Astilbe vs Boxwood

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Astilbe

Astilbe × arendsii

Saxifragaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Astilbe (Zones 4-8)

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Boxwood
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Buxus sempervirens
Family	Saxifragaceae	Buxaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	8'
Spread	2'	8'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Green
Growth Rate	Medium	Slow
Native Region	East Asia	Europe, Asia, Africa
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Astilbe

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Boxwood

✓Avoid deep cultivation near shallow roots.
✓Thin interior branches for air circulation.
✓Protect from drying winter winds.
✓Don't plant too deep.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Boxwood if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View AstilbeProfile →View BoxwoodProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Boxwood grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Boxwood grows in zones 5-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Boxwood have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Boxwood needs part shade to full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Boxwood?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Boxwood are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Boxwood?

Astilbe has low maintenance while Boxwood has medium maintenance. Astilbe may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Boxwood
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Buxus sempervirens
Family	Saxifragaceae	Buxaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	8'
Spread	2'	8'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Green
Growth Rate	Medium	Slow
Native Region	East Asia	Europe, Asia, Africa
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Boxwood

✓Avoid deep cultivation near shallow roots.
✓Thin interior branches for air circulation.
✓Protect from drying winter winds.
✓Don't plant too deep.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Boxwood if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Boxwood grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Boxwood grows in zones 5-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Boxwood have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Boxwood needs part shade to full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Boxwood?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Boxwood are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Boxwood?

Astilbe has low maintenance while Boxwood has medium maintenance. Astilbe may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.