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BUXUS microphylla 'Franklin's Gem'

Image of Buxus microphylla 'Franklin's Gem'

Mark A. Miller

Family

Buxaceae

Botanical Name

BUXUS microphylla 'Franklin's Gem'

Plant Common Name

Franklin's Gem Boxwood, Littleleaf Boxwood

General Description

Franklin's Gem littleleaf boxwood is a dwarf, rounded broadleaf evergreen shrub with glossy, green foliage turning olive green in the winter. Bees are attracted by its non-showy but fragrant spring flowers. It is a slow growing selection.

Tolerant of a wide range of soils, this shrub grows well in sun and shade. 'Franklin's Gem' will have finest growth in a moist, mulched soil with some shade from the hottest summer afternoon sun. Its dense, slow growing habit requires little to no pruning and is best used in mixed borders, as a hedge or in a formal garden setting.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    15"-18" / 38.1cm - 45.7cm

  • Width

    24"-30" / 61.0cm - 76.2cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Light Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Light Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Olive, Gray Green

  • Bark Color

    Green, Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Foundation, Hedges, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No