Franklin's Gem Boxwood

Buxus microphylla 'Franklins Gem'

Nature Hills Nursery

Compact Franklin Gem Boxwood Stays Naturally Dense and Rounded Without Constant Pruning
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Great Choice for Hedge or Foundation Planting

$71²⁶

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Plant Size

#2 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least four to six hours of direct light to maintain its dense and bright green foliage. In hotter regions, dappled afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent the leaves from bronzing or scorching during the peak of summer.
Soil: Plant in well drained soil that is rich in organic matter to prevent root rot. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a slight mound or a raised bed to ensure water moves away from the crown of the plant.

Watering Requirements

Check the soil daily during the first year and provide a deep soak whenever the top inch feels dry to help the roots reach deep into the ground. Once established, Franklin’s Gem is quite hardy, but inconsistent watering during a drought can lead to thinning foliage or stress. Think of consistent moisture as the foundation for the plant’s year-round color and vigor.

Pruning Tips

Prune this boxwood in late spring or early summer after the first flush of new growth has fully emerged. Lightly shearing the exterior encourages the plant to grow thicker and more compact rather than becoming leggy. Avoid pruning late in the fall because the new growth stimulated by the trim will not have enough time to toughen up before the first hard freeze.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as you see new green tips appearing. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season because it forces soft growth that is easily damaged by winter winds. This late-season surge of energy prevents the plant from naturally entering its dormant state for the cold months ahead.

Delivery and Shipping

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Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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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

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!

Botanical Name

Buxus microphylla 'Franklins Gem'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

microphylla
Cultivar

Franklins Gem
Growing Zones

5-8
Height

2-3 ft
Width

3-4 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Green
Leaf Color

Green, Bronze
Fall Color

Green
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does Franklin's Gem Boxwood get when fully mature?

Franklin's Gem Boxwood reaches 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This compact dwarf variety grows slowly, making it naturally low-maintenance. Its petite size makes it perfect for small gardens, containers, and formal edging where space is limited.

Does Franklin's Gem Boxwood need full sun, partial shade, or full shade to thrive?

Franklin's Gem Boxwood performs best in partial shade to full sun conditions. This adaptable shrub tolerates various light levels while maintaining its dense, rounded form in zones 5-8. For optimal growth, provide morning sun with afternoon protection in hot climates.

Is Franklin's Gem Boxwood a fast-growing or slow-growing plant?

Franklin's Gem Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub that reaches just 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This deliberate growth rate is actually a benefit, requiring minimal pruning and maintenance. The slow growth makes it perfect for formal hedges and borders where you want consistent, tidy appearance.

Does Franklin's Gem Boxwood produce flowers and if so, what color are they?

Yes, Franklin's Gem Boxwood produces tiny yellowish flowers in spring that attract beneficial pollinators. The blooms are small and inconspicuous, so this shrub is grown primarily for its evergreen foliage rather than floral display. Expect light flowering once the plant is established in your landscape.

Is Franklin's Gem Boxwood deer resistant or will deer eat it?

Franklin's Gem Boxwood is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in deer-prone areas. The dense, fine-textured foliage is naturally unappealing to deer. Plant it confidently for low borders and foundation plantings where deer browsing is a concern.

How much fertilizer does Franklin's Gem Boxwood need and how often?

Franklin's Gem Boxwood needs minimal fertilizer due to its low-maintenance nature. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring before new growth begins. In zones 5-8, a light feeding every 1-2 years is typically sufficient for healthy growth.

Does Franklin's Gem Boxwood require regular pruning to maintain its shape?

Franklin's Gem Boxwood maintains its naturally compact, rounded form with minimal pruning due to its slow growth habit. Light pruning in late winter or early spring will keep it tidy, but its dense growth pattern means it rarely needs shaping. Simply trim any wayward branches to maintain the desired size.