In the world of landscaping and garden design, boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are beloved for their dense, evergreen foliage, versatility, and ability to be shaped into hedges, topiaries, or borders. However, their susceptibility to pests like boxwood blight and deer damage has gardeners seeking alternatives. Whether you’re looking for a substitute due to disease concerns, climate incompatibility, or simply a desire for variety, there are numerous plants that offer similar aesthetics and functionality. Below, we explore a range of boxwood alternatives, each with unique characteristics to suit different garden needs.
1. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Why It’s Similar: Japanese holly closely mimics the dense, small-leaved appearance of boxwoods. It’s equally versatile for hedges and topiaries and is resistant to deer and boxwood blight.
Key Features:
- Slow-growing, reaching 3–8 feet tall, depending on the cultivar.
- Evergreen with dark green, glossy leaves.
- Tolerates shade and partial sun.
Best Cultivars: ‘Sky Pencil’ (columnar form) and ‘Soft Touch’ (compact and fine-textured).
2. Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)
Why It’s Similar: This holly variety offers a boxwood-like density and is ideal for small hedges or accents. It’s also deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
Key Features:
- Grows 2–3 feet tall and wide.
- Evergreen with small, rounded leaves.
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Bonus: Produces red berries in winter, adding seasonal interest.
3. Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
Why It’s Similar: Inkberry’s glossy, dark green foliage and dense growth habit make it an excellent boxwood substitute, especially for larger hedges.
Key Features:
- Grows 6–10 feet tall, depending on the cultivar.
- Tolerates wet soils and shade.
- Deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
Best Cultivars: ‘Densa’ (compact form) and ‘Shamrock’ (shrub-like).
4. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Why It’s Similar: While not as dense as boxwood, mountain laurel offers evergreen foliage and a formal appearance, making it suitable for structured gardens.
Key Features:
- Grows 5–15 feet tall, depending on the variety.
- Prefers acidic soil and partial shade.
Bonus: Stunning spring blooms in shades of pink, white, or red.
5. False Boxwood (Pachysandra terminalis)
Why It’s Similar: Despite its name, false boxwood is a ground cover rather than a shrub. However, its small, glossy leaves and dense growth mimic the texture of boxwoods.
Key Features:
- Spreads to form a dense mat, 6–12 inches tall.
- Thrives in shade and moist soil.
Best Use: Ideal for understory planting or as a low-maintenance ground cover.
6. Yew (Taxus spp.)
Why It’s Similar: Yews share boxwood’s dark green, needle-like foliage and ability to be shaped into hedges or topiaries. They’re also deer-resistant.
Key Features:
- Slow-growing, reaching 3–20 feet tall, depending on the cultivar.
- Tolerates shade and poor soil.
Caution: All parts of the yew (except the aril) are toxic if ingested.
7. German Ivy (Delairea odorata)
Why It’s Similar: German ivy’s dense, cascading foliage can mimic the look of boxwoods in containers or hanging baskets, though it’s not evergreen in colder climates.
Key Features:
- Fast-growing and easy to propagate.
- Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Best Use: Ideal for vertical gardens or as a trailing plant.
8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Why It’s Similar: In warmer climates, rosemary’s needle-like foliage and ability to be shaped into hedges or topiaries make it a fragrant boxwood alternative.
Key Features:
- Grows 2–6 feet tall, depending on the variety.
- Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Bonus: Edible leaves and flowers add culinary value.
9. Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)
Why It’s Similar: Japanese pieris offers evergreen foliage and a formal appearance, though it’s taller than most boxwoods. It’s ideal for foundation plantings or borders.
Key Features:
- Grows 6–12 feet tall.
- Prefers acidic soil and partial shade.
Bonus: Clusters of white or pink flowers in spring.
10. Dwarf Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Why It’s Similar: Certain dwarf rhododendron varieties provide dense, evergreen foliage and can be used for low hedges or borders.
Key Features:
- Grows 2–4 feet tall.
- Prefers acidic soil and partial shade.
Bonus: Showy spring blooms in various colors.
What is the best boxwood alternative for shady areas?
+Japanese holly, false boxwood, and inkberry are excellent choices for shady spots, as they thrive in partial to full shade.
Are there any boxwood alternatives that are deer-resistant?
+Yes, Japanese holly, inkberry, yew, and rosemary are all deer-resistant options.
Can I use rosemary as a boxwood substitute in cold climates?
+Rosemary is best suited for USDA zones 8–11. In colder climates, it’s better used as an annual or container plant brought indoors during winter.
What is the fastest-growing boxwood alternative?
+German ivy is a fast-growing option, though it’s not evergreen in colder climates. For a shrub-like alternative, inkberry grows more quickly than boxwoods.
Do boxwood alternatives require the same care as boxwoods?
+Care requirements vary. For example, yews tolerate shade and poor soil, while rosemary needs full sun and well-drained soil. Always research the specific needs of your chosen plant.
By exploring these boxwood alternatives, you can create a resilient, beautiful garden that stands the test of time—and pests. Whether you prioritize disease resistance, deer deterrence, or unique features like flowers or fragrance, there’s a perfect substitute waiting to take center stage in your landscape.
