Plants that Thrive in Shade Behind Boxwoods
Adding plants to the landscape behind boxwoods can provide an extra layer of beauty and texture to an outdoor space. When selecting plants for this area, it is important to choose those that will thrive in the shade provided by the boxwoods. Here are a few ideas for plants that do well when planted behind boxwoods.
Shrubby Cinquefoil is a low-maintenance shrub with attractive foliage and flowers. It grows best in partial shade and produces small yellow flowers in the summer months. Blue Star Creeper is a ground cover with tiny blue flowers that will spread quickly over time. This plant thrives in shady areas and can be used to create a carpet of color beneath the boxwood hedge.
Foam flower is a perennial that offers bright green foliage and white blooms during the summer months. This plant prefers partial shade, making it an ideal choice for planting behind boxwoods. Another great option is Lenten Rose, which has attractive white or pinkish blooms during late winter or early spring. The lush foliage of this plant looks especially lovely when contrasted against the evergreen backdrop of boxwoods.
Ligularia dentata is an excellent choice for providing height in shady areas behind boxwoods. This tall perennial has large, heart-shaped leaves and tall spikes of yellow daisy-like flowers during summer months. Hosta, sometimes referred to as “plantsain lily”, also makes a great choice for planting behind boxwoods as it grows well in shady conditions and provides year-round interest with its colorful foliage.
When choosing plants for the area around your boxwood hedge, be sure to select varieties that will thrive in the shade provided by these evergreens. With careful selection, you can create an impressive garden display full of lush greenery and seasonal blooms!
Groundcover Options for Planting Behind Boxwoods
Groundcover options for planting behind boxwoods are nearly endless. Depending on the environment, there are a variety of low-growing plants that can be used to provide texture and color while also helping to keep weeds at bay. Some popular groundcovers for planting behind boxwoods include:
Lamium: Lamium is a hardy, fast-growing groundcover with variegated foliage in colors ranging from white to cream to green. It creates a dense, attractive ground cover that provides evergreen color throughout the year and is easy to maintain.
Vinca Minor: Vinca minor is an evergreen perennial that produces glossy, deep green leaves and star-shaped flowers in spring. This low-maintenance plant forms a thick mat of foliage and is well suited for use as a ground cover in partial shade areas.
Ajuga: Ajuga is an attractive perennial that provides dense, spreading foliage in shades of green, purple or bronze. Its small flowers appear in early summer and attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Ajuga is ideal for shady spots where it will form a dense carpet of foliage that helps suppress weeds while adding texture to the landscape.
Pachysandra: Pachysandra is an evergreen groundcover with glossy green leaves that make it suitable for both sun and shade areas. It spreads quickly and produces small white flowers in springtime, making it an attractive option for planting behind boxwoods or other shrubs in the landscape.
These are just some of the many groundcover options available for planting behind boxwoods. With careful consideration of your site conditions such as soil type, sun exposure and watering needs, you can find the right fit for your garden!
Climbing Vines Suitable for Growing Behind a Boxwood Hedge
Climbing vines can be a great way to add some additional texture and color to your garden. When planted behind a boxwood hedge, they provide an attractive contrast to the soft, evergreen foliage. There are several types of climbing vines suitable for planting behind a boxwood hedge.
One of the most popular choices is English ivy (Hedera helix). This fast-growing vine is tolerant of shady conditions and will quickly cover the wall or fence behind your boxwood hedge. It has attractive evergreen foliage and produces small yellow flowers in the spring.
Another good choice is clematis (Clematis spp.). This flowering vine comes in many different varieties, with blooms ranging from deep blues and purples to pale whites and yellows. Plant it in full sun for best results, as it needs plenty of light to bloom well. With its delicate flowers and lacy foliage, clematis adds a graceful touch to any garden.
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a vigorous climber with bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers in late summer. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It grows quickly so you will need to prune it regularly if you want keep it under control.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) is another great choice for growing behind a boxwood hedge. This fragrant flowering vine produces clusters of small white or yellow flowers in mid-summer that are irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds. Honeysuckle prefers moist soil and partial shade, so it should do well planted behind your boxwood hedge where it receives some shade from the sun’s harsh rays.
No matter which type of climbing vine you choose, be sure that you plant it far enough away from your boxwood hedge that it won’t crowd or smother the plants beneath it. With careful pruning and regular maintenance, your climbing vines will provide years of enjoyment in your garden!
Choosing Flowers to Plant Behind Boxwoods
When planning a garden, one of the most important decisions is choosing what type of plants to include. Boxwoods are a popular choice for many gardeners because they are low maintenance and can provide a nice backdrop for other plants. If you’re looking for some ideas on what to plant behind boxwoods, there are plenty of options that will look great and add texture and color to your garden.
One option is perennials. Perennials come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can easily find something that will look great with your boxwood shrub. Some popular varieties that work well behind boxwoods include daylilies, black-eyed Susans, lavender, phlox, and irises.
Annuals are another great choice for planting behind boxwoods. They bloom all season long and don’t require much maintenance once they’re planted. Some favorites include petunias, marigolds, impatiens, begonias, and zinnias.
If you want to add even more texture to your garden, consider adding ornamental grasses or ground cover plants such as creeping phlox or ivy behind your boxwoods. These types of plants will provide contrast against the deep green foliage of the boxwood shrubs and can give your garden a fuller look.
When choosing flowers to plant behind boxwoods, it’s important to consider how much sunlight they need as well as their water requirements. Some plants may require more water than others or may need additional protection from the sun in order to thrive in your specific climate. Once you’ve chosen the perfect flowers for your garden, make sure you give them plenty of space around the boxwood shrubs so they have enough room to grow properly.
Evergreen Shrubs That Do Well Planted Behind Boxwoods
Adding evergreen shrubs to your garden is a great way to create a lush, year-round landscape. Boxwoods are a popular choice for hedges, and they can make an excellent backdrop for other plants. When choosing evergreen shrubs to pair with boxwoods, look for varieties that are both attractive and hardy. Here are some of the best evergreen shrubs to plant behind boxwoods in your garden.
Yew is a classic evergreen shrub that makes an excellent companion for boxwoods. This slow-growing shrub has long, dark-green needles and can grow up to 10 feet tall. Yews look great planted in formal hedges or as a background element in a border garden. They can also be pruned into shapes such as cones and balls if you want something more creative.
Rhododendrons are another great choice for planting behind boxwoods. These large, flowering shrubs come in many different colors and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your landscape design perfectly. Rhododendrons prefer part shade and acidic soils, so make sure to amend the soil before planting. They also need plenty of moisture during the growing season.
Holly is an easy-to-grow evergreen that’s perfect for pairing with boxwoods in your garden. This low-maintenance shrub comes in many different varieties, from small ground cover types to tall trees that can reach up to 20 feet high. Holly has glossy green leaves with sharp spines along the edges, making it perfect for creating privacy screens or as an accent plant near walkways.
Arborvitae is another popular option for planting with boxwoods. This fast-growing evergreen has fine foliage and can reach heights of 20 feet or more depending on the variety you choose. Arborvitae prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade and dry soils so it’s an ideal plant for difficult locations.
For something a bit more unusual, consider planting Japanese holly alongside your boxwoods. This small evergreen has glossy leaves that grow close together on the stems giving it a dense appearance even without pruning. It’s great for creating privacy screens or low hedges around gardens or pathways.
Evergreens bring structure and year-round beauty to any landscaping design, so why not try planting some of these shrubs behind your boxwood hedge? With these suggestions, you’re sure to find something that suits your landscape perfectly!
Ornamental Grasses To Plant Behind a Boxwood Hedge
Ornamental grasses are an excellent choice to plant behind a boxwood hedge. They provide a soft, lush texture and movement to the garden that is complementary to the boxwood’s more formal look. Ornamental grasses come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to select one carefully that won’t overwhelm the hedge. Some of the best choices for ornamental grasses include:
Miscanthus sinensis: This tall clumping grass is ideal for providing height and texture behind a boxwood hedge. It has long, slender leaves and can reach up to 8 feet tall in some cases, so make sure you have enough space available. The flowers are also quite striking and will add color to your garden.
Carex buchananii: This is a low-growing grass that is great for providing texture near the ground level. It has bright green foliage that will help contrast against the darker tones of the boxwood. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate some dryness once established, making it an ideal choice in many gardens.
Pennisetum alopecuroides: This ornamental grass has fine-textured foliage and produces beautiful white flowers in late summer and fall. It grows well in both sun or shade, making it versatile for any garden setting. Pennisetum alopecuroides grows up to 3 feet tall, which makes it perfect for planting behind medium sized hedges or as an edging plant around larger hedges.
Festuca glauca: Festuca glauca is another low-growing ornamental grass that is great for adding texture near ground level or as a border along pathways or driveways. The foliage of this grass turns a stunning golden color during autumn months which provides an interesting contrast with the dark green tones of the boxwood hedge.
Conclusion
When deciding what plants to grow behind boxwoods, it is important to consider the size and shape of the plants, as well as their light and water requirements. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, and ground covers can all be used to create an attractive and successful garden landscape. Colorful perennials such as hellebores and coral bells can add texture and brightness throughout the year. Evergreen shrubs such as barberries or junipers provide winter interest. Vines such as clematis or climbing roses are great for adding height and movement to a garden. Ground covers like mondo grass or pachysandra keep weeds at bay while adding color and texture. With careful consideration of these plants’ size, shape, color, light requirements, and water needs, you can create a beautiful backyard oasis with boxwoods at its center.
No matter what you choose to plant behind boxwoods, be sure to take proper care of your plants by providing adequate light exposure and watering in times of drought. With the right combination of plants chosen for their size, shape, color light needs and water requirements—boxwoods can act as a backdrop for a stunning garden landscape.