Because of the box tree moth, more and more gardeners are looking for an alternative to the box tree. We show you the best alternatives to Buchs.
Who hasn't admired them: the evergreen, accurately kept bed borders and the beautifully designed topiary of the boxwood? There is no question that boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is very popular. It is evergreen, robust, hardy, tolerates pruning and is easy to care for.
Why alternatives to boxwood make sense
Unfortunately, there are also a few valid arguments against cultivating a box tree in the garden.
Boxwood: caution poisonous
On the one hand, one should not underestimate the risk of poisoning, especially for small children and pets (especially rodents). Because all parts of the boxwood are poisonous - whether blossoms, leaves or bark. Putting them in your mouth or even swallowing them can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting or even cause dizziness and paralysis. More about “Boxwood: Toxic or not?” can be found in our special article.
But the most serious reason that speaks for alternatives to boxwood is another.
Box tree moth
Hungry Pest: The ravenous box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is feared by many box tree friends. And rightly so! Because the pest is bad for the evergreen plants. The boxwood moth is a small butterfly that probably came to Europe in shipping containers from East Asia at the beginning of this century. Its caterpillars, which you don't even notice at first, can later lead to massive defoliation on the box tree.
A good reason against chemical sprays to fight the borer:
Early in the year (from March to May) you can find small clusters of flowers in the leaf axils of the boxwood. Many hobby gardeners hardly notice them because they are well hidden by the foliage. These flowers are very rich in pollen and nectar. And then the flowerstarting so early in the year, they are one of the first places for bees and insects to approach. For this reason alone, you should definitely avoid fighting the box tree moth with a chemical club.
Instead, you can fight the box tree moth biologically and get rid of it effectively without poison and chemicals.
We definitely don't want to drive the boxwood out of your garden with this article. But especially because of the box tree moth, many garden owners are looking for alternatives, which we will present to you below.
Alternatives to boxwood: Our top 6
In our suggestions for replacing boxwood, we have made sure that the alternatives contain as many of the benefits of boxwood as possible. From the easy-care bed edging, to large plants that are easy to cut and shape, to opaque hedges and bee-friendly plants. A possible risk of poisoning is also expressly pointed out.
1. Boxleaf Barberry
The box-leaved barberry (Berberis buxifolia) is an evergreen, slow-growing deciduous tree. They grow to a height of two to two and a half meters.
Orange-yellow flowers decorate them from April. Its ripe fruits are blue, edible and can even be made into jam. The dwarf form "Nana" has very short shoots, tolerates pruning well and is a suitable alternative to boxwood if you want a beautiful topiary in the garden.
2. Rhododendron 'Bloombux'
The rhododendron 'Bloombux' is currently the much-praised novelty among the boxwood replacement plants. It is a refinement of dwarf rhododendron shrubs that tolerates pruning and is also suitable for topiary. Its winter hardiness goes down to temperatures below -20°C. The evergreen shoots of the dwarf rhododendron are very similar to those of the boxwood. There are also wonderful pink flowers. With a growth height of up to one meter, smaller hedges can also be designed well.
3. Lavender
The real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) can replace the boxwood as a very special bed border. Due to its short growth of 45 to 50 cm, beautiful hedges can be set around the beds to be bordered. From June to August, the robust plant blooms in a bright purple and attracts with its scent and the manyFlowers to bees, butterflies and other insects.
4. Dwarf Privet
The dwarf privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is a robust and very adaptable shrub. It reaches a height of 50 to 70 cm. White flowers can be found on it from June to July. In late summer it forms inedible black berries that have a laxative effect. The whole wood is considered inedible to moderately poisonous (provided you eat large amounts of it). The dwarf privet is hardy and a very good boxwood substitute for verges or low hedges.
5. Thuja/Tree of Life
The thuja (also called the tree of life) belongs to the cypress family. Its popularity is based primarily on its excellent compatibility with cuts. The Thuja is hardy, robust and defies almost any wind force. It is a green eye-catcher in every garden all winter long.
6. Purple Willow
The purple willow (Salix purpurea) is a species of willow with a striking red bark. At the beginning of flowering, it convinces with reddish catkins. It takes the form of a large, bushy shrub that is frost hardy and heat resistant. The flexible branches of the purple willow (also known as wicker) are particularly suitable for creating wattle fences and are therefore a good substitute for boxwood hedges.
There are definitely other alternatives to the classic boxwood. When making your selection, you should think about the purposes for which you want to use the boxwood substitute, and many possibilities for a new garden design open up.
Note: You can find more evergreen and hardy shrubs and woody plants here. We have also put together seven evergreen climbing plants for you here.