Boxwood vs Kale

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Kale
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Buxaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	shrubs	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8'	2'
Spread	8'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Green	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — 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.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

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 Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

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

View BoxwoodProfile →View KaleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Kale?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Kale at 2'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Boxwood and Kale deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Kale?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Kale
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Buxaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	shrubs	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8'	2'
Spread	8'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Green	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Mediterranean
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.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

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 Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

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 Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Kale?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Kale at 2'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Boxwood and Kale deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Kale?

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