Boxwood vs Lavender

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Lamiaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Lavender (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Lavender
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Lavandula angustifolia
Family	Buxaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Sandy
Height	8'	2'
Spread	8'	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Green	Purple
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Lavender

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.

Lavender

✓Requires excellent drainage — add sand or gravel to heavy soils.
✓Prune after flowering but never into old wood.
✓Avoid overhead watering.

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 Lavender if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low 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 LavenderProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Lavender grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Lavender?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Lavender at 2'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Lavender spreads 2'.

Are Boxwood and Lavender deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Lavender?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Lavender
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Lavandula angustifolia
Family	Buxaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Sandy
Height	8'	2'
Spread	8'	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Green	Purple
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
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.

Lavender

✓Requires excellent drainage — add sand or gravel to heavy soils.
✓Prune after flowering but never into old wood.
✓Avoid overhead watering.

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 Lavender if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low 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 Lavender grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Lavender?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Lavender at 2'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Lavender spreads 2'.

Are Boxwood and Lavender deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Lavender?

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