20 Best Boxwood Alternatives that Thrive and Grow like Them
06.09.2024 - 18:44
/ balconygardenweb.com
/ Editorial Team
Boxwood (Buxus) are slow-growing shrubs that lend year-round evergreen symmetry and structure to a space. Popular as hedges and topiaries, poor practices like over-shearing have made it unviable and vulnerable to disease. Here are the best alternatives to the quintessential boxwood, which is likely more manageable and natural to your setting!
Botanical Name: Coprosma repens
USDA Zones: 8-11
This is an amazing alternative to boxwood with beautiful variegated patterns on leaves. The foliage of this shrub has green, gold, and orange hues that come out more vividly with the coolness of fall.
Mirror bush grows well in full sunlight, is drought-tolerant, and is an easy-to-maintain landscaping option.
Botanical Name: Distylium
USDA Zones: 6-9
Distylium’s round and spreading growth habit is perfect for a lush garden setting. Its dense, layered foliage of small leaves gives it a solid look. Although this shrub is not popular for its blooms, its maroon hues in late winter are surely a welcome sight.
Depending on the variety, it can grow up to 10 feet tall if not pruned and look stunning in garden corners.
Botanical Name: Ilex glabra
USDA Zones: 4-11
With its upright growth habit, inkberry holly is perfect for winter greenery. You have to be a bit patient with this shrub, as it is a relatively slow grower, but its easy-to-care nature makes it a garden favorite.
Some inkberry cultivars like ‘Shamrock’ have beautiful blue-green foliage, while others are known for their green leaves and denser growth patterns. This one does well under the sun and some shade and loves neutral to slightly acidic soil.
Botanical Name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’
USDA Zones: 6-9
If you have trouble shaping and designing your shaded garden, Spreading Yew has