As fall approaches, gardening enthusiasts seek resilient plants that offer beauty and longevity. Martha Stewart shares her top shrub choice—boxwood—and explains why it’s the perfect fit for diverse American gardens.
- Boxwood is hardy, versatile, and great for year-round color and structure.
- It’s deer-resistant and slow-growing, perfect for American yards.
- American hornbeam makes a stunning complementary hedge with vibrant fall color.
What happened
In a recent interview with Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart revealed the shrub she repeatedly plants and endorses for American gardens: boxwood. She explained that boxwood fits well as a background plant due to its evergreen foliage, ease of maintenance, and ability to resist deer and rabbits. She highlighted varieties such as the Proven Winners Sprinter® Boxwood Shrub and the Winter Gem Boxwood that offer seasonal color variation.
Martha also recommends pairing boxwoods with native trees like the American hornbeam, which thrives even in shaded areas and offers vibrant red-orange and yellow fall foliage. This combination provides year-round structure, privacy, and a beautiful contrast in texture for gardens of all sizes.
Why it feels good
Choosing boxwood means investing in plants that not only add enduring beauty but also require minimal upkeep and stand up well to common garden pests and climate challenges. Their evergreen nature ensures gardens maintain interest throughout the year, while their resilience helps gardeners face the increasing weather extremes predicted for coming years.
Martha’s emphasis on deer resistance and adaptability means gardeners can enjoy a thriving landscape with less worry about wildlife damage. The longevity of boxwoods, which can thrive for decades, adds to the pleasure of planting now and watching gardens flourish season after season.
What to enjoy or watch next
As you plant this fall, consider following Martha’s advice to feed your garden soon so plants absorb necessary nutrients to overwinter well. Keep an eye out for invasive pests like the box tree moth caterpillar, which although more common in the UK, has started appearing in the US. Early detection and treatment can save your shrubs.
If boxwood isn’t right for your space, similar hardy options like Japanese holly, mountain laurel, yew, and azaleas offer attractive alternatives. For inspiration, explore design ideas using these resilient plants to create gardens that are both beautiful and climate smart.