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What to plant in between boxwoods depends on the look you want and the conditions in your garden.
You can plant low-growing perennials, colorful annuals, or even small bulbs right between those tidy evergreen shrubs.
The key is choosing plants that won’t compete too aggressively with the boxwoods for water and nutrients.
In this post, we’ll explore what to plant in between boxwoods to create a lush, layered foundation planting.
Let’s dive into the best options for filling those gaps.
What to Plant in Between Boxwoods: Top Choices
If you’re wondering what to plant in between boxwoods, here are the most reliable performers.
1. Low-Growing Perennials
Perennials are a smart choice because they come back year after year without much fuss.
Plants like creeping thyme, sedum, and coral bells thrive in the partial shade that boxwoods often create.
Creeping thyme spreads into a soft mat that releases a pleasant scent when you brush against it.
Sedum varieties, especially those that stay under six inches, add texture and tolerate dry soil well.
Coral bells provide colorful foliage in shades of lime, burgundy, or peach, which contrasts nicely with the deep green of boxwoods.
These perennials make it easy to decide what to plant in between boxwoods because they require minimal maintenance.
2. Annuals for Seasonal Color
If you want a burst of color that changes each year, annuals are perfect for planting between boxwoods.
Impatiens, begonias, and lobelia are classic choices that bloom from spring until frost.
Impatiens love shade and produce bright pink, red, white, or orange flowers that pop against the boxwood backdrop.
Begonias offer waxy leaves and nonstop blooms, and they tolerate a bit more sun than impatiens.
Lobelia spills over the edge of the planting area in cascades of blue or purple, softening the formal look of boxwoods.
When you think about what to plant in between boxwoods for instant impact, annuals are hard to beat.
3. Groundcovers That Stay Low
Groundcovers are another excellent answer to what to plant in between boxwoods, especially if you want a uniform carpet of green.
Pachysandra, vinca minor, and ajuga are tough groundcovers that spread slowly and fill empty spaces.
Pachysandra thrives in deep shade and creates a neat, solid layer that suppresses weeds.
Vinca minor, also called periwinkle, produces small blue flowers in spring and stays evergreen in mild climates.
Ajuga offers bronze or purple leaves and sends up short spikes of blue flowers, adding a second layer of interest.
These groundcovers make the decision of what to plant in between boxwoods easy because they require almost no care once established.
4. Small Bulbs for Early Spring Surprise
Bulbs are a fun way to add early-season interest between boxwoods before the shrubs leaf out fully.
Dwarf daffodils, grape hyacinths, and snowdrops are small enough not to crowd the boxwoods.
Plant them in fall, and they’ll emerge in late winter or early spring with cheerful flowers.
After blooming, their foliage dies back naturally, leaving the boxwoods to take center stage.
This seasonal shift makes bulbs a popular choice when considering what to plant in between boxwoods.
Factors to Consider When Planting Between Boxwoods
Before you decide what to plant in between boxwoods, think about these key factors.
1. Sunlight and Shade
Boxwoods can tolerate both sun and shade, but the plants you choose in between must match the light conditions.
Measure how many hours of direct sun the gap receives each day.
Shade-loving plants like impatiens and pachysandra will burn if exposed to too much sun.
Sun-loving plants like sedum and creeping thyme may become leggy in deep shade.
Matching light requirements ensures the plants between boxwoods thrive.
2. Soil Drainage and Moisture
Boxwoods prefer well-drained soil, and so do most plants you’d put between them.
Avoid plants that need constantly wet soil, as they can rot near the shallow roots of boxwoods.
Ajuga and vinca are more forgiving of occasional dryness, while impatiens need consistent moisture.
Amend the soil with compost before planting to improve drainage and fertility.
Good soil preparation makes a huge difference in success when planting in between boxwoods.
3. Spacing and Root Competition
Boxwoods have dense, fibrous roots that spread near the surface.
Leave at least six inches of space between the boxwood’s root zone and any new plant.
Aggressive spreaders like vinca minor can be planted farther away and allowed to creep inward.
Smaller plants like coral bells or sedum can be placed closer as long as you water regularly until established.
Proper spacing prevents competition and makes your choice of what to plant in between boxwoods more successful.
How to Care for Plants Between Boxwoods
Once you’ve settled on what to plant in between boxwoods, follow these care tips.
1. Watering Wisely
Water the new plants deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots.
Boxwoods are relatively drought-tolerant once mature, but the plants between them may need extra moisture.
Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the soil without wetting the boxwood foliage.
Check the soil moisture with your finger before watering to avoid overwatering.
2. Mulching for Moisture and Weed Control
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, between the boxwoods.
Keep the mulch away from the boxwood stems to prevent rot.
Mulch helps retain moisture, moderates soil temperature, and reduces weed competition.
Refresh the mulch each spring to keep the area looking tidy and protect the plants between boxwoods.
3. Pruning and Deadheading
Perennials and annuals may need occasional deadheading to keep blooming.
Trim back groundcovers if they start to creep over the boxwood’s lower branches.
Remove any dead or diseased foliage promptly to maintain a clean appearance.
Pruning the boxwoods themselves may also be necessary to prevent them from shading out the plants between them.
So, What to Plant in Between Boxwoods?
What to plant in between boxwoods ultimately comes down to your personal taste and garden conditions.
Low-growing perennials like creeping thyme and coral bells offer reliable structure and color.
Annuals such as impatiens and begonias give you the flexibility to change the look each season.
Groundcovers like pachysandra and vinca provide a seamless carpet that requires minimal work.
Small bulbs add a delightful early-season surprise before the boxwoods fully leaf out.
Consider sunlight, soil, and spacing to make the best choice for your space.
With the right selection, the gaps between boxwoods can become a beautiful part of your landscape.
Happy planting.