Franklin's Gem Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Franklins Gem'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Franklin's Gem Boxwood - #2 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Franklin's Gem Boxwood highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Pruning Time
Growing Zones
Franklin's Gem Boxwood: Fluffy Low-Care Greenery!
The Franklin's Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla 'Franklin's Gem') is a versatile, compact broadleaf evergreen! Combining beauty with functionality!
Known for its lush, rounded form and vibrant green foliage, it has a slight bronze hue in colder climates during winter. This low-maintenance shrub is perfect for enhancing any garden, no matter the style.
With its naturally dense growth and petite stature, Franklin's Gem is ideal for small spaces! Its hardiness, deer resistance, drought tolerance, and adaptability make it a favorite among homeowners and professional landscapers alike.
- Rounded Form & Compact Size
- Slow Growing = Low-Maintenance
- Rich Broadleaf Evergreen Foliage
- Great Grown In Containers
- Glossy Fine-Textured Leaves
- Pollinator-Friendly: Tiny yellowish flowers attract beneficial pollinators in spring.
- Cold-Hardy, Drought Tolerance & Deer Resistant
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Franklin's Gem is a dwarf Boxwood that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. Tolerating harsh winters far better than other Boxwood bushes.
Boxwood Planting & Care
Reaching a 2-3 feet mature height and around 3-4 feet wide, Franklin's Gem Dwarf Boxwood is perfect for smaller landscapes and garden designs. Great for low borders, garden and property definition, and foundation plantings! Perfect edging, or creating a polished look in containers, dense privacy hedges, and four-season greenery in mixed plantings!
- Formal Borders and Edging: Use Franklin's Gem's naturally compact and tidy growth to line pathways, driveways, or garden beds. Creating a clean, defined look.
- Foundation Planting: Clean elegance near the base of your home. Softening harsh lines and providing year-round color.
- Low Hedges: Create neat, uniform hedges with little effort thanks to their slow growth and dense form. Bulk up an existing evergreen hedge, add a facer plant row to hide leggy stems, or define a landscaping bed or garden plot.
- Containers and Planters: Its size and tidy appearance make it perfect for container gardening! Try your Franklin's Gem flanking your front door, or patio and balcony décor.
- Accent Plant: Use as a standalone specimen in Zen, Cottage, or Modern gardens for a polished, understated look.
- Mixed Borders: Pair with perennials and flowering shrubs to add texture and evergreen interest.
Once established, Franklin's Gem requires only occasional watering, making it a water-wise choice.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
Soil: Plant in well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay unless amended to improve drainage.
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once mature, it's drought-tolerant with supplemental watering only during prolonged dry spells.
Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.
Pruning: Prune lightly in late spring or early summer after the first flush of growth to maintain its shape. Minimal trimming is required due to its naturally tidy growth habit.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
Why Choose Franklin's Gem Boxwood?
Franklin's Gem Boxwood is the perfect low-maintenance, compact evergreen for adding sophistication and year-round beauty. Whether used as a formal or informal plant, its versatility and durability make it a standout in any garden.
Order Franklin's Gem Boxwood at NatureHills.com today and bring easy elegance to your outdoor space!
FAQs About Franklin's Gem Boxwood
How fast does Franklin's Gem Boxwood grow?
This variety has a slow to moderate growth rate, typically adding 2–4 inches per year.
Can this evergreen Boxwood handle cold winters?
Yes, Franklin's Gem is one of the most cold-hardy Boxwoods, thriving in USDA zones 5–8. Plant in a protected location away from drying northern winds. Water broadleaf evergreen shrubs thoroughly in the fall so they won't endure the winter with dry roots.
Is this Boxwood shrub suitable for containers?
Absolutely! Its compact size and neat form make it an excellent choice for container planting.
Does it require frequent pruning?
No, Franklin's Gem has a naturally rounded shape and only requires light pruning to maintain its form.
Is Boxwood deer-resistant?
Yes, the foliage is rarely browsed by deer, making it a reliable option in areas with deer pressure. In areas with high deer pressure, spray plants from day one with repellant according to product directions.
Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?
Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!
