Boxwood vs Parsley

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Parsley (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Parsley
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Petroselinum crispum
Family	Buxaceae	Apiaceae
Category	shrubs	herbs
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	8'	1'
Spread	8'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Green	Yellow-green (second year)
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Parsley

Yes — 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.

Parsley

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting — slow to germinate (3-4 weeks).
✓Harvest outer stems first.
✓Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
✓Swallowtail butterfly host plant.

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 Parsley if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade 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 ParsleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Parsley grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

Boxwood needs part shade to full sun and medium water, while Parsley 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 Parsley?

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

Are Boxwood and Parsley deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Parsley?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Parsley
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Petroselinum crispum
Family	Buxaceae	Apiaceae
Category	shrubs	herbs
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	8'	1'
Spread	8'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Green	Yellow-green (second year)
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.

Parsley

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting — slow to germinate (3-4 weeks).
✓Harvest outer stems first.
✓Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
✓Swallowtail butterfly host plant.

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 Parsley if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade 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 Parsley grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

Boxwood needs part shade to full sun and medium water, while Parsley 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 Parsley?

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

Are Boxwood and Parsley deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Parsley?

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