Boxwoods might not be the stars of the show when it comes to flashy flowers, but they are the ultimate “supporting actors” in any garden. With their lush, evergreen foliage standing strong day in and day out, they provide the perfect green backdrop for other plants to truly shine. If you’re looking to level up your landscaping, here are a few ideas for winning plant combinations.
Boxwood and Roses
Is there any plant that deserves a gorgeous green stage more than the “Queen of Flowers” herself? Whether you’re growing hybrid teas, shrub roses, or climbers, a boxwood border acts like a living picture frame. It ties the whole bed together into one cohesive, elegant look.
- A green border makes the colors of your roses pop.
- Since boxwoods handle pruning so well, you can keep them at any height you like.
- Low-clipped hedges ensure you have an unobstructed view of those beautiful blooms.
- Green goes with everything—no color clashing here!
- This duo looks great from spring through fall (thanks to the long blooming season of most roses).
- Boxwoods are just as long-lived as roses, making them a permanent garden pair.
Boxwood and Perennials
When we talk about perennials, we’re talking about those heavy bloomers. Bright, colorful flowers look stunning against the deep green texture of a boxwood. The best part? There are so many varieties to choose from that you can really let your personal style shine. You can even mix several different perennials in front of your boxwoods. And while boxwoods do face some pests and diseases these days, they are genetically built to live for decades. They’ll be there to accompany your perennials season after season. Here are a few of my favorite recommendations:
- Asters
- Speedwell (Veronica)
- Phlox
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
- Lavender
- Lupines
- Tickseed (Coreopsis)
- Delphinium
- Salvia
- Sneezeweed (Helenium)
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Red Valerian
- Hollyhocks
Choosing the Right “Partner”
The plant world is huge, so I can’t list every single flower that looks good with a boxwood—especially with new varieties hitting the nurseries every year! If you find a plant you love and want to pair it with your boxwood, just do a quick “neighborly check.” The answer is a big “yes” if the plant likes the same growing conditions as the boxwood: partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. You’ll also want to make sure their watering and fertilizing needs are mostly in sync.
Pro Tip:
Don’t stop at perennials! Spring bulbs, ornamental grasses, and even certain groundcovers look fantastic planted in front of a boxwood hedge.