Alternatives to Boxwood

Why consider alternatives to boxwoods?

Boxwoods are traditional evergreen shrubs that offer good resistance to deer browse. However due to new pests like boxwood blight, and box tree moth, both of which require regular spray treatments, some gardeners are looking for landscape substitutions. The following list of evergreen shrubs can serve as a starting point when thinking about alternatives to boxwoods.

Author
Brian Eshenaur
Sr. Extension Associate
New York State Integrated Pest Management

Boxwood Alternatives in New York State

Some of these plants may not be hardy in your area because local conditions vary. Consulting with your extension office, public garden or local garden retailer will be helpful in plant and cultivar selection.

We appreciate the valuable input by Cornell Botanic Garden staff horticulturists, Emily Norsen and Phil Syphrit.

Myrica pennsylvanica (Bayberry)

Full sun to part shade
Tolerant of costal sea water spray and de-icing salt.
Deer Resistant
Hardiness Zones: 3-7 (May experience leaf browning and foliage loss with cold winters)
NYS Native.
The female plants produce a small gray waxy fruit that is attractive to certain birds and was traditionally used to make candles.Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana’

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Hinoki Cypress)

Full Sun
Deer Resistant
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
The cultivar ‘Nana Gracilis’ has a dwarf irregularly globose form.

Ilex glabra (Inkberry Holly)

Full sun to part shade
Deer Resistant
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
NYS Native.
Cultivar ‘Gem Box’ has small boxwood-like leaves and dwarf habit.

Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

Full sun to part shade
Deer Resistant
Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Small, dark green boxwood-like leaves
Easily sheared for formal shapes or a small hedge.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Plum Yew)

Shade Tolerant
Deer Resistant
Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Dark green flattened needle shaped leaves.
Can be pruned to maintain form.

Ilex x meservea (Blue Holly)

Full sun to part shade
Hardiness zones 5-7
Dark green with typical holly leaf shape

Box Tree Moth

The Box Tree Moth (BTM) is an exotic insect pest that poses a threat to boxwood plantings. It first appeared in New York State in 2021.

Learn more about Box Tree Moth

light colored moth with brown edge on defoliated trimmed hedges — Adult box tree moth. Photo by Danijel Ostović (no rights reserved)

Brian Eshenaur

Associate Director, Invasive Species IPM Coordinator

Cornell Integrated Pest Management

Brian Eshenaur

(585) 753-2561
bce1 [at] cornell.edu