Begonia vs Boxwood

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

Begonia

Begonia × semperflorens

Begoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Begonia (Zones 2-11)

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Boxwood
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Buxus sempervirens
Family	Begoniaceae	Buxaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	1'	8'
Spread	1'	8'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Green
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	South America	Europe, Asia, Africa
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Begonia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Begonia

✓Pinch tips for bushy growth.
✓Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
✓Bring indoors before frost.
✓Tuberous types need winter dormancy.
✓Rex begonias grown for stunning foliage.

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 Begonia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

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 BegoniaProfile →View BoxwoodProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Begonia and Boxwood grow in the same hardiness zone?

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Boxwood grows in zones 5-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

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

Begonia needs part shade and medium 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, Begonia or Boxwood?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Begonia at 1'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Begonia spreads 1'.

Are Begonia and Boxwood deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Boxwood?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Boxwood
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Buxus sempervirens
Family	Begoniaceae	Buxaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	1'	8'
Spread	1'	8'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Green
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	South America	Europe, Asia, Africa
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Begonia

✓Pinch tips for bushy growth.
✓Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
✓Bring indoors before frost.
✓Tuberous types need winter dormancy.
✓Rex begonias grown for stunning foliage.

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 Begonia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

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 Begonia and Boxwood grow in the same hardiness zone?

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Boxwood grows in zones 5-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

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

Begonia needs part shade and medium 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, Begonia or Boxwood?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Begonia at 1'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Begonia spreads 1'.

Are Begonia and Boxwood deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Boxwood?

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