and Boxwood are a dynamic team. These two shrubs not only match each other’s texture and structure, but they also provide several advantages to the garden.

Holly, with its glossy green foliage and vivid berries, offers year-round color and texture, and boxwood provides a rich and full-bodied green backdrop. They combine to provide an eye-catching and symmetrical arrangement that may improve the aesthetic attractiveness of any garden.

Furthermore, Holly and Boxwood are also evergreen, which means that their foliage remains green all year, offering aesthetic appeal even during the winter months. Planting Holly and Boxwood in well-drained, slightly acidic soil is advised for maximum results.

Furthermore, these two shrubs require trimming to preserve their form and control their development. Overall, combining Holly with Boxwood is an excellent method to bring year-round beauty to any landscape.

21. Japanese Maple

Japanese maple growing in the field.
Japanese maple growing in the field.

Boxwood and Japanese Maple are a horticultural marriage made in heaven, with each plant contributing its own set of advantages to the yard. The rich green of the boxwood forms a lush backdrop that contrasts well with the delicate leaf and magnificent display of colors of the Japanese Maple. This combination adds depth and dimension to any garden, providing a haven of peace and beauty.

With its unusual leaf form and magnificent autumn colour, the Japanese Maple adds aesthetic interest and drama to the landscape. It is critical to provide proper spacing when growing these two crops together to minimize nutrient competition.

A well-draining soil rich in organic matter is essential, as is some shade to shield the Japanese Maple from direct sunlight. Consider planting boxwood as a hedge around the perimeter of a garden bed, with Japanese Maple as a showcase tree in the center to create a unified aesthetic.

22. Ninebark

Ninebark flower close-up.
Ninebark flower close-up.

Few plant pairings in the garden provide the same amount of aesthetic appeal and advantages as planting Ninebark with Boxwood. Ninebark’s lovely, flowing branches and rich burgundy foliage contrast well with boxwood’s dark green leaves, producing an eye-catching presentation that is guaranteed to wow.

These two plants are also complementary in terms of growth patterns, as Ninebark’s towering, arching branches provide a lovely backdrop for boxwood’s low, bushy growth.

Furthermore, Ninebark attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden, and its roots serve to retain soil in place and prevent erosion.

When growing these two crops together, selecting a spot with well-draining soil and full to partial light is critical. This powerful combination is ideal for gardeners looking for a high-impact, low-effort garden design since it requires little care.

23. Weigela

Weigela close-up with green leaves in the background.
Weigela close-up with green leaves in the background.

Weigela and boxwood are a dynamic combo that offers any landscape a splash of color and texture. With its trumpet-shaped blooms in pink, white, and scarlet, Weigela stands out against the green foliage of boxwood.

These plants, when combined, make a magnificent focal point in garden beds and borders, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. One distinct advantage of combining Weigela and Boxwood is that Weigela loves wet soil, whilst boxwood requires well-drained soil.

This implies that these two plants may be planted together in a site with a mix of damp and well-draining soil, maximizing the garden area. To keep these plants healthy and growing, ensure they get enough sunshine and frequent trimming to stimulate development and prevent overcrowding. With these guidelines in mind, the combination of Weigela and Boxwood will be a showpiece in any garden.

24. Viburnum

Viburnum close-up.
Viburnum close-up.

Viburnum and boxwood are a marriage made in garden heaven. The vivid leaf of Viburnum contrasts sharply with the evergreen boxwood, providing a lively and aesthetically appealing show. In the spring, Viburnum produces attractive, fragrant blooms that attract important pollinators such as butterflies and bees. This combination requires little care and thrives in a sunny, well-drained setting.

When planting, keep the mature size of the Viburnum in mind and give it enough room to develop. Pruning can also assist in keeping plants under control and encourage healthy development.

When planting Viburnum with Boxwood, combine them in odd numbers, such as three or five, to produce an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious effect. This mix is likely to improve any garden space, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie.

25. Azalea

Azalea growing in the garden.
Azalea growing in the garden.

Combining Azalea with Boxwood creates a magnificent display of contrasting hues and textures in the garden. These two plants look great together, giving an elegant and refined look that is guaranteed to wow. With its magnificent blooms in pink, purple, and white, Azalea is an excellent companion plant for boxwood, offering a lovely backdrop with its evergreen leaves.

Both plants thrive in well-drained soil and demand frequent watering, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who are committed to keeping their plants healthy and bright. To guarantee success, plant Azalea in a place that receives some shade since direct sunshine can burn its delicate blossoms.

Overall, Azalea and Boxwood make an excellent combination that will enhance the attractiveness of any garden.

26.  Rhododendron

Rhododendron plant close-up.
Rhododendron plant close-up.

Rhododendron and boxwood make an aesthetically appealing garden combination that also has a number of advantages. Rhododendrons, with their magnificent blossoms in a variety of hues, offer a dramatic addition to any garden bed or border.

These two plants complement each other nicely when planted beside boxwood, providing an appealing and coherent arrangement. Rhododendrons provide various functional benefits, like shade and protection for other plants in the garden, in addition to their aesthetic appeal.

These woody shrubs also aid in soil erosion control and provide a habitat for beneficial insects and mammals. It is critical to pick a spot with well-draining soil and moderate shade when growing Rhododendrons and Boxwood together. Watering and fertilizing these plants on a regular basis can help them grow and bring years of beauty and delight.

Trees

27. Dogwood

A shrub with bright small dogwood flowers close-up with-a-copy-of-the-space-using-the-natural-landscape-as-the-background-natural-wallpaper-selective-focus
A shrub with bright small dogwood flowers close-up with a copy of the space using the natural landscape as the background natural wallpaper selective focus.

Planting Dogwood beside Boxwood is a gardening match made in heaven! This dynamic combination adds aesthetic appeal, textural contrast, and seasonal interest to any garden.

Dogwood’s delicate, elegant branches create a magnificent backdrop for boxwood’s brilliant green foliage. Furthermore, in the spring, the vivid, colourful blossoms of Dogwood provide an added layer of interest and beauty to the garden.

These two plants work together to produce a visually attractive garden design by balancing structure, colour, and texture. To maximize success when growing these two crops together, select a place with well-draining soil and some shade.

To create a tiered, multi-dimensional effect, plant the Dogwood tree first, followed by the Boxwood bushes. With proper care and upkeep, this combination is guaranteed to impress and please any gardener or guest!

28. Magnolia

Magnolia flowers in bloom.
Magnolia flowers in bloom.

Planting Magnolia and Boxwood together makes for an eye-catching garden bed with contrasting textures and hues. The boxwood’s rich green foliage provides an ideal setting for Magnolia’s magnificent, spectacular blossoms.

The Magnolia lends height and structure to the garden, while the boxwood offers a low and compact texture, resulting in a beautiful and effective layered aesthetic.

The fragrant smell of Magnolia is a wonderful addition to any garden, and its huge flowers attract birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies. When growing these two crops together, find a spot with well-draining soil and at least six hours of direct sunshine every day.

Additionally, the Magnolia should not be placed too close to the boxwood to avoid congestion. This combination of plants, with appropriate care, may produce a garden that is attractive and a sanctuary for animals.

29. Redbud

Eastern Redbud tree
Eastern Redbud tree

Planting Redbud and Boxwood together is a dynamic combination that can give any landscape a splash of color and visual appeal. Redbud’s vivid pink to lavender blossoms in early spring stands out against boxwood’s deep green leaves.

Furthermore, the Redbud’s peculiar branching pattern, with branches developing in a zigzag manner, gives a distinct aesthetic texture that compliments the boxwood’s rounded appearance.

Redbud is a deciduous tree, which means it sheds its leaves every year, which can make it difficult to maintain year-round appeal in the garden. However, the boxwood’s evergreen foliage acts as a visual anchor, ensuring that the garden looks lovely all year.

Plant Redbud in a site that receives partial light and well-draining soil to achieve maximum success when growing these two crops together. Regular trimming and management will also assist in guaranteeing that these plants coexist for many years.

30. Cherry

cherries hanging on a cherry tree branch between leaves red and sweet
cherries hanging on a cherry tree branch between leaves red and sweet

Planting Cherry trees alongside boxwood is a wonderful method to enhance your garden’s beauty and utility.

The rich green leaves of boxwood not only provide a beautiful backdrop for the vividly bright cherry blossoms, but the combination also produces a magnificent contrast that adds to the overall elegance of the garden.

Cherry trees are well-known for attracting pollinators like bees, making them a great companion for boxwood, which is renowned for fighting garden pests.

While growing these two crops together might be difficult due to the shadow provided by cherry trees, choosing a spot that receives full sun or partial shade for maximum performance is preferable.

Providing enough distance between the cherry tree and the boxwood is also critical to avoid competing for water and nutrients. Consider planting boxwood as a hedge around the base of the cherry tree to enhance the attractiveness of this pairing. This will create a lovely and practical boundary.

Bad Companion Plants for Boxwood

Climbing plants

While there are some excellent companion plants for Boxwoods, there are a few to avoid. Plants that should not be planted with Boxwoods include Ivy, Wisteria, and Trumpet Vine. Ivy may readily overrun Boxwoods by taking the nutrients, water, and sunshine required for growth. Wisteria and Trumpet Vine are aggressive climbers that may soon envelop Boxwoods, creating a crowded and unhealthy habitat for them.

Furthermore, these vines can become a tangled mess around the Boxwoods, making pruning and maintenance difficult. Combining these plants can also raise the danger of disease and insect infestation, weakening the Boxwoods even further. Avoid planting Ivy, Wisteria, and Trumpet Vine with Boxwoods to eliminate competition and encourage healthy development.

Fruits

While boxwood has numerous advantages as a companion plant, growing it near fruit trees such as apples, peaches, and pears might have some disadvantages. One of the primary problems is that boxwood can serve as a home for some pests and diseases, such as boxwood blight, which can spread to fruit trees and cause damage or yield reduction. Furthermore, the shadow provided by fruit trees might inhibit the growth of boxwood, which prefers full or partial light to thrive.

Furthermore, the root systems of fruit trees and boxwood might compete for water and nutrients, affecting both crops’ general health and development. It is advised that a gap of at least 3 feet be maintained between the fruit trees and the boxwood to avoid any problems. If you want to grow these crops together, watch for disease symptoms and ensure they have enough room, light, and nutrients to thrive.

Succulents

While pairing succulents like Sedum and Sempervivum with Boxwoods may appear to be an appealing alternative, examining the potential negative consequences is critical. One of the most difficult aspects of growing these two crops together is the variance in their irrigation requirements. Succulents want well-draining soil and occasional watering, but boxwoods require regular watering to retain their lush green foliage. Due to the extra moisture, this might produce an environment in which succulents decay or get sick.

Furthermore, succulents may struggle to compete for nutrients with Boxwoods, especially if planted too close together. The combination might create an unappealing look if the succulents and Boxwoods are not well-matched in size and texture. Succulents should not be planted alongside Boxwoods unless you are willing to properly manage their watering demands and guarantee appropriate space between the plants.

Vegetables

While Boxwoods are noted for their aesthetic appeal and practicality in gardens, there are some negatives to planting veggies with Boxwoods. Vegetables, for example, might attract pests and illnesses that can move to Boxwoods and harm their health. Furthermore, vegetables require different soil conditions and minerals than Boxwoods, which can lead to resource competition and stunted growth or low yields.

Another issue is that the roots of Boxwoods might emit chemicals that can impede the development of some plants. To avoid these issues, maintain vegetables and Boxwoods in different sections of the garden or create a physical barrier to prevent root mixing. If you must grow veggies near Boxwoods, choose plants with comparable soil and water requirements and keep adequate spacing to avoid competition.

FAQs

How long does it take boxwoods to grow together?

Sprinter boxwood close-up.

Boxwoods grow slowly in comparison to many other shrubs, with the pace of growth varying according to the type. Dwarf cultivars may only experience 1/2-1 inch of new growth each year, although most varieties typically grow 3-6 inches per year.

What do boxwoods like?

Boxwood plant growing in a garden.

Boxwood grows best in full sun to partial shade. Plants benefit from midday shade in hot regions. Boxwood is vulnerable to damage from dry winter winds; grow it in a sheltered spot.

Wrapping up

In addition to all we have discussed, Boxwoods are a well-known evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green foliage and a traditional, formal look. They flourish in a wide range of soil types, from well-draining to heavy clay, as long as the soil is maintained wet but not waterlogged.

Boxwoods must be pruned regularly to preserve their ideal form and size and promote healthy development. They also benefit from a balanced fertilizer treatment to guarantee appropriate macronutrient uptake, which includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

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