Boxwood vs Fountain Grass

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Poaceae · grasses

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Fountain Grass (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Buxaceae	Poaceae
Category	shrubs	grasses
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	4'
Spread	8'	3'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	East Asia, Australia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Fountain Grass

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.

Fountain Grass

✓Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave seed heads for winter interest.
✓Drought tolerant once established.

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 Fountain Grass if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

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

View BoxwoodProfile →View Fountain GrassProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Fountain Grass grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Fountain Grass grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Boxwood and Fountain Grass have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Fountain Grass?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Fountain Grass at 4'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Fountain Grass spreads 3'.

Are Boxwood and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Fountain Grass?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Buxaceae	Poaceae
Category	shrubs	grasses
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	4'
Spread	8'	3'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	East Asia, Australia
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.

Fountain Grass

✓Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave seed heads for winter interest.
✓Drought tolerant once established.

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 Fountain Grass if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

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 Boxwood and Fountain Grass grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Fountain Grass grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Boxwood and Fountain Grass have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Fountain Grass?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Fountain Grass at 4'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Fountain Grass spreads 3'.

Are Boxwood and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Fountain Grass?

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