Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is a classic evergreen shrub valued for the formal structure and deep green color it lends to the landscape. These plants provide a year-round backdrop, making them a popular choice for defining borders and foundation plantings. Selecting complementary companions is essential for creating a polished, layered aesthetic that enhances the boxwood’s dense texture. The goal is to choose pairings that offer textural contrast and seasonal interest while sharing similar growing needs.
Understanding the Boxwood Environment
Boxwoods thrive in conditions that companion plants must be able to tolerate for a successful arrangement. They prefer well-drained, loamy soil, as poor drainage quickly leads to root rot in these shallow-rooted shrubs. The ideal soil pH for boxwood ranges from neutral to slightly alkaline, and while boxwoods tolerate full sun, they benefit from afternoon shade, which protects their shallow root systems from excessive heat. This preference for partial shade means companion plants must be adaptable to a range of light conditions. Once established, boxwoods are relatively drought-tolerant, so neighboring plants should not require constant, heavy watering.
Low-Growing Companion Plants for Structure
The dense, fine-textured foliage of boxwood provides contrast when paired with plants that have broad leaves or airy structures. Low-growing perennials and groundcovers positioned in front of the boxwoods create a soft transition to the lawn or walkway. Heuchera, or Coral Bells, is an excellent choice, offering mounding foliage in colors like deep burgundy, caramel, or lime green that holds interest even without blooms. For shady areas, European Ginger (Asarum europaeum) provides broad, glossy, kidney-shaped leaves, and ornamental sedges (Carex spp.) work well, featuring fine, arching blades that introduce texture and movement. These low-profile plants maintain the clean lines of the foundation planting while offering year-round color and textural depth.
Adding Seasonal Color and Height Contrast
Medium-height plants that add seasonal blooms or dramatic foliage should be layered in front of the boxwood hedge to break the evergreen monotony. Perennials such as Hellebores (Lenten Rose) offer early spring color and tolerate the partial shade conditions common near house foundations. Astilbe is another suitable choice for shadier spots, displaying feathery plumes of pink, red, or white during the summer months. For areas receiving more sun, spring-flowering bulbs like Daffodils or Tulips can be tucked between the shrubs, providing a burst of color, while Dwarf Hydrangeas offer large, showy summer blooms. Annuals such as Begonias or Impatiens can be used to fill gaps, offering reliable, saturated color throughout the warm season.
Design Principles for Foundation Planting
Effective foundation planting relies on layering plants of different heights and textures in deliberate rows. The boxwoods, as the tallest elements, should be positioned closest to the house, anchoring the design. Medium-height flowering shrubs or perennials occupy the middle ground, adding seasonal color, while the final layer consists of low-growing groundcovers or edging plants closest to the viewer. This arrangement ensures all elements are visible and receive adequate air circulation, which helps prevent fungal issues. Using large drifts of a single companion plant maintains a sophisticated, unified appearance, and adequate spacing is necessary to allow the boxwoods room to grow without crowding companions.