Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Buxus sempervirens
Buxaceae · shrubs
Asclepias tuberosa
Apocynaceae · flowers
Boxwood (Zones 5-8)
Butterfly Weed (Zones 3-9)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8
| Feature | Boxwood | Butterfly Weed |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Buxus sempervirens | Asclepias tuberosa |
| Family | Buxaceae | Apocynaceae |
| Category | shrubs | flowers |
| Sun | ☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium | 💧 Low |
| Soil | Well-drained | Well-drained, Sandy |
| Height | 8' | 2' 6" |
| Spread | 8' | 1' 6" |
| Bloom Season | Spring | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Green | Orange |
| Growth Rate | Slow | Medium |
| Native Region | Europe, Asia, Africa | Eastern North America |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
Boxwood
Butterfly Weed
Boxwood
Butterfly Weed
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.
Choose Butterfly Weed if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.
Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.
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