Boxwood vs Fig Tree

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Fig Tree

Ficus carica

Moraceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Fig Tree (Zones 7-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Fig Tree
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Ficus carica
Family	Buxaceae	Moraceae
Category	shrubs	trees
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	20'
Spread	8'	20'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Green (inside fruit)
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Mediterranean, Western Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Fig Tree

Yes — 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.

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

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 Fig Tree 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 Fig TreeProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Fig Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Boxwood and Fig Tree have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Fig Tree?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Boxwood at 8'. Fig Tree spreads 20' while Boxwood spreads 8'.

Are Boxwood and Fig Tree deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Fig Tree?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Fig Tree
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Ficus carica
Family	Buxaceae	Moraceae
Category	shrubs	trees
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	20'
Spread	8'	20'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Green (inside fruit)
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Mediterranean, Western 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.

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

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 Fig Tree 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 Fig Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Boxwood and Fig Tree have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Fig Tree?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Boxwood at 8'. Fig Tree spreads 20' while Boxwood spreads 8'.

Are Boxwood and Fig Tree deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Fig Tree?

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