What to Plant Behind Boxwood Hedge: Enhancing Your Garden’s Aesthetics and Functionality
Creating a beautiful and cohesive garden layout can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to planting behind a boxwood hedge. Boxwood hedges are popular for their dense, evergreen foliage and ability to create a natural boundary in your garden. However, choosing the right plants to plant behind a boxwood hedge can significantly enhance the overall look and functionality of your garden. In this article, we will explore various options for what to plant behind a boxwood hedge, ensuring your garden is both visually appealing and practical.
1. Evergreen Shrubs
One of the best ways to complement a boxwood hedge is by planting evergreen shrubs behind it. These shrubs will provide year-round interest and help maintain the structure of your garden. Some popular evergreen shrubs to consider include:
– Winterberry (Ilex verticillata): Known for its vibrant red berries in the winter, this shrub adds a touch of color to your garden even during the colder months.
– Juniper (Juniperus spp.): Junipers come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different garden designs. They offer a variety of foliage colors and textures.
– Holly (Ilex opaca): Similar to winterberry, holly shrubs have bright red berries and can add a touch of elegance to your garden.
2. Flowering Shrubs
If you want to add a splash of color to your garden, consider planting flowering shrubs behind your boxwood hedge. These shrubs will provide a burst of color during their blooming season and can attract pollinators to your garden. Some flowering shrubs to consider include:
– Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): This shrub produces large, showy flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple, making it a stunning addition to your garden.
– Spirea (Spiraea spp.): Spirea shrubs have clusters of small, colorful flowers that can add a delightful touch to your garden.
– Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): Known for their large, fluffy flowers, hydrangeas can add a unique and eye-catching element to your garden.
3. Perennials
Perennials are a great option for filling in the spaces behind your boxwood hedge. These plants come back year after year, providing a consistent display of color and texture. Some perennials to consider include:
– Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Lavender not only adds a pleasant fragrance to your garden but also has beautiful purple flowers that complement the greenery of your boxwood hedge.
– Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.): Daylilies are known for their bright, colorful flowers that can bloom throughout the summer months.
– Hosta (Hosta spp.): Hostas offer a variety of foliage colors and shapes, making them a versatile choice for your garden.
4. Ground Cover
Ground cover plants can help fill in the gaps between your boxwood hedge and other plants, creating a seamless and cohesive look. Some ground cover options to consider include:
– Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): This fast-growing ground cover has bright yellow flowers and can spread quickly to cover large areas.
– Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis): Japanese spurge is a low-maintenance ground cover with glossy green leaves that can add a lush feel to your garden.
– Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): Creeping phlox has vibrant flowers and can provide a colorful carpet of blooms in spring.
In conclusion, there are numerous options for what to plant behind a boxwood hedge. By considering evergreen shrubs, flowering shrubs, perennials, and ground cover plants, you can create a stunning and functional garden that will be the envy of your neighbors. Remember to choose plants that complement the color and texture of your boxwood hedge, and consider the overall layout of your garden to ensure a cohesive and beautiful result.
