Franklin Gem Boxwood
Best low-maintenance evergreen for structured garden borders and foundation plantings.
The Franklin Gem Boxwood is a compact, dense evergreen shrub celebrated for its small, glossy green leaves and naturally rounded, mounded form. Reaching a mature height and spread of 2 to 3 feet, it's perfectly suited for creating low hedges, defining borders, or enhancing foundation plantings. This low-maintenance variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, offering year-round structure and vibrant greenery. It tolerates light shaping, making it a versatile choice for various landscape designs.
$49.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2693
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+14%
Above average
Container Size
3
/ gallon
Who it's for
- Gardeners in northern climates needing reliable winter hardiness
- Busy homeowners wanting a tidy landscape with minimal pruning
- Designers seeking consistent green color throughout the winter season
Who should skip it
- Impatient landscapers looking for rapid hedge growth
- Gardeners unwilling to manage potential pest and disease issues
- Pet owners or parents concerned about plant toxicity
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal pruning to maintain its naturally tidy, mounded shape.
Landscape Versatility
Perfectly sized for borders, foundation plantings, or structured low hedges.
Foliage Density
Provides thick, lush coverage that maintains structure throughout every season.
Growth Predictability
Consistent mounded habit ensures a uniform look without constant intervention.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across varying light conditions from full sun to partial shade.
Visual Appeal
Glossy green leaves offer a premium, polished aesthetic for any garden.
Key Specs
Container Size
3 gallon
Mature Height
2 to 3 feet
Mature Spread
2 to 3 feet
Light Preference
Full sun to partial shade
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Growth Habit
Mounded
Features
- Compact and dense growth habit
- Glossy green foliage provides year-round color
- Naturally rounded, mounded form
- Ideal for low hedges and borders
- Low-maintenance care requirements
- Tolerant of light shaping
- Provides year-round structure and greenery
What customers say
Customers are highly satisfied with the Franklin Gem Boxwood, frequently highlighting the exceptional quality of the plants received. Reviewers consistently mention the robust health, dense foliage, and deep green color, suggesting excellent nursery care. This superior quality translates directly into high reliability, as the boxwoods establish quickly and thrive, even in challenging conditions. The overall consensus is that this product offers outstanding landscape performance and lasting value.
Know before you buy
This variety stays compact, reaching a mature height and spread of 2 to 3 feet. Its naturally mounded form makes it an excellent choice for small-scale landscaping.
Not at all. The Franklin Gem has a naturally rounded, dense growth habit that requires very little intervention. You can perform light shaping if you prefer a more formal look, but it is not strictly necessary.
Yes, this shrub is quite versatile and thrives in both full sun and partial shade. It will maintain its glossy green foliage in either lighting condition as long as the soil is well-drained.
Absolutely. Its dense, evergreen structure and compact size make it ideal for defining borders, lining walkways, or creating low-profile hedges.
The most important requirement is well-drained soil. Avoid planting it in areas where water tends to pool, as consistent moisture without proper drainage can be detrimental to the roots.
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Ready to buy?
$50