Boxwood Alternatives: Our Favourite Swaps

If you’ve been noticing your boxwoods looking a little worse for wear—or if you’ve already had to part ways with a few—you’re not alone. The invasive Box Tree Moth has become an increasing concern for Ontario gardeners, and unfortunately, boxwoods have been taking the brunt of the damage.

As gardeners ourselves, we understand how much structure and beauty boxwoods bring to the landscape. Whether they’re lining a front walkway, defining a garden bed, or adding year-round greenery in containers, they’ve long been a staple for good reason. But as this pest continues to spread, many gardeners are asking: What can I plant instead of boxwood?

Good news: there are beautiful, hardy, and easy-care alternatives that can deliver the same polished look—without the risk. We’ve gathered some of our favourite boxwood alternatives, all well-suited to our Ontario climate, and perfect for bringing that tidy, tailored charm back to your outdoor spaces.

Fave Hardy Darling: Globe Cedar

This low-maintenance evergreen is a Canadian classic. Its soft, dense foliage and naturally rounded shape make it an easy, no-trim option for structure and year-round green.

Evergreen Accent: Dwarf Nest Spruce

Compact and slow-growing, this tidy little conifer adds a formal touch to any garden bed or container. Its rich green needles hold their colour beautifully through the winter.

Sun or Shade Tolerant: Yew varieties

Yews are versatile, long-lived, and incredibly forgiving. Their lush green needles and ability to thrive in both sun and shade make them a reliable choice for almost any spot.

Best for Bright Colour: Gold Yews

With vibrant chartreuse foliage that glows in the garden, Gold Yew varieties offer a cheerful twist on a classic. They’re perfect for adding contrast and interest in mixed plantings.

Best Lookalike: Holly varieties

If you’re after that classic boxwood look, new Holly varieties like ‘Inkberry’ or ‘Shamrock’ (shown above) are standout substitutes. Small, glossy leaves and mounded shape offer a near match—with added disease resistance.

Best for Hedges: Privet varieties

Fast-growing and easily shaped, privets are ideal for a clean, formal hedge. They take well to pruning and fill in quickly, giving you privacy and polish in no time.

Best native species: Sweetspire

Ontario native Sweetspire is as beautiful as it is beneficial. Fragrant white blooms, brilliant fall colour, and support for local pollinators make it a natural choice. Cultivated varieties like ‘Fizzy Mizzy’ (shown above) offer the added feature of even more prolific blooms on a more compact plant.

Boldest swap: Petite Knock Out® Rose

For a truly unexpected twist, try this compact rose in place of your boxwoods. It offers season-long colour, incredible disease resistance, and all the structure you’re after—just with flowers.