Best Boxwood Alternatives for Southern Ontario Gardens
- Leo Landscape Design Studio
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Say Goodbye to Boxwood: Here’s What to Plant Instead
Boxwood has long been a favorite for hedging and structure—but pests like the box tree moth have made it a risky choice in Southern Ontario. If your boxwoods are suffering or you've already removed them, consider these pest-resistant boxwood alternatives. Each offers year-round interest, structure, and resilience for Zone 6 landscapes like Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville.
1. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Why it’s great: Japanese Holly's small, boxwood-like leaves offer excellent pest resistance while being low-maintenance and easy to shape.
Best for: Formal hedges, front yard borders
Growth: 2–6 ft tall
Sun: Full sun to part shade
2. Yew (Taxus x media or native Taxus canadensis)
Why it’s great: Yews are evergreen, shade-tolerant, and perfect for formal pruning. Native yew also requires minimal maintenance and thrives in a variety of conditions.
Best for: Privacy screens, clipped topiary
Growth: 3–10 ft
Sun: Full sun to full shade
3. Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)
Why it’s great: As a native evergreen, Inkberry Holly thrives in wet soils, resists salt, and maintains a great shape year-round.
Best for: Naturalistic borders, foundation plantings
Growth: 3–5 ft
Sun: Full sun to part shade
4. Green Spire Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Spire’)
Why it’s great: Green Spire Euonymus mimics boxwood with its clean lines and dense hedge formation, making it ideal for vertical structure in tight spaces. It’s also pest-resistant and tolerates pruning well.
Best for: Narrow hedges, formal borders, urban gardens
Growth: 4–6 ft tall
Sun: Full sun to part shade
5. Globe Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ or ‘Little Giant’)
Why it’s great: Globe Cedars provide soft texture, deer resistance, and winter interest. Their ball-shaped form is perfect for narrow spaces and tight hedges.
Best for: Tight formal hedges, narrow spaces
Growth: 4–6 ft tall
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Ready to Upgrade Your Landscape?
If you're ready to say goodbye to boxwood and create a pest-resistant landscape that thrives in Southern Ontario, reach out today! Whether you’re interested in transforming your front yard or creating a lush privacy screen, we’re here to help. Contact Leo Landscape Design Studio for a personalized design consultation.
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