Franklin's Gem Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Franklins Gem'
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Preorder Shipping Schedule
We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.
| Zone 3-4 | Week of March 30th |
| Zone 5 | Week of March 16th |
| Zone 6-12 | Week of March 2nd |
Shipping Rates
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 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Our Container Sizes
At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.
Container Sizes
Quart
Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.
#1 Container
Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.
#2 Container
Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.
#3 Container
Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.
#5 Container and Larger
Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.
Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?
Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.
Root Pouch Containers
Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.
There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:
- Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
- Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.
Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.
Full Root Pouch planting guide
Choosing the Right Size
| Size | Plant Age | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quart | 6 mo to 1 yr | Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings. |
| #1 Container | 1 to 2 yrs | Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners. |
| #2 Container | 2 to 3 yrs | Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment. |
| #3 Container | 3 to 4 yrs | Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size. |
| #5 and larger | 4+ yrs | Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact. |
Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Description
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!
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 repellent 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.
Specifications
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Cultivar
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Growth RateModerate
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, PR
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