Boxwood vs Impatiens

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

No zone overlap — these plants cannot be grown in the same climate

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Buxaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	8'	1' 6"
Spread	8'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Mixed
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	East Africa
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — 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.

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

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 Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

View BoxwoodProfile →View ImpatiensProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Impatiens grows in zones 10-11. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Impatiens?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Boxwood spreads 8' while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Boxwood and Impatiens deer resistant?

Boxwood is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Boxwood is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Impatiens?

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

Explore More Data Tools

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Buxaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	8'	1' 6"
Spread	8'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Mixed
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	East Africa
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.

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Impatiens grows in zones 10-11. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Impatiens?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Boxwood spreads 8' while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Boxwood and Impatiens deer resistant?

Boxwood is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Boxwood is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Impatiens?

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