Boxwood vs Marigold

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Marigold

Tagetes spp.

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Marigold (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Marigold
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Tagetes spp.
Family	Buxaceae	Asteraceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	2'
Spread	8'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Yellow, Orange, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Americas
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Marigold

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.

Marigold

✓Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom.
✓Roots exude substances that repel nematodes — excellent companion plant for vegetables.
✓Direct sow or transplant.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Marigold grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Marigold?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Marigold at 2'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Marigold spreads 1'.

Are Boxwood and Marigold deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Marigold?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Marigold
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Tagetes spp.
Family	Buxaceae	Asteraceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	2'
Spread	8'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Yellow, Orange, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Americas
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.

Marigold

✓Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom.
✓Roots exude substances that repel nematodes — excellent companion plant for vegetables.
✓Direct sow or transplant.

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Boxwood or Marigold?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Marigold at 2'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Marigold spreads 1'.

Are Boxwood and Marigold deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Marigold?

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