Boxwood vs Crepe Myrtle

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Crepe Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Lythraceae · trees

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Crepe Myrtle (Zones 7-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Crepe Myrtle
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Lagerstroemia indica
Family	Buxaceae	Lythraceae
Category	shrubs	trees
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	25'
Spread	8'	15'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Green	Pink, Red, White, Purple
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Southeast Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Crepe Myrtle

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Boxwood

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

Crepe Myrtle

✓Don't 'crepe murder' — avoid topping/severe pruning.
✓Thin interior branches for air flow.
✓Full sun is essential for best blooms.
✓Remove suckers at base.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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 Crepe Myrtle if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View BoxwoodProfile →View Crepe MyrtleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Crepe Myrtle grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Crepe Myrtle grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Boxwood and Crepe Myrtle have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Crepe Myrtle?

Crepe Myrtle grows taller at 25' compared to Boxwood at 8'. Crepe Myrtle spreads 15' while Boxwood spreads 8'.

Are Boxwood and Crepe Myrtle deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Crepe Myrtle?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Crepe Myrtle
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Lagerstroemia indica
Family	Buxaceae	Lythraceae
Category	shrubs	trees
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	25'
Spread	8'	15'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Green	Pink, Red, White, Purple
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Southeast Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Boxwood

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

Crepe Myrtle

✓Don't 'crepe murder' — avoid topping/severe pruning.
✓Thin interior branches for air flow.
✓Full sun is essential for best blooms.
✓Remove suckers at base.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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 Crepe Myrtle if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Crepe Myrtle grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Crepe Myrtle grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Boxwood and Crepe Myrtle have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Crepe Myrtle?

Crepe Myrtle grows taller at 25' compared to Boxwood at 8'. Crepe Myrtle spreads 15' while Boxwood spreads 8'.

Are Boxwood and Crepe Myrtle deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Crepe Myrtle?

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