Companion Plants for Boxwoods: Enhance Your Garden's Beauty

The Importance of Companion Planting

Boxwoods are one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in gardens. They are loved for their evergreen leaves, dense foliage, and easy-to-maintain nature. But have you ever thought about planting other plants alongside boxwoods? Companion planting is an excellent way to enhance the beauty of your garden. It involves planting different species of plants together that benefit each other in some way. For example, some plants attract beneficial insects that help control pests in the garden, while others provide shade or support for other plants.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best companion plants for boxwoods. These plants not only look great together but also offer several benefits to your garden. So, let's dive in!

1. Hydrangeas

Why They're Great:

Hydrangeas make a perfect companion for boxwoods because they both thrive in similar growing conditions. Hydrangeas prefer partial shade, which is ideal for boxwoods as well. Additionally, hydrangeas offer stunning blooms of various colors, shapes, and sizes, adding a pop of color to your garden. You can plant hydrangeas around the base of your boxwoods or behind them for an attractive backdrop.

How to Grow Them:

Hydrangeas grow best in well-draining soil with adequate moisture. Ensure that you water them regularly and fertilize them with balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. Prune them back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

2. Hostas

Why They're Great:

Hostas are another fantastic companion plant for boxwoods. They thrive in the same growing conditions as boxwoods and offer a contrasting texture with their broad leaves. Hostas also come in various shades of green, blue, and yellow, making them a versatile addition to your garden. You can plant hostas around the base of your boxwoods or create a border with them.

How to Grow Them:

Hostas prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Water them regularly and fertilize them in spring and early summer. Prune any dead or damaged foliage in late fall or early winter.

3. Ferns

Why They're Great:

Ferns are an excellent choice for companion planting with boxwoods because they prefer the same growing conditions. They also offer a contrasting texture that looks great against the dense foliage of boxwoods. Ferns come in various shapes and sizes, from delicate fronds to large, leafy plants, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

How to Grow Them:

Ferns grow best in moist, well-draining soil in partial to full shade. Water them regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize them once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.

4. Heucheras

Why They're Great:

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a popular companion plant for boxwoods because they offer stunning foliage in various colors, from burgundy to lime green. They thrive in similar growing conditions as boxwoods and provide a nice contrast of color and texture. You can plant heucheras around the base of your boxwoods or create a border with them.

How to Grow Them:

Heucheras prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. Water them regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize them in spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.

5. Daylilies

Why They're Great:

Daylilies are an excellent choice for companion planting with boxwoods because they offer stunning blooms in various colors, from bright yellow to deep purple. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them ideal for planting around the base of your boxwoods. Additionally, daylilies attract beneficial insects to your garden, such as bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Them:

Daylilies grow best in well-draining soil with adequate moisture. Water them regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize them in spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

6. Boxwood Companion Plants: Summary Table

Companion Plant	Why It's Great	How to Grow It
Hydrangeas	Thrive in similar growing conditions as boxwoods; offer stunning blooms	Well-draining soil with adequate moisture; regular watering and fertilizing
Hostas	Contrasting texture with broad leaves; come in various shades of green, blue, and yellow	Partial shade and moist, well-draining soil; regular watering and fertilizing
Ferns	Prefer same growing conditions as boxwoods; offer contrasting texture	Moist, well-draining soil in partial to full shade; regular watering and fertilizing
Heucheras	Stunning foliage in various colors; thrive in similar growing conditions as boxwoods	Partial shade and well-draining soil; regular watering and fertilizing
Daylilies	Stunning blooms in various colors; attract beneficial insects to your garden	Well-draining soil with adequate moisture; regular watering and fertilizing

FAQs about Companion Plants for Boxwoods

1. Are there any plants that should not be planted near boxwoods?

Yes, some plants may compete with boxwoods for nutrients, water, or sunlight. Avoid planting aggressive or invasive species near boxwoods, such as English ivy, creeping juniper, or Japanese honeysuckle.

2. Can I plant vegetables near boxwoods?

Yes, you can plant vegetables near boxwoods as long as they don't require much sunlight. Vegetables that prefer partial shade, such as lettuce, spinach, or kale, can grow well alongside boxwoods.

3. How close together should I plant companion plants and boxwoods?

It depends on the size of your plants and the look you want to achieve. Generally, you should space plants at least 1-2 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

4. What are some other benefits of companion planting?

Companion planting offers several benefits, such as improving soil fertility, attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests or diseases, providing shade or support for other plants, and enhancing the beauty of your garden.

5. Can I prune my boxwoods after planting companion plants around them?

Yes, you can prune your boxwoods after planting companion plants around them. However, be careful not to damage the roots of other plants or remove too much foliage from your boxwoods. Prune them selectively to maintain their shape and size.